Monday, March 26, 2012

Joe Judge: He's A Dodger Now

I love having a chance to gaze at vintage press photos of Brooklyn Dodgers. They provide a great connection to the past while often informing us of a history that has long since past us by. At the time many of these recorded events were relevant, but after 70 years they proved to be easily forgotten.

For instance, check out the below two press photos heralding the return of cherished son and Brooklyn born first baseman Joe Judge. After a 18 year career as a dependable and consistent player for Washington he can now go home. As the press photo type says; "He's a Dodger now."
Original 1st Generation, Type 1, "Associated Press" Press Photo with descriptor dated Jan 27, 1933. The descriptor reads: "HE'S A DODGER NOW. Joe Judge, veteran first baseman for the Washington Senators, shown in a Dodger uniform covering his old bag at Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, N.Y.. Recently given his release by the Senators, Joe was taken up by the Dodgers and will appear with the Brooklyn team this spring. He signed his contract in New York, Jan. 27."
He was well past his prime, so it's doubtful much was really expected of the veteran.

At 39 years old (his age at the time of these photos), Joe Judge came to the Dodgers with the hoopla of a lost son.
Original 1st Generation, Type 1, "Associated Press" Press Photo with descriptor dated Jan 27, 1933. The descriptor reads: "HE'S A DODGER NOW. Joe Judge, veteran first baseman for the Washington Senators, shown in a Dodger uniform covering his old bag at Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, N.Y.. Recently given his release by the Senators, Joe was taken up by the Dodgers and will appear with the Brooklyn team this spring. He signed his contract in New York, Jan. 27."
Unfortunately, Joe wouldn't last a full season in Brooklyn. He had the worst year of his career with us; hitting just .214 in 112 at-bats. Soon he was released mid-season and signed on with the Boston Red Sox. While in Boston Judge showed that he still had something left the tank and finished his career batting .301 for them.

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