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Dusty Rhodes, NY Giants Series Hero, Dead at 82

By Will McCahill,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 18, 2009 2:11 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Dusty Rhodes, the free-spirited outfielder whose pinch-hitting heroics helped the New York Giants to the 1954 World Series title, died yesterday at 82, the Daily News reports. Called “the worst fielder who ever played in a big league game” by one manager, Rhodes had a reputation for enjoying the nightlife; he died after battling illnesses including emphysema and diabetes.

“Dusty was the kind of buffoon who kept a club confident and happy,” Leo Durocher added of Rhodes in his autobiography. “And boy could he hit!” (Rhodes drove in 7 runs in the '54 Series sweep with a legendary string of clutch hits.) He retired in 1959 after just seven seasons, and he wasn’t shy about his love of alcohol. “It’s funny, I was never sick a day in my life until I quit drinking,” he told the Daily News last year.

In this Sept. 29, 1954, file photo, New York Giants center fielder Willie Mays, left, jokes with pinch-hitter Dusty Rhodes in the clubhouse.
In this Sept. 29, 1954, file photo, New York Giants center fielder Willie Mays, left, jokes with pinch-hitter Dusty Rhodes in the clubhouse.   (AP Photo)
In this Sept. 29, 1954, file photo, New York Giants converge on pinch-hitter Dusty Rhodes after he hit a 10th-inning, three-run home run in the Giants' 5-2 win over Cleveland in the World Series.
In this Sept. 29, 1954, file photo, New York Giants converge on pinch-hitter Dusty Rhodes after he hit a 10th-inning, three-run home run in the Giants' 5-2 win over Cleveland in the World Series.   (AP Photo)
In this July, 13, 1952, file photo, New York Gians Jim Dusty Rhodes, left, speaks with manager Leo Durocher on the dugout steps during a game in Cincinnati.
In this July, 13, 1952, file photo, New York Gians Jim "Dusty" Rhodes, left, speaks with manager Leo Durocher on the dugout steps during a game in Cincinnati.   (AP Photo)
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Rhodes' career stats
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San Francisco Giants • obituary • World Series • Dusty Rhodes • Leo Durocher

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