Clem Labine Dies at 80 in Vero Beach

VERO BEACH, FL – The Dodgers are saddened to announce that former Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodger pitcher Clem Labine passed away early this morning at the age of 80. Labine pitched 13 seasons in the Major Leagues, including 11 seasons with the Dodgers.

He was with the team during its move to Los Angeles in 1958 and had a career record of 77-56 with a 3.63 ERA and 96 saves. Labine appeared in five World Series and won two championships with the Dodgers in 1955 and 1959.

During the 1955 Series, he appeared in four games and went 1-0 with a 2.89 ERA as the Dodgers won their first -- and last -- World Championship in Brooklyn. He retired Stan Musial 49 consecutive times during the 1950s.  

He was a regular instructor during the Dodgers’ Adult Baseball Camps in Vero Beach, FL.  

Funeral services are pending.  

Dodger Owner and Chairman Frank McCourt said, "I had the pleasure of meeting Clem Labine during the 50th anniversary celebration of the 1955 World Series championship. The memories of Clem’s career will forever be remembered by his loyal fans.”  

Dodger Special Advisor to the Chairman and former teammate Tommy Lasorda: “Clem Labine was one of the greatest guys I had the pleasure of playing with. He represented the Dodgers with class, dignity and character. He was one of the finest pitchers to ever play the game. He was a great family man and we’re going to miss him.”  

Dodger Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully: “Clem Labine was one of the main reasons the Dodgers won it all in 1955. He had the heart of a lion and the intelligence of a wily fox…and he was a nice guy, too. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.”  

Former teammate Carl Erskine: “I always thought Clem would’ve had a great career as a starting pitcher. But he told me, ‘I didn’t want to start. I liked the pressure of coming into the game with everything on the line. I could also do it more often as a reliever.’ He told me that this past month at the Dodger Adult Camp.”