the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969 and had his number 39 jersey
retired by the Dodgers, following a career that included 260
home runs, 1,019 runs batted in, a batting average of .283, and
a more than 57% career caught-stealing rate, the highest for any
catcher in the history of Major League Baseball; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Campanella broke his neck and was paralyzed from
the chest down after a traffic accident in 1958, which ended his
professional baseball playing career; and
WHEREAS, After his baseball career, Mr. Campanella found his
"second life" as a coach and disability advocate, serving as an
inspiration to many across the world, including those with
disabilities; and
WHEREAS, With the same perseverance, tenacity and character
that made him an exceptional baseball player, Mr. Campanella's
drive in his physical rehabilitation and his tenacity to inspire
and improve the lives of others, including to several future
Hall of Fame players, made him a symbol of dignity, hope and
perseverance for all; and
WHEREAS, After his accident, Mr. Campanella remained a part
of the Dodgers family, working in public relations, helping with
scouting and serving as a special instructor and advisor at the
Dodger's Vero Beach Spring Training facility; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Campanella was always a person who challenged
what was possible and viewed physical therapy as a lifeline; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Campanella and his physical therapists made a
deal: he would work and they would help him live his life to the
fullest; and
WHEREAS, Despite the odds, Mr. Campanella regained use of his
arms through his dedication to treatment and the work of his
skilled physical therapists; and
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