Andy Pafko rose above the rest

No. 48 is gone. It saddened me to read of Andy Pafko’s death. In yet another bygone era of poor baseball, Handy Andy was a star among a host of mediocrities.

Andy’s trade to Brooklyn in 1951 for a mess of pottage further depressed the Cubs’ dwindling fan base. At least he helped the Dodgers and Milwaukee Braves reach three World Series.

Pafko was my first Cubs idol. I will remember him for his hustle, power and just raw ability. May he rest in peace.

Bill Godman

Mount Prospect