Carl Erskine is a dapper and fit man of 87 years old. He was a pitcher in major league baseball for 12 seasons with the Brooklyn Dodgers and L.A. Dodgers, winning 122 games. Carl held the World Series record of 14 strikeouts in one game, including striking out future Hall-of-Famer Mickey Mantle four times. He has two honorary Doctorate degrees, and a street named after him in Brooklyn, he authored two books, has been the National and State representative for Indiana Special Olympics, he has a statue erected in his honor in Anderson, Indiana, and he is a volunteer at Countryside Health and Living Community.
Mr. Erskine has stood on the mound and faced down some of the fiercest batters in baseball history. Now he is standing in front of 30 beautiful, smiling faces playing his harmonica with a two piece backing band. Carl’s teammates are Dan Daugherty on guitar, and Raul Sánchez playing a Spanish percussion instrument called a Cajon. Dan and Raul have played together in local bands, Carl’s mother-law, Lulubell had been a resident at Countryside and, to further the connection Raul’s mom Luz was a resident in the community.
Carl opened his case full of harmonicas, and started the show with the gospel standard “I Saw the Light.” Because it was a cold spring day with snow showers, he moved straight into “Let it Snow.”
In between songs Carl held court with gentle banter and jokes. “We know that God was a baseball fan,” Carl said. “He began the bible with the words, ‘In the big inning.”
The combo played a beautiful rendition of “Georgia” with Dan on vocals, and a finale of “The Orange Blossom Special.”
Carl Erskine is a well regarded, and much loved figure in the community of Anderson, Indiana, and in the world. He is a man who has left big footprints because of a gentleness and true love for his fellow man. For many of the residents this is a highlight when Carl shares his talent with the community.
At Countryside Health and Living Community the emphasis is always on ways to enrich the lives of our residents. We believe it is important to be the leading provider of inspired living and compassionate care. If you or a loved one wants more information on Countryside, please call 765-649-4558, or visit us at 205 Marine Dr in Anderson, IN.
