Cliff Dapper, traded by Brooklyn Dodgers for announcer Ernie Harwell, dies at 91

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Cliff Dapper, a former Brooklyn Dodger catcher who was traded in 1948 for future Hall of Fame announcer Ernie Harwell, has died. He was 91.

Dapper died in his sleep Feb. 8 at an assisted-living facility in Fallbrook, Calif., said his son, Curtis.

Dapper had a brief career with the Dodgers, batting .471 in eight games during the 1942 season. He was playing for the Dodgers’ minor league team in Montreal in 1948 when he became part of an unusual trade with the minor league Atlanta Crackers for their broadcaster, Harwell.

The Dodgers wanted to sign Harwell to replace an ailing Red Barber, but Atlanta’s owner demanded a player in return. Dapper became a player and manager for Atlanta. Harwell, who died in 2010, became best known as the Detroit Tigers’ broadcaster.

Clifford Roland Dapper was born in Los Angeles on Jan. 2, 1920, and graduated from Washington High School. He served three years in the Navy during World War II.

Dapper played and managed in the minor leagues until 1957. He had two stints as a player with the Hollywood Stars of the old Pacific Coast League, from 1939-41 and 1950-51.

--Keith Thursby