Former Dodger Tim Harkness passes away
by Mark Langill
Former first baseman Tim Harkness, a Quebec, Canada native who was also pursued to play professional hockey, passed away on Dec. 1. He was 87.
Harkness spent two seasons with Los Angeles in 1961 and 1962, battling a crowded first-base field that included veteran Gil Hodges and prospect Ron Fairly. In 97 games, Harkness slashed a combined .286/.405/.429/.833 with two home runs and seven RBI.
A strong Spring Training earned Harkness a spot on the 1962 Opening Day roster. Harkness played in the first-ever game at Dodger Stadium against the Cincinnati Reds on April 10, 1962. He pinch-hit for reliever Larry Sherry in the eighth inning and grounded out against Cincinnati right-hander Bob Purkey.
Harkness batted .258 in 92 games with the 1962 Dodgers.
On Nov. 30, 1962, Harkness was traded to the Mets with infielder Larry Burright for pitcher Bob Miller. Harkness played a combined 162 games with New York in 1963 and 1964.
Former Dodger Harkness passes away was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.