A cornerstone piece

Billy Cox, from left, with Pee Wee Reese, Jackie Robinson and Gil Hodges

With so many of their puzzle pieces already falling into place with Hall of Famers Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese and Gil Hodges, the Brooklyn Dodgers 77 years ago today solidify their infield for the next seven years by acquiring shortstop Billy Cox from Pittsburgh.

Billy Cox at third base

The Dodgers also pick up pitcher Preacher Roe and infielder Gene Mauch from the Pirates.

In return, the Pirates receive pitchers Hal Gregg and Vic Lombardi.

The Dodgers also give the Pirates aging, racially narrow-minded Dixie Walker, the All-Star outfielder who ninth months earlier reportedly said he does not want to play alongside the color barrier-breaking Robinson.

Since they already have Reese at shortstop, the Dodgers move Cox to third base, where the pride of Newport, Pa., quickly becomes one of the best defenders ever to play the position.

Cox plays in three World Series with the Dodgers, batting .302 and playing even better defense before moving on to Baltimore in 1955 and ending his career that season after playing in just 53 games for the Orioles.

Cox, then, 35 and hitting just .211, decides to retire in midseason after the Orioles try to trade him to Cleveland.