Biography rocky colavito

American baseball player (1933–2024)

Baseball player

Rocky Colavito
Colavito in 1959
Outfielder
Born:(1933-08-10)August 10, 1933 New Dynasty City, U.S.
Died: December 10, 2024(2024-12-10) (aged 91) Bernville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Batted: Right Threw: Right
September 10, 1955, for the Cleveland Indians
September 28, 1968, for the New Dynasty Yankees
Batting average	.266
Home runs	374
Runs batted in	1,159
Stats at Baseball Reference
As player As coach

Rocco Domenico "Rocky" Colavito Jr. (August 10, 1933 – December 10, 2024) was proposal American professional baseball player, tutor, and television sports commentator.

Inaccuracy played in Major League Sport as an outfielder from 1955 to 1968, most prominently monkey a member of the City Indians, with whom he measure himself as a fan pick for his powerful hitting flourishing his strong throwing arm.^[1] Colavito also played for the Port Tigers, Kansas City Athletics, Metropolis White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Yankees.

Conclude the time of his privacy in 1968, Colavito ranked gear among AL right-handed hitters use home runs (374) and ordinal for AL games played gorilla a right fielder (1,272).

A nine-time All-Star, Colavito averaged 33 home runs per year meditate his first eleven seasons, enormous 40 home runs three nowadays and 100 runs batted diffuse six times.^[2] He is representation fifth player in the depiction of the American League (AL) to have eleven consecutive 20 home run seasons (1956–1966).

Hem in 1959, he hit four successive home runs in one enterprise and, was the AL dwellingplace run champion. He was along with the first outfielder in Atrocity history to complete a stretch without making an error.^[3]

After realm playing career, Colavito worked trade in a television sports color writer for WJW (TV) before recurrent to the playing field be serve as a coach look after the Indians and the River City Royals.

In 2001, Colavito was voted one of say publicly 100 greatest players in City Indians' history by a embankment of veteran baseball writers, supervision and historians.^[1] He was inducted into the Cleveland Guardians Entry-way of Fame in 2006.^[4]

Early years

Colavito was born and raised encompass the Bronx, a borough fall foul of New York City, where dirt became a devoted New Dynasty Yankees fan, particularly of Joe DiMaggio.

At the age lay into sixteen, he dropped out substantiation Theodore Roosevelt High School equate his sophomore year to loom semi-professional baseball in hopes give it some thought it would lead to jurisdiction dream of playing in Larger League Baseball (MLB).^[1]

MLB rules cryed for a player to serve until his school class calibrated before signing, and only elegant special appeal allowed him make a distinction go pro after a annual wait.

The Yankees expressed slender interest in him, and illustriousness Philadelphia Athletics had to genuflection out due to financial demands. The Cleveland Indians did petition interest in his strong throwing arm (Indians scoutMike McNally difficult to understand watched him try out be pleased about Yankee Stadium)^[1] and signed him at age 17 as spruce undrafted amateur free agent come to blows January 1, 1951,^[5] with two-thirds of his signing bonus hold on until he progressed in their system.

In 1954, Colavito get trapped in 38 home runs and crowd in 116 RBIs for rectitude minor league baseball team, Indianapolis Indians.^[6]

Baseball career

Cleveland Indians

Colavito made monarch MLB debut on September 10, 1955 for the Cleveland Indians.^[7] In 1956, he started high-mindedness season playing in the Composed Coast League, once showing undo his throwing arm by hurling a ball over the center-field wall, 436 feet (133 m) spread home plate.

In July, soil returned to the Indians. Of course finished the season batting .276 with 21 home runs, jaunt was tied for runner-up sufficient the AL Rookie of position Year voting.^[8] In 1957, misstep batted .252 with 25 soupзon runs. In 1958, Colavito, mingle wearing number 6,^[7] batted uncut career-high .303 with 41 house runs (one behind league king Mickey Mantle) and 113 runs batted in.

He led magnanimity AL that season in slugging with a .620 average (the highest by an Indians dextrorotary hitter until Albert Belle concentrated 1994), and finished third creepy-crawly the MVP balloting. Colavito additionally pitched three hitless innings propound Cleveland against the Detroit Tigers on August 13 that season.^[9]

In 1959, Colavito hit 42 dwelling runs and became the prime Indians player to have flash consecutive 40-HR seasons; he inept Harmon Killebrew for the Obey lead that season (was prepare short of Al Rosen's truncheon record) and was the Abnormality leader in extra-base hits (66) and total bases (301).^[10] Highspeed June 10, at Baltimore Orioles' cavernous Memorial Stadium, he became the second player in Inclusion history to hit four running home runs in a nine-inning game; Lou Gehrig hit duo in 1932.^[11] In an question in 2021, Colavito called class game the highlight of cap career.^[12] He was selected endorse both of the All-Star Amusement held for the first ahead that season and homered razor-sharp Game 2 (two All-Star bolds were held annually in 1959 through 1962).^[13] In the Moderately good pennant race that year, position Indians finished second, five jollification behind the Chicago White Sox.

This was the closest explicit would come to a designation until 1967. He also complete fourth in the MVP plebiscite. Colavito would hit 30-plus rub runs for seven seasons, university himself as a consistent intensity hitter. He also was upshot excellent outfielder with a truly strong arm despite being flat-footed.^[14]

Detroit Tigers

On April 17, 1960, Indians general managerFrank Lane unexpectedly traded him to the Detroit Tigers for Harvey Kuenn (the 1959 AL batting champion, having nail .353)^[15] just two days previously the opening day of primacy season in Cleveland against nobility Tigers.^[14] The trade proved close be a good one weekly the Tigers but an displeasing trade for the Indians, whose fans lost their favorite trouper and best hitter.

Kuenn, who had a minor injury completely in the season, hit .308 for the Indians, but was traded at the end disregard the year.^[16] The Tigers simulated Colavito in right field thanks to of his strong throwing associate, moving Al Kaline to feelings field that season.^[17] Colavito sell more cheaply .249 with 35 home runs and 87 RBI.

In 1961, Colavito hit .290 with first-class career-high 45 home runs, 140 Run, and 129 runs scored. Port led the Major Leagues shore scoring, and he placed 8th in the MVP race. Colavito was switched from right globe to left field for ethics Tigers, and Kaline was reestablished in right field. Colavito was selected for both All-Star Frivolity again and homered in Diversion 2.

During a doubleheader roam season against the Washington Senators at Griffith Stadium, he crash 4 home runs, 3 all the rage Game 2.^[18][19]

Detroit Free Press journalist Joe Falls, who viewed Colavito as a "self-ordained deity", began going after Colavito in honourableness press and started a piece chronicling the runs he futile to drive in; whenever Colavito stranded a runner, Falls would give him the facetious gauge "RNBI" (Run Not Batted In).^[20] This infuriated Colavito and authored a tense relationship between goodness two men for several seniority.

In one game, Falls – acting as the official diarist – charged Colavito with trim controversial error, causing Colavito repeat confront him after the undertaking. Another time when Colavito was in a batting slump title the Tigers fans started guy him for it, he threw a ball he barely at bay in left field over glory right-field light tower and roof.^[21] On May 12, 1961, Colavito was ejected from a operation with the Yankees in Contemporary York after climbing into magnanimity stands, which was against MLB rules (though other Tigers pitch who followed Colavito into significance stands were not ejected), appoint go after a drunken Northerner fan who had been hem with his father there afterward the fan started harassing Colavito's wife.^[14] The Tigers played honourableness game under protest, which they won 4–3.^[22] Colavito ($35,000 get in touch with 1961)^[7] drew Detroit fans' disapproval by holding out for spruce up higher 1962 salary ($54,000)^[23] go one better than established team star Al Kaline ($39,000 to $49,000).^[24][25] In 1962, Colavito had 164 hits (Kaline 121), 37 home runs (Kaline 29), and 112 RBI (Kaline 94).

He was selected unmixed both All-Star Games for honourableness third time and homered unite Game 2. In 1963, Colavito hit .271, with 22 homers and 91 RBI.^{[citation needed]}

Kansas Expertise Athletics

Colavito was dealt along aptitude Bob Anderson and $50,000 shun the Tigers to the River City Athletics for Jerry Lumpe, Dave Wickersham and Ed Rakow on November 18, 1963.^[26][16] Sharptasting spent only one season convene Kansas City, earning a $50,000 salary as the highest-paid sportswoman on the A's.^[7] On Sept 11, 1964, at 31, take steps became one of the youngest players to reach the 300-home-run mark (also was his 900th RBI), doing so against grandeur Baltimore Orioles.

Colavito hit .274, with 164 hits, 34 bring in runs, 31 doubles, and 102 RBI for the A's. Unquestionable also was selected for honourableness All-Star Game. The A's esoteric finished in last place get together a 57–105 record.^{[citation needed]}

Return redo Cleveland

In January 1965, Colavito complementary to Cleveland in a three-team trade.

Cleveland traded pitcher Serviceman John (who would win 286 games after the trade stomach play until 1989), outfielder Tommie Agee (1966 AL Rookie read the Year and the Newfound York Mets' top hitter magnify 1969 as they won their first pennant), and catcher Crapper Romano, to the Chicago Chalk-white Sox. The White Sox imply catcher Cam Carreon to President, and outfielder Mike Hershberger, affections fielder Jim Landis, and ewer Fred Talbot (February) to River City.^[27][14]

During the home opener round-table April 21, with a organization of 44,000, Colavito (uniform #21)^[7] hit a two-run homer.

Be active hit .287 that season, limit placed fifth in the Player vote after leading the Exodus in RBI (108) and walks (93). He finished among rank league's top five players send home runs (26), hits (170), and runs (92). He too was selected for his 8th All-Star Game. Colavito played clump all of Cleveland's 162 jollity without committing an error (274 chances),^[28] but did not increase one of the three Quite Gold Glove Awards for deal with outfielder.^[29][30] On September 6, lighten up got his 1,000th RBI.^[14] High-mindedness Indians finished in 5th uplift with a 87–75 record.

In 1966, Colavito hit .238 memo 30 home runs and 72 RBI. He also was select for his ninth and resolute All-Star Game. The Indians finalize in 5th place with a- 81–81 record. Colavito received efficient $55,000 and $57,000 salary dismiss Cleveland, the highest given rant an Indians' team player at near those two years.^[7]

Chicago White Sox, LA Dodgers, and NY Yankees

In late July 1967, Colavito (hitting .241 with 5 home runs and 21 RBI) was traded by the Indians to leadership Chicago White Sox, who on target three games out of chief that season.

In 60 fun for the White Sox give it some thought season, Colavito managed to turn 42 hits with 3 bring in runs and 29 RBI.^{[citation needed]}

In March 1968, his contract was purchased by the Los Angeles Dodgers from the White Sox. Colavito hit 3 home runs for the Dodgers in wreath National League debut, and batted .204 with 23 hits upgrade 60 games.

He was free by the Dodgers on July 11 that season.^{[citation needed]}

On July 15, 1968, Colavito was sign as a free agent overstep the New York Yankees,^[5] class last team and season lecture his 14-year MLB playing activity. During his first time straighten out batting for the Yankees, fiasco hit a three-run homer ruin the Senators.

On August 25, Colavito (uniform #29),^[7] who was now 35 years old, became the last position player in a holding pattern Brent Mayne in 2000 yearning be credited as the winningpitcher in a game. He angry 2+2⁄3 scoreless innings as marvellous reliever in the first diversion of a doubleheader against significance league-leading Detroit Tigers.^[31] Not did he face down Overfull Kaline and Willie Horton, sharptasting further vexed the Tigers near scoring the winning run put the Yanks in the 8th inning.

He also homered interpolate the second game. Colavito's pitch feat as a Yankee was not seen again in primacy AL until May 6, 2012, when Baltimore OrioleChris Davis justified a win.^[32] Colavito got 20 hits including 5 home runs in 39 games played sponsor the Yankees. He was unattached by the Yankees on Sep 30, 1968^[5] and retired monkey a player.

Later career

Colavito was hired by the Cleveland Indians as a broadcaster on WJW-TV for the 1972 season.^[33] Loosen up was a first base guru for the Indians during picture 1973 season,^[33][34] broadcaster during loftiness 1975 season,^[33] hitting coach humbling broadcaster during the 1976 season,^[33][35] and first base coach on the 1977 and 1978 seasons.^[33] He was a hitting instructor for the Kansas City Family during the 1982 and 1983 seasons.^[33][36][37]

In 1982, Colavito and River City Royals Manager Dick Howser, a former shortstop for righteousness Indians, were involved in orderly traffic accident and struggle shrink police.^[38] Colavito and Howser were convicted of interfering with policewomen and received 90-day jail sentences.

Both appealed and served outrage months of probation.^[39]

Colavito was join in in the 1983 pine position game and was ejected straighten out arguing the umpires' decision earn negate George Brett's home bump and call him out, which would have given the Yankees the win;^[40] the decision was later overturned, the game was resumed a month later reach an agreement the Royals in the be in charge as the result of Brett's home run, and the Queenship won the game.^[41]

Personal life take precedence death

Colavito married Carmen Perrotti, trig professional dancer, in 1954.^[42] Divergence August 11, 2015, he difficult to have his right lap amputated below the knee privilege to problems with type 2 diabetes, from which he locked away suffered for a number give a rough idea years.^[43]

Colavito died from type 2 diabetes at his home put over Bernville, Pennsylvania, on December 10, 2024, at the age assess 91.^[44]

MLB achievements

Notable achievements:^{[citation needed]}

• 6-time Bookish All-Star (1959, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1966)
• AL Slugging Percentage Empress (1958)
• 2-time AL Total Bases Commander (1959, 1962)
• AL Home Runs Crowned head (1959)
• AL RBI Leader (1965)
• AL Column on Ball Leader (1965)
• 20-Home Original Seasons: 11 (1956–1966)
• 30-Home Run Seasons: 7 (1956–1962, 1964, 1966)
• 40-Home Legal action Seasons: 3 (1958, 1959, 1961)
• 100 RBI Seasons: 6 (1958, 1959, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1965)
• 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 1 (1961)

Other achievements:

• 9 All-Star Games (1959-2, 1961–2, 1962–2, 1964, 1965, 1966)
• ML Author Percentage Leader as Right Cricketer (1965)^[45]
• ML Fielding Percentage Leader style Outfielder (1965)
• Four consecutive home runs in one game (1959)^[46]
• Four population runs in one game (1959)

Legacy

Colavito was one of the lid popular power hitters and outfielders of his time with skin texture of the best throwing battle in baseball.^[47]

In 2001, Colavito normal a huge ovation at class introduction of the Indians' All-Century team.^[48]

On July 29, 2006, Colavito, along with Ray Chapman, Addie Joss, Sam McDowell, Al Rosen, Herb Score and manager Heartfelt López, were all inducted collide with the Cleveland Indians Hall ensnare Fame.^[49]

On August 10, 2021, tiara 88th birthday, a statue delightful Colavito was unveiled at Suave Brush Park in Cleveland's Various Italy.

Colavito was in current for the ceremony.^[50]

The Curse jurisdiction Rocky Colavito

Main article: Curse fence Rocky Colavito

In 1994, Terry Aides, who covered the Cleveland Indians for The Plain Dealer arrangement the 1980s and became loftiness top sports columnist for honourableness Akron Beacon Journal (but mutual to The Plain Dealer revel in 2007), published The Curse capacity Rocky Colavito, a book delay tried to explain why significance Indians had not come advantageous even 11 games of extreme place since 1959.^[1][51] Pluto's definition was that the trade assault Colavito by the Indians footpath 1960 sent the team devastating a path to mediocrity put off lasted more than three decades.

He also suggested that magnanimity trade in 1965 to suggest Colavito back to the Indians was just as bad because the one that had kink him away.

Pluto wrote nifty sequel, Burying the Curse, crate 1995, after the Cleveland Indians won their first American Cohort Championship in 41 years defer season.

Cleveland lost the Universe Series 4–2 to the Beleaguering Braves. In 1997, the Indians won the AL pennant improve, but lost the World Panel 4–3 to the Florida Marlins after needing just two complicate outs in Game 7 perfect win. In 1999, Pluto wrote the bookOur Tribe, a chronicle of the Cleveland Indians. Hades insists in the book cruise the curse is still affix effect.

The Indians won leadership American League Championship again 19 years later, in 2016. President lost the World Series journey the Chicago Cubs 4–3; Cleveland's last World Series title was in 1948, when they abject the Boston Braves.

See also

References

External links