Cleveland legend Rocky Colavito was honored with a statue in Little Italys Tony Brush Park on August 10, 2021, which also happened to be his 88th birthday. High School Theodore Roosevelt High School (New York) Debut September 10, 1955. Sixty years ago, on April 17, which was also Easter Sunday, one of the biggest trades in baseball history took place just two days before the Detroit Tigers opened the 1960 season in Cleveland. Colavito, his wife, Carmen, and two of their three children, along with about 20 family members left Berks County Monday for Cleveland in a bus chartered by the committee and the Indians . [9], In 1959, Colavito hit 42 home runs and became the first Indians player to have two consecutive 40-HR seasons; he tied Harmon Killebrew for the AL lead that season (was one short of Al Rosen's club record) and was the AL leader in extra-base hits (66) and total bases (301). Rocky Colavito. I need your wisdom.. [4], Colavito was born and raised in The Bronx where he became a devoted New York Yankees fan, particularly of Joe DiMaggio. Rocky Colavito was born on the 10th of August, 1933. Rocky Colavito was a member of five All Star teams (1959, 1961, 1962, 1964, and 1966). Search Britannica Click here to search. And I wanted hear his voice, even if he couldnt say much.. Herb just wanted to hear my voice, said Colavito. Colavito was hired by the Cleveland Indians as a broadcaster on WJW-TV for the 1972 season. Feldman also mentioned making a list of a few topics to talk about before the call. Colavito's four-bagger had flown about 360 feet. Colavito remains humbled by the accolades. But Rocky Colavito will always be my favorite. Colavito was the fifth player in American League history to have eleven consecutive 20-home run seasons (1956-66), exceeding 40 home runs three times and 100 . Autographed copies $90. I just want you all to know I love each and every one of you for being here today to share this with me.. Of course, its awkward. The Rock. Before the ceremony, Colavito visited League Park with family and some committee members. In 60 games for the White Sox that season, Colavito managed to get 42 hits with 3 home runs and 29 RBI. Hundreds of people packed the park to see the statue unveiled.David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com. "I found out," said Colavito, "that some drunken bum was bothering my wife." The "drunken bum" was escorted from Yankee . But while he lives only 10 minutes from the old ballpark where his career blossomed with the Reading Indians, he seldom goes. He led the Tribe with 116 RBI, 293 total bases, 94 . Rocky Colavito of the Detroit Tigers is greeted by Cash as he completes his home run in the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium, May 13, 1961. I summoned all the courage I could and called out to Mantle. He also finished fourth in the MVP vote. In 1958, Colavito, now wearing number 6,[7] batted a career-high .303 with 41 home runs (one behind league leader Mickey Mantle) and 113 runs batted in. It took herculean efforts from the likes of Joe Gazzo and his educational lectures at the Baseball Heritage Museum and marketing efforts from Randy Mintz and the passion of fan Ida Pocci who watched him play as a young girl. "Lane trades Rocky for the batting champion Harvey Kuenn. New book: Rocky Colavito A Biography of Cleveland's Iconic Slugger. It will be that way, at least in the beginning. [6], Colavito made his MLB debut on September 10, 1955 for the Cleveland Indians wearing number 38. Cleveland lost the World Series to the Chicago Cubs 43; Cleveland's last World Series title was in 1948, when they defeated the Boston Braves. I called Colavito and read him Seans email, asking for his advice. Coming from Brett, especially, it was high praise indeed. He was the last position player to get a win until Brent Mayne did it in 2000. Rocky pointed his bat straight at the pitcher and held it steady before taking his final stance. Also, dont run from the illness situation being serious if the person wants to talk about it. I considered these players great in their own right, but a young boy just coming to baseball needs a favorite player, and Rocky Colavito was mine. He is from USA. Dealing with the Here We Go Again syndrome. I thought perhaps you might have some suggestions, given your faith columns.. In 1997, the Indians won the AL pennant again, but lost the World Series 43 to the Florida Marlins after needing just two more outs in Game 7 to win. His swing, smarts and his eye were good enough for Colavito to hit .266 over 14 big-league seasons. He was born on August 10, 1933. I wanted that second one as much or more than the first because no one has ever done it twice., On pitching 2 innings in scoreless relief for the Yankees against the Tigersand getting the win:When I was signed by Cleveland, they originally saw me as a pitcher and I wish I could have played outfield and pitched. Rocky Colavito, 31st on major league baseball's home run list with 374, is retired and living in a hilltop home in Bernville, Pa., eight miles northwest of Reading, where he met his wife-to-be . But what I dont like is the business of always going to the set-up man and then the closer. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. A walk through the desert, thinking of Easter and the cross. In the home opener in Detroit, I remember it was a very warm day and that I hit a two-run homer and we won. [ Robert Fick and the final game at Tiger Stadium: 'It was unreal' ]. 9-time MLB All-Star who led the American League in home runs in 1959 and hit 374 home runs over the course of his 14-year career; became the first AL outfielder to post a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage in a season in 1965. Rocky Colavito. He wore a #6, #7 or #21 jersey during his MLB career. This is not the time to settle old disputes or demand forgiveness from the person. All I did was trade hamburger for steak." I also think it is wound tighter. Tuesday, when a statue of the yes, beloved - Indians slugger was unveiled in Tony Brush Park in Clevelands Little Italy neighborhood, the respect fans have long held for Colavito rang out. Colavito didnt use his time Tuesday to stump for the Hall of Fame. We love our icons, DiBiasio said, and Rocky Colavito is at the top of that list.. He did hit 30 in his first season back with Cleveland, but hed been a professional ballplayer since 1951 and time wasnt on his side. The first few conversations may seem strained at different points. He finished the season batting .276 with 21 home runs, and was tied for runner-up in the AL Rookie of the Year voting. If you tell someone how much you love themyou could always face the possibility that they might not return that loveso its important to be prepared for a response other than what you want.. From a "Sidekick's" Perspective UPDATED! [1], A nine-time All-Star player, Colavito averaged 33 home runs per year for his first 11 seasons, exceeding 40 home runs three times and 100 runs batted in six times. I was invited to tag along on an interesting journey to visit Rocky in Reading, PA. Family members (right) and sculpture David Deming, pull away the cover to unveil Rocky Colavitos statue. And if you can access a video of the KC Royals famous (or infamous) 1983 Pine Tar Game, youll see Colavito in the dugout and on the field after Brett was called out. Sommer (a former co-worker of mine . It took Matt Gambatese getting the word out for donations, and volunteering from Anthony Delguyd, Sheldon Green and Marc Paige. Tiger fans were happy to get Colavito in Detroit, but did not take to Colavito the same way as Indians fans had in Cleveland, preferring the more consistent Kuenn. He parked an armored Brinks truck a few feet beyond the outfield fence; secured inside was a large plaque studded with the 300 promised coins. He was the last AL player to do it until . By Frank Fitzpatrick | July 9, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. You can pray for the health professionals taking care of themfor the persons family..for the persons strength. With the Tigers battling the Yankees for the pennant in 1961, he smashed 45 homers, drove in 140 runs. All rights reserved. [8] In 1957, he batted .252 with 25 home runs. His day job as senior vice president of public affairs with the Indians keeps him busy dealing with current players, but in his heart he remains a fan, and Colavito was - and is - a favorite. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 7 and he had my No. I threw mainly fastballs but also a change-up and slider. Rocky Colavito, best known for being a Baseball Player, was born in The Bronx, New York City, USA on Thursday, August 10, 1933. Score died in 2006 at the age of 75. [22][23] In 1962, Colavito had 164 hits (Kaline 121), 37 home runs (Kaline 29), and 112 RBI (Kaline 94). Photo shows Rocky Colavito at the bat rack. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Colavito is now 88. Paige recalled listening to a transistor radio on June 10, 1959 - the day Colavito hit four home runs. With two runners in scoring position, Colavito connected and sent the ball sailing over the Tigers' bullpen. He was just a really good guy and a great teammate. All in all, Colavito finished the season with a league-leading 38 home runs, a single-season Indianapolis franchise record that still stands. That never really bothered me. CLEVELAND, Ohio I received this email from Sean (not his real name): My cousin is my age. 1989 OConnell & Son Ink Series 6 #181 Rocky Colavito. Where was Rocky Colavito born? But as I wrote in my book, The Curse of Rocky Colavito, one of the reasons Lane traded Colavito before the 1960 season was a contract dispute over $5,000. [2] He is the fifth player in the history of the American League (AL) to have eleven consecutive 20 home run seasons (19561966). The countdown for the statue unveiling started at 6 Colavitos jersey number. Colavito has been out of baseball for some time now; he lives in Pennsylvania with his wife of over 60 years. background-color:#ba3434; Born August 10, 1933 in New York, NY USA. Readers speak out, When life is turned upside down, a caregivers opens her heart. But his Kansas City baseball days werent over. He hit 30 or more home runs in seven seasons, and ended his career with a .266 batting average, 374 home runs, and 1159 RBIs. 9-time MLB All-Star who led the American League in home runs in 1959 and hit 374 home runs over the course of his 14-year . Rocky Colavito is a member of Baseball Player. Some highlights of Colavito's amazing career: 1956: Rocky clouted 21 HRs, 65 RBIs, 55 runs scored, a Slugging Average of .531 and an OPS of .903 in just 322 At Bats! Rocky Colavito real name: Rocco Domenico "Rocky" Colavito Jr., Birthdate(Birthday): August 10, 1933 , Age as on 2023: 89 Years 5 Months 27 Days Profession: Sports Persons (Baseball Player), Father: Rocco Colavito, Mother: Angelina Colavito, School: Theodore Roosevelt High School, Married: Yes, Children: Yes Colavito played in all of Cleveland's 162 games without committing an error (274 chances),[26] but did not win one of the three AL Gold Glove Awards for an outfielder. 6. I had to fly that night with my now ex-teammates to Cleveland for the opener with my new team which was a little awkward. I got the victory when we ended up beating Detroit, 6-5. In the end, the Tigers fared better in the deal. In 2015, he had his right leg amputated below the knee due to diabetes. Batting average wasthe offensive statistic in those days; retrofit contemporary metrics to his 64 season and you get a .274/.366/.507 slash and a 137 OPS+. The winning pitcher on the day was Rocky Colavito. It's enough to make you believe in the supernatural. In 2001, Colavito received a huge ovation at the introduction of the Indians' All-Century team.[44]. He could to everything. Rare was the deep fly or sinking liner that evaded the seemingly effortless pursuit he gave them. Cleveland Indians' legend Rocky Colavito was honored with a statue at honored with statue in Little Italys Tony Brush Park on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, which also happened to be the sluggers 88th birthday. Dealing Colavito to the Tigers before the 1960 season set off a firestorm of protest in Cleveland, including fans burning Lane in effigy. 9-time MLB All-Star who led the American League in home runs in 1959 and hit 374 home runs over the course of his 14-year career; became the first AL outfielder to post a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage in a season in 1965. The managers all follow the same routine. [37], Colavito was involved in the 1983 pine tar game and was ejected for arguing the umpires' decision to negate George Brett's home run and call him out, which would have given the Yankees the win;[38] the decision was later overturned, the game was resumed a month later with the Royals in the lead as the result of Brett's home run, and the Royals won the game.[39]. A six-time All Star during this 14-year career, he slugged 139 homers with 430 RBIs from 1960-63 with the Tigers. They have three children, four granddaughters and a great grandson. I met him twice, once at a signing event at Gateway Sporting Goods on The Plaza (a terrific, but sadly long gone place), then on Municipals lush field at Camera Day, a promotion probably second in popularity only to Bat Day (in those days, teams gave away real, regulation Louisville Sluggers to the kids, not the miniature, unreasonable facsimiles that replaced them before Bat Days disappeared altogether). December 1959. 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