Rocky Colavito, slugger supreme in the Midwest in the late 1950s and early 1960s, was one of the great stars of the American League in a period that also included names like Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris and Al Kaline. 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. He led the Tribe with 116 RBI, 293 total bases, 94 . But the real question is this: Why did you call in the first place? But the next day, I walked into the dugout from the locker room and Norm Cash says to me, Hey Rocky, how about playing for us today! I laughed so hard that it loosened me up. Rocky Colavito was born on August 10, 1933. That makes him worth remembering, so it's good to have a full biography on the shelves. I took one of the new baseballs apart. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. Major League rules called for a player to wait until his school class graduated before signing, and only a special appeal allowed him to go pro after a one-year wait. First Name Rocky #22. On the passing of Al Kaline:It was a very sad day for me when I heard the news. He added: I am thankful God chose me to play in Cleveland.. He played alongside Al Kaline on the Detroit Tigers from 1960 to 1963. Seans cousin is dying, and neurological diseases are awful. 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. Colavito is now 88. 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. Watch for up coming events. [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). Then I thought of Rocky Colavito, the former Cleveland Indians star. July 5 was Turn Back the Clock night for more than 800 fans who sat spellbound in State Theatre in downtown Cleveland, and maybe it was Turn Back the Clock Night for the man they were there to see, Rocky Colavito stands behind Herb Score during their induction into the Indians Hall of Fame at then-Jacobs Field in 2006. I bounced it off a table at a card show and it hit the ceiling. Am I stuck on being negative? Not only did I see MantleI actuallymetThe Mickduring a game. Posted by Victor on 15th Jun 2017 Rocky also made the All-Star team that season; in all, it was an honor he received nine times, including two years when the midseason classic was played twice. It was just a stretching exercise for my muscles. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. We also had a very good pitching staff with Jim Bunning, Frank Lary, Don Mossi, Paul Foytack and Hank Aguirre., On his famous on deck stretching ritual and batters box mannerisms:I was not even aware of my habit of putting the bat with both hands over my head and behind my back. (This may have been the exact moment I first realized ballplayers could be just like us). Rocky Colavito addresses the crowd before the unveiling. The entire city of Cleveland loves you.. In the end, the Tigers fared better in the deal. [19] On May 12, 1961, Colavito was ejected from a game with the Yankees in New York after climbing into the stands which was against MLB rules (though other Tigers players who followed Colavito into the stands were not ejected), to go after a drunken Yankee fan who had been scuffling with his older father there after the fan started harassing Colavito's wife. Today: Colavito, 86, has been married to his wife, Carmen . What fans got was a bronzed sculpture from David Deming, who has crafted likenesses of Larry Doby, Lou Boudreau and Jim Thome at Progressive Field. But his Kansas City baseball days werent over. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. I remembered what Nancy Score told me about Colavito. They had only one car. But it was awkward. (Reggie Jackson appeared in 35 games in 1967, the As last KC season, but it was of little note at the time). [17] Colavito hit .249 with 35 home runs and 87 RBI. The managers all follow the same routine. Gambatese, of the statue committee, said folks were quick to come together to support the statue project. It will be that way, at least in the beginning. Colavitos 34 As homers were the most he would hit before his career ended with the Yankees in 1968. [14] The trade proved to be a good one for the Tigers but an unpopular trade for the Indians, whose fans lost their favorite player and best hitter. He wore a #6, #7 or #21 jersey during his MLB career. [14] The Tigers played the game under protest, which they won 43. Colavito was in attendance for the ceremony.[45]. I hope today that your heart is filled with half the amount of joy that youve given us on the field, Gazzo said during the ceremony. As for the Indians: they eventually got over the Curse of Colavito, winning pennants in 1995, 1997 and 2016, and making 11 . The illness hangs over the relationship. You can pray for the health professionals taking care of themfor the persons family..for the persons strength. Colavito also pitched three hitless innings for Cleveland against the Detroit Tigers on August 13 that season. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Rocky Colavito is a MLB baseball player. Although he has always lived in North Carolina, we spent a lot of time together while growing up. 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 . Fans clap during the speeches. Whenever MLB returns, it won't be normal ]. Whats on your mind?, Being honest is OK, as in this comment: Im not sure what to say, but Im here for you.. Ask first if its OK to pray for them. Search Britannica Click here to search. ROCKY COLAVITO. [27][28] On September 6, he got his 1,000th RBI. In 1994, Terry Pluto, who covered the Cleveland Indians for The Plain Dealer in the 1980s and became the top sports columnist for the Akron Beacon Journal (but returned to The Plain Dealer in 2007), published The Curse of Rocky Colavito, a book that tried to explain why the Indians had not come within even 11 games of first place since 1959. At least we won the game after Kaline hit a two run single in the top of the 15th. 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! Colavito was one of the most popular power hitters and outfielders of his time with one of the best throwing arms in baseball.[43]. Sign up. He was released by the Yankees on September 30, 1968[5] and retired as a player. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. Demings sculpture captures Colavito in his prime, a time when he would stroll to the plate at Cleveland Municipal Stadium and intimidate pitchers as he dug in and pointed his bat at them. He . On April 17, 1960, Indians general manager Frank Lane unexpectedly traded him to the Detroit Tigers for Harvey Kuenn (the 1959 AL batting champion, having hit .353)[15] just two days before the opening day of the season in Cleveland against the Tigers. It will arrive in your inbox on Friday mornings - an exclusive to-do list, focusing on the best of the weekend fun. They have also lived in Weston, FL and West Frankfort, IL. In 1966, he struggled offensively due to a . Colavito spent a few minutes with each of the kids standing in the long Gateway line to meet him; he was gracious and friendly as he signed our official American League baseballs, sought our names and answered our questions. He was 22. Everybody I talk to just jumped on this thing, and look what we got, he said. He then played the second half of the 67 campaign with the White Sox and finished his career in 1968 with the Dodgers and Yankees. Height 6' 3", Weight 190 lb. And it was mutual. Hundreds turned out to shake his hand, get an autograph, say hello and take a picture. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. He also was selected for his ninth and last All-Star Game. Readers send their thoughts about the Homeless Guy With the Sign. Detroit sent the 1959 American League batting champion Harvey Kuenn, then 29, to the Indians for the reigning home run champion Rocky Colavito, then 26. The small red ball in the center may have some cork but there is a jell around it. Colavito had 12 homers and 32 RBI in thirty-five games with a .368 average at San Diego. In July, he returned to the Indians. Bio. 5 Great Memory !! In 2001, Colavito was voted one of the 100 greatest players in Cleveland Indians' history by a panel of veteran baseball writers, executives and historians. In 1961, Colavito hit .290 with a career-high 45home runs, 140 RBI, and 129 runs scored. Rocky Colavito reflects back on the trade that sent him to the Detroit Tigers in 1960, and just how good that 1961 Tigers team was. United Press International, Lodi News-Sentinel, Last edited on 25 February 2023, at 03:05, List of Major League Baseball career home run leaders, List of Major League Baseball career runs batted in leaders, List of Major League Baseball annual runs batted in leaders, List of Major League Baseball annual home run leaders, List of Major League Baseball single-game home run leaders, List of Major League Baseball single-game hits leaders, "Rocky Colavito at the Cooperstown Expert", "Rocky Colavito Stats (Miscellaneous Items of Interest)", "1956 Awards Voting, AL Rookie of the Year Voting", "Rocky Colavito 1958 Game by Game Pitching Logs", "Leagues split two All-Star Games played in 1959", "MLB Batting Champion as Recognized at End of Year", "Al Kaline Stats (Miscellaneous Items of Interest)", Cleveland Indians: Looking back at the re-acquisition of Rocky Colavito, "The Starting Nine, The Rawlings Gold Glove Awards", "Rocky Colavito enjoys the reflected spotlight from Josh Hamilton's four-homer spectacular", Former Tribe Manager Joins Staff of Royals, Howser and Colavito: Appeal is Successful, Pine-Tarred and Feathered: After Grousing and Litigating, the Yankees Lost the Resumed Endless Game, "Rocky Colavito Stats - Baseball-Reference.com", "Colavito still The Rock despite recent health issues", "Top 100 Greatest Cleveland Indians Players", "Rocky Colavito to attend statue unveiling today; event to be live-streamed in Cleveland", Cleveland Indians Press Release, July 11, 2006, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rocky_Colavito&oldid=1141445452, September 10,1955,for theCleveland Indians, September 28,1968,for theNew York Yankees, 6-time AL All-Star (1959, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1966), 2-time AL Total Bases Leader (1959, 1962), 30-Home Run Seasons: 7 (19561962, 1964, 1966), 40-Home Run Seasons: 3 (1958, 1959, 1961), 100 RBI Seasons: 6 (1958, 1959, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1965), 9 All-Star Games (1959-2, 19612, 19622, 1964, 1965, 1966), ML Fielding Percentage Leader as Right Fielder (1965), ML Fielding Percentage Leader as Outfielder (1965), Four consecutive home runs in one game (1959), Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 03:05. How do we treat those who serve us during the pandemic? I understand he lost part of a leg to diabetes but is nevertheless still vibrant at age 86. He also recalled winning a game in relief for his roommate with the Yankees, Steve Barber, against Detroit in August 1968. Syracusefans.com Runs and Bases: The 1950s (Part 2). Colavito has been out of baseball for some time now; he lives in Pennsylvania with his wife of over 60 years. Updated: May 26, 2021 / 03:20 PM EDT. During his first time up batting for the Yankees, he hit a three-run homer against the Senators. [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. Perhaps the hardest thing about any important conversation is opening yourself to disappointment, wrote Dr. David Feldman in Psychology Today. Chicago White Sox, LA Dodgers, and NY Yankees. Score was 20-9 with a 2.53 ERA and led the majors with 263 strikeouts. What good is that?. When the Cavs made Fathers Day extra special. Killebrew had an awesome first full year as well. [12] He was selected for both of the All-Star Games held for the first time that season and homered in Game 2 (two All-Star games were held annually in 1959 through 1962). Rocky Colavito is 89 years old. $0.34. [ Robert Fick and the final game at Tiger Stadium: 'It was unreal' ]. 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. After leaving the Tigers:Colavito was dealt to Kansas City after the 1963 season with Bob Anderson for Jerry Lumpe, Dave Wickersham, and Ed Rakow. "Lane trades Rocky for the batting champion Harvey Kuenn. The runner-up in Rookie of the Year balloting in 1956, Rocky Colavito immediately established himself as a fan favorite for the Cleveland Indians. Dealing Colavito to the Tigers before the 1960 season set off a firestorm of protest in Cleveland, including fans burning Lane in effigy. Rocky Colavito was born in New York, NY. Bill Wills of WTAM-1100 and I talk food and drink usually at 8:20 a.m. Thursday morning. We both laughed, because it was painfully true. He was young, strong, rugged, popular, and coming off back-to-back 40 home run/100 RBI seasons. The Plain Dealer. Colavito didnt use his time Tuesday to stump for the Hall of Fame. Ive seen a lot of players. From 1956 through 1966, Colavito smacked 358 home runs, made six All Star teams, and finished among the top five in Most Valuable Player award voting three times. In 1956 upon returning to the O's, Tito finished tied with the Cleveland Indians' Rocky Colavito for second place in American League Rookie of the Year balloting behind Chicago White Sox shortstop Luis Aparicio. [ Tigers in a new division? Rocky Colavito, outfielder for the Cleveland Indians, is pictured in April 1966. He was released by the Dodgers on July 11 that season. What to do when a heart breaks and a health crisis strikes, A scouting trip to the hills, a rushed wedding, a life lesson. 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 . He hit .287 that season, and placed fifth in the MVP vote after leading the AL in RBI (108) and walks (93). Coming from Brett, especially, it was high praise indeed. Subscribe Subscribe Login. There have been players to hit five - four major leaguers, to be . Just make the call, said Colavito. 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. Colavito then mentioned a friend who had a series of heart problems. Colavito's four-bagger had flown about 360 feet. On August 25, Colavito (uniform #29),[7] who was now 35 years old, became the last position player until Brent Mayne in 2000 to be credited as the winning pitcher in a game. Hey, it could be worse really! Cleveland lost the World Series 42 to the Atlanta Braves. As Ive said, and Ill say it again: Cleveland is my favorite city in the world. The Detroit journalist kept a statistic on Colavito during his years playing for the Tigers. Sommer (a former co-worker of mine . For his career, Francona hit .272 with 125 homers, 656 RBIs and a .746 OPS in 1,719 games. background-color:#ba3434; Vern Fuller, a teammate on several Indians teams, attended, as did Indians owner Paul Dolan. Another time when Colavito was in a batting slump and the Tigers fans started razzing him for it, he threw a ball he barely caught in left field over the right-field light tower and roof. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Colavito said he and Score were like brothers, we never had a fight. Not every relationship was like that. The Curse of Rocky Colavito (1960-present) is a phenomenon that supposedly prevents the Cleveland Guardians of Major League Baseball (MLB) from winning, be it the World Series, the American League (AL) pennant, reaching postseason play, or even getting into a pennant race. At the time of his retirement in 1968, Colavito ranked third among AL right-handed hitters for home runs (371) and eighth for AL games played as a right fielder (1,272). With the Tigers battling the Yankees for the pennant in 1961, he smashed 45 homers, drove in 140 runs. Before the ceremony, Colavito visited League Park with family and some committee members. Colavito was dealt along with Bob Anderson and $50,000 from the Tigers to the Kansas City Athletics for Jerry Lumpe, Dave Wickersham and Ed Rakow on November 18, 1963. Recognizing a great gate draw when he saw it, eccentric but innovative owner Charlie Finley announced hed present Rocky with 300 silver dollars to commemorate the feat when it was achieved. Colavito, however, remained a prodigious slugger for four more seasons. Score had suffered a series of strokes and could speak only a few words. Steve Pierce (610) 777-4562. Rocco Domenico "Rocky" Colavito Jr. (born August 10, 1933) is an American former professional baseball player, coach and television sports commentator. I really would have liked never giving up a hit. The Yankees won 6-5. We have estimated Rocky Colavito's net worth, money, salary, income, and assets. But it was Colavito, the reigning American League home run champion in 1959 with the matinee-idol good looks and a rocket for a throwing arm, who commanded a following unmatched in . He dropped out of school at sixteen while trying to break into the majors. He played for the Athleticsone season before rejoining the Indians. 1. 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