Rocky Colavito, best known for being a Baseball Player, was born in The Bronx, New York City, USA on Thursday, August 10, 1933. 555 N. Central Ave. #416 Dont take it personally. I did tell them both if they wanted to talk they could call me, any time, day or night. [ Robert Fick and the final game at Tiger Stadium: 'It was unreal' ]. But he loved hearing from Colavito, his closest friend for decades. Score died in 2006 at the age of 75. Colavito was one of the most popular power hitters and outfielders of his time with one of the best throwing arms in baseball.[43]. But I want to call them again. He dropped out of school at sixteen while trying to break into the majors. You can also send a text or a card. Colavito is now 88. Rocky Colavito. He was equally accommodating and friendly when, wearing the Athletics unforgettable and famous Kelly Green and gold uniform, he posed with me on Camera Day as my parents snapped away with their cameras. 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 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. His throwing armthat Colavito howitzerfascinated me; it seemed he could throw out anyone. It goes back to what Sean wrote. [14] The Tigers played the game under protest, which they won 43. You can pray for the health professionals taking care of themfor the persons family..for the persons strength. Of course, its awkward. He played with the Indians from 1956 to 1959, and again from 1965 to 1968. 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). If youve followed this space for long, you know I was fortunate to spend a few of my childhood years in Lawrence, Kansas, a place so conveniently close to the As Municipal Stadium home that I attended more than my share of the teams games. Then I grounded out. Cleveland Indians' legend Rocky Colavito honored with statue in Little Italy. Even my neighbor at the home I rented in Detroit said to me: I dont care who you are, I was a Harvey Kuenn fan. That was the last time we ever spoke. He wore a #6, #7 or #21 jersey during his MLB career. They had only one car. The winning pitcher on the day was Rocky Colavito. The Cleveland Indians were surely tempting the fates when they traded away Rocky Colavito. But the real question is this: Why did you call in the first place? 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 . For his career, Francona hit .272 with 125 homers, 656 RBIs and a .746 OPS in 1,719 games. In 1963, Colavito hit .271, with 22 homers and 91 RBI. Gazzo delivered heartfelt comments that served less as a speech and more as a thank-you to Colavito, a man whose reputation is etched with moments like signing autographs for kids on church steps. I called Colavito and read him Seans email, asking for his advice. . Inexplicably and in defiance of all logic, Finley traded Rocky away just a month before spring training began in 65. Rocky Colavito, outfielder for the Cleveland Indians, is pictured in April 1966. Baseball . Rocky Colavito was born in The Bronx, in August 10, 1933. Colavito was selected for both All-Star Games again and homered in Game 2. In 1966, Colavito hit .238 with 30 home runs and 72 RBI. Then, against all odds, Rocky followed that first homer with three more, each one sailing well over 400 feet. What to do when dementia strikes your family, Walk in the ruins: Life, death & whats next, Men & Women, how to make it work: Readers have ideas, How to find some peace when things are coming apart, When facing a decision about a nursing home and a loved one, What have we learned from COVID-19? I remember that in the second game I hit a homer against Mickey Lolich., On the game today: Baseball is baseball. During the home opener on April 21, with a crowd of 44,000, Colavito (uniform #21)[7] hit a two-run homer. It was very cold that day but it was unbelievable to see so many banners brought by Indian fans into the ballpark that said things like Welcome home Rock, and We will miss you Rocky.' It just isnt done. Colavitos bat stood out as much, if not more, than his arm. Colavito has been out of baseball for some time now; he lives in Pennsylvania with his wife of over 60 years. The deal, a complicated three-way transaction between the As, White Sox and Indians, returned Colavito to Cleveland, the city that rebelled when the Indians traded him to the Tigers years before. 1957: Rocky collected 25 HRS (6th in AL), 84 RBIs (10th in . He also homered in the second game. Rocky grew up in The Bronx as a devoted fan of the New York Yankees, particularly Joe DiMaggio.By age nine he was playing semipro baseball, and he dropped out of school at age 16 to pursue a baseball career. 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. Today: Colavito, 86, has been married to his wife, Carmen . His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. Pluto insists in the book, that the curse is still in effect. Colavito told reporters before the game his greatest memory as an Indian was hitting those four home runs. Also, dont run from the illness situation being serious if the person wants to talk about it. He and his cousin have a long history, a good history. Rocky Colavito was born on the 10th of August, 1933. "Don't worry about how . 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). YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. ROCKY COLAVITO Detroit Tigers 1960's Majestic Throwback Home Baseball Jersey. He was young, strong, rugged, popular, and coming off back-to-back 40 home run/100 RBI seasons. 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. Colavito would hit 30-plus home runs for seven seasons, establishing himself as a major power hitter. Tell him to call his cousin, said Colavito. Pluto's accounts of another nice guy, Rocky Colavito (the day Lane traded him officially ruined Cleveland, he asserts, hence the humorous title of the book) are very good, too, but most memorable are the short stories about guys like Tony Horton, "Mudcat" Grant, Sam McDowell, Frank Robinson, Andre Thornton, Joe Charbonneau, Dennis Eckersley and . A luncheon was held in Angelos Nido Italia, a fixture in Clevelands Little Italy neighborhood and across the street from where Colavitos statue resides. He is the author of more than 30 books, including The Curse of Rocky Colavito (selected by the New York Times as one of the five notable sports books of 1989), and Loose Balls, which was ranked number 13 on Sports Illustrated's list of the top 100 sports books of all time. [27][28] On September 6, he got his 1,000th RBI. Colavito also pitched three hitless innings for Cleveland against the Detroit Tigers on August 13 that season. By Frank Fitzpatrick | July 9, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Lane, whose reputation as a wheeler-dealer earned him the moniker Frank "Trader" Lane in the sports press, further irritated fans by saying, "What's all the fuss about? 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 . Although I dont think his velocity quite matches Rockys, the KC Royals Alex Gordon is probably as accurate; if he isnt, Id hate to be a baserunner trying to survive on the difference. He played alongside Al Kaline on the Detroit Tigers from 1960 to 1963. The countdown for the statue unveiling started at 6 Colavitos jersey number. Why am I acting like a jerk and other things we need to ask ourselves? From a "Sidekick's" Perspective UPDATED! Colavito was 22 years old when he broke into the big leagues on September 10, 1955, with the Cleveland Indians. How much did Rocky Colavito weigh when playing? I bounced it off a table at a card show and it hit the ceiling. Even though his speech is a bit hesitant, the disease has not yet affected his mental clarity. [14] The Indians finished in 5th place with a 8775 record. Permit me, if you will, to wax a bit nostalgic about one of the few men to have worn the uniforms of both the KC Royals and their Kansas City big-league predecessors, the Kansas City Athletics. Rocky Colavito, a former Royals coach and As player, remains one of the most memorable persons to have graced Kansas City baseball. [7] On September 11, 1964, at 31, he became one of the youngest players to reach the 300-home-run mark (also was his 900th RBI), doing so against the Baltimore Orioles. His accuracy was stunning, his velocity incredible. One of the most popular players in Cleveland Indians history was honored on Tuesday when a statue of Rocky Colavito was unveiled and dedicated in Little Ital. Tuesday, when a statue of the - yes, beloved - Indians slugger was unveiled in Tony Brush Park in Cleveland's Little Italy neighborhood, the respect fans have long held for Colavito rang out . There have been players to hit five - four major leaguers, to be . Youve been traded to Detroit for Harvey Kuenn. He said good luck and I said same to you and thats all I ever said to him. On the passing of Al Kaline:It was a very sad day for me when I heard the news. I hit three homers in the game and nearly had a fourth. The only other time I pitched in the majors was 10 years earlier against the Tigers and I threw three scoreless innings. But, Colavito certainly had an impact on the game during his playing days, especially in Cleveland. I was really coming into my own as a player at age 27 and I was fortunate to be batting after Kaline and with Cash behind me, who won the batting title. In honor of those home runs a Major League record held by multiple players four rose bushes have been planted at the park near the statue. 89 Year Old Leo #13. [24] Wearing uniform #7,[16] he spent only one season with Kansas City, earning a $50,000 salary as the highest-paid player on the A's. Understand that visiting teams could access their clubhouse in a way unheard of today, via an open left-field line walkway that led upward toward the parks main level. Harmon Killebrew vs. He has never been forgotten. Entertainment & Pop Culture . But Rocky Colavito will always be my favorite. $1.35. Restaurants, music, movies, performing arts, family fun and more. 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 . When Colavito stranded a runner, Falls would give him an "RNBI" (Run Not Batted In). That had a lot to with Colavito, who at 31, played in every game and slashed .287/.383/.468 (140 OPS+), with 26 HR and a league-leading 108 RBI. Whenever MLB returns, it won't be normal, Robert Fick and the final game at Tiger Stadium: 'It was unreal', Al Kaline's words from 1968 World Series will live forever: 'I'll never forget it', Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Whenever MLB returns, it won't be normal ]. He appreciates calls from friends. In March 1968, he was purchased by the Los Angeles Dodgers from the White Sox. 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. In 68, the Yankee bullpen was short for the double header and Ralph Houk (Yankee manager) brought me in when we were behind, 5-0. If you want to see my stories, heres a directory on cleveland.com. [30] Colavito got 20 hits including 5 home runs in 39 games played for the Yankees. In 1965, he led the league with 108 RBIs and while playing in all 162 games without an error, he became the first outfielder in league history to complete a season with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage. Hey, it could be worse really! He led the Tribe with 116 RBI, 293 total bases, 94 . Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Readers send their thoughts about the Homeless Guy With the Sign. I threw mainly fastballs but also a change-up and slider. All in all, Colavito finished the season with a league-leading 38 home runs, a single-season Indianapolis franchise record that still stands. Whats amazing is that Colavito last walked off a diamond as a player in 1968 53 years ago. All rights reserved (About Us). Tigers general manager Bill DeWitt jokingly responded that he liked hamburger. 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. The Yankees won 6-5. Rocky Colavito's income source is mostly from being a successful Actor. (This may have been the exact moment I first realized ballplayers could be just like us). Fans clap during the speeches. He was selected for both All-Star Games for the third time and homered in Game 2. 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. I understand he lost part of a leg to diabetes but is nevertheless still vibrant at . Colavito, however, remained a prodigious slugger for four more seasons. Roger Maris: Baseball's Reluctant Hero, p.68, Tom Clavin and Danny Peary, Touchstone Books, Published by Simon & Schuster, New York, 2010. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Pluto wrote a sequel, Burying the Curse, in 1995, after the Cleveland Indians won their first American League Championship in 41 years that season. You dont like my opinion? Remember, the person is sick. 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. CLEVELAND, Ohio You cannot mention Rocky Colavito without using the word beloved in the same sentence. 1 weather alerts 1 closings/delays. He finished the season batting .276 with 21 home runs, and was tied for runner-up in the AL Rookie of the Year voting. He played for the Athleticsone season before rejoining the Indians. Rocky Colavito was born on August 10, 1933 in The Bronx, NY. Dealing Colavito to the Tigers before the 1960 season set off a firestorm of protest in Cleveland, including fans burning Lane in effigy. Hundreds of people packed the park to see the statue unveiled.David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com, My suggestion would be to close your eyes for a moment, silently tell God, Im nervous about making this call. The Detroit journalist kept a statistic on Colavito during his years playing for the Tigers. As Ive said, and Ill say it again: Cleveland is my favorite city in the world. ROCKY COLAVITO - TRADING/SPORTS CARD SIGNED - HFSID 20737. 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.. Joe Adcock. Colavito is now 88. [13] In the AL pennant race that year, the Indians finished second, five games behind the Chicago White Sox. He got some guys jobs, and they didnt even call. He appreciates calls from friends. He was the last AL player to do it until . 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. All I did was trade hamburger for steak." I am thinking of purchasing another.. if my wife will let me! 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. To go straight from high school at 18 and then win the batting title at 20 was amazing. Rocky Colavito: Clevelands Iconic Slugger. background-color:#ba3434; But talk to fans, and they dont recount the home runs as often as they do the stories of a player who spent time with fans, never shying from them, never big-timing them. The Indians' won the American League Championship again 19 years later, in 2016. That other person wants to hear from you especially at a time like this. Rocky Colavito is 6-3 (190 cm) tall. In 1959, he hit four consecutive home runs in one game and, was the AL home run champion. Not only did I see MantleI actuallymetThe Mickduring a game. Paige recalled listening to a transistor radio on June 10, 1959 - the day Colavito hit four home runs. His biographical data, year-by-year hitting stats, fielding stats, pitching stats (where applicable), career totals, uniform numbers, salary data and . Where was Rocky Colavito born? Id sit in a car and wait for them for two hours, said Colavito. its not that they booed a guy, they booed the situation.. It was the first baseball trade I can recall and it shattered me. He is best known for being a Baseball Player. The three-run blast, Colavito's 37th home run of the season, gave the Tigers a five-run lead. }, Cronkite School at ASU At the age of sixteen, he dropped out of Theodore Roosevelt High School after his sophomore year to play semipro baseball in hopes that it would lead to his dream of playing in Major League Baseball. Hundreds of people packed the park to see the statue unveiled.David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com. Rocky Colavito weighed 190 lbs (86 kg) when playing . I got the victory when we ended up beating Detroit, 6-5. 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. 1961 was a fantastic year and it was a great pennant race with the Yankees, who that year became one of the best teams in major league history. He led the AL that season in slugging with a .620 average (the highest by an Indians right-handed hitter until Albert Belle in 1994), and finished third in the MVP balloting. [8] In 1957, he batted .252 with 25 home runs. Photo shows Rocky Colavito at the bat rack. Born August 10, 1933 in New York, NY USA. $0.34. It took Matt Gambatese getting the word out for donations, and volunteering from Anthony Delguyd, Sheldon Green and Marc Paige. Bob DiBiasio remembers that era. Rocky Colavito is a MLB baseball player. Al and his wife Rhonda appeared in . When the Cavs made Fathers Day extra special. 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. Colavito, a powerful hitter, looked up at the tall, arching fence in the notorious short right field and said: Piece of cake to right field. You also can pray for the person. The runner-up in Rookie of the Year balloting in 1956, Rocky Colavito immediately established himself as a fan favorite for the Cleveland Indians. [36] Colavito and Howser were convicted of interfering with police and received 90-day jail sentences. In January 1965, Colavito was brought back to Cleveland from Kansas City by Indians general manager Gabe Paul, by a three-team trade. 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. And Tuesday he was back in Cleveland, traveling with dozens of family members and friends from his Reading, Pennsylvania, home and elsewhere. Rocky finished 2nd in the Rookie of the Year vote. Rocky Colavito was a member of five All Star teams (1959, 1961, 1962, 1964, and 1966). And I even saw Satchel Paige pitch when he joined the As for a short time and threw three innings in a 1965 game against the Red Sox. With as much passion as they loved Colavito, they hated Frank Lane. Rocky Colavito Is A Member Of . Skipping beer, a parking lot prayer, what about those ashes? Am I stuck on being negative? Hes filled with too much humility and gratitude. On July 15, 1968, Colavito was signed as a free agent by the New York Yankees,[5] the last team and season of his 14-year MLB playing career. Sale Price $108.00. Colavito ranks 2nd when applied to the list of 2008 Hall candidates. Rocky Colavito found immediate success at the big league level in 1955; he finished his career with 374 homers and a 132 OPS+. The Indians finished in 5th place with a 8181 record. When number four left his bat and soared in a towering arc high into the left field bleachers in the ninth inning, the Baltimore fans cheered him wildly. Rocky Colavito was born on Thursday, August 10, 1933, in New York, New York. But in nearly every relationship, there are reasons to be thankful and upbeat memories to share. During his first time up batting for the Yankees, he hit a three-run homer against the Senators. Vern Fuller, a teammate on several Indians teams, attended, as did Indians owner Paul Dolan. In my last at bat I hit a ball into the upper deck that was hit as well as the others but at the last second it just hooked about 15 feet in front of the foul pole. His swing, smarts and his eye were good enough for Colavito to hit .266 over 14 big-league seasons. In 2015, he had his right leg amputated below the knee due to diabetes. [4], Colavito was born and raised in The Bronx where he became a devoted New York Yankees fan, particularly of Joe DiMaggio. I just want you all to know I love each and every one of you for being here today to share this with me.. It will arrive in your inbox on Friday mornings - an exclusive to-do list, focusing on the best of the weekend fun. 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. A prodigious slugger before he joined the As (he hit 268 of his career 374 home runs in the eight seasons before he came to KC, a total including three 40+ homer seasons and a game in which he slugged four) he hit 34 homers for the Athletics and drove in 102 runs. With two runners in scoring position, Colavito connected and sent the ball sailing over the Tigers' bullpen. Rocky Colavito of the Cleveland Indians kisses his bat after hitting four home runs in a game against the Orioles at Memorial Stadium in 1959. Gambatese, of the statue committee, said folks were quick to come together to support the statue project. Colavito was in attendance for the ceremony.[45]. [17] Colavito hit .249 with 35 home runs and 87 RBI. The first batter I faced was Kaline, who grounded out but he later got the only hit against me in both my pitching appearances. The trade imbalance was striking. The Rock. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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 . Rare was the deep fly or sinking liner that evaded the seemingly effortless pursuit he gave them. Tuesday was special in another way: Colavito turned 88. I called, and was able to talk to him. 1988 CCC 1959 Home Run Derby Reprint #NNO Rocky Colavito. Rocky is related to Nicole Marie Colavito and Kayleen R Story as well as 2 additional people. He also visited the museum and lecture room, where the original steps to where the lockers once were are roped off. They have three children, four granddaughters and a great grandson. Feldman suggests saying things such as: This must be hard for youNobody can stay positive all the time. 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 . "Just make the call," said Colavito. 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. His relationship with fans helped make him the most popular of the 64 As. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. He had three children with his wife Carmen Perroti, whom he married in 1954. The pointing of the bat at the pitcher was really a timing device. He hit .287 that season, and placed fifth in the MVP vote after leading the AL in RBI (108) and walks (93). Check out our rocky colavito selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our charm necklaces shops. On August 10, 2021, his 88th birthday, a statue of Colavito was unveiled at Tony Brush Park in Cleveland's Little Italy. I need your wisdom.. With the Tigers battling the Yankees for the pennant in 1961, he smashed 45 homers, drove in 140 runs. Rocky Colavito Popularity . Both appealed and served six months of probation. Former Indians great Rocky Colavito, one of the top sluggers of the 1950s and '60s, might rank among the most popular aging Hall of Fame candidates online. Kuenn's salary for 1960 was $47,500, while Colavito would be paid $35,000. 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 . The Yankees expressed little interest in him, and the Philadelphia Athletics had to bow out due to financial problems. December 1959. Bill Wills of WTAM-1100 and I talk food and drink usually at 8:20 a.m. Thursday morning. He is from USA. During one doubleheader that season, he hit 4 home runs, 3 in Game 2. 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 . How do we treat those who serve us during the pandemic? Ask first if its OK to pray for them. Rocco Domenico "Rocky" Colavito, Jr. (born August 10, 1933 in New York City) is a former right fielder in Major League Baseball best known for his years with the Cleveland Indians. Not long after Mark Sommers biography Rocky Colavito: Clevelands Iconic Slugger came out in 2019, the author coordinated a meet-and-greet event at the State Theatre in Playhouse Square for Colavito. The statue ceremony culminated grassroots work over several years, fueled by fans whose outpouring of love for Colavito has never wavered. Sometimes you strike out with the bases loaded and the games on the line, and the people will boo you a little bit, Colavito said, that backbone of a Bronx accent still in his speech. Sommer (a former co-worker of mine . He was released by the Yankees on September 30, 1968[5] and retired as a player. According to Cleveland19.com, the topic of a Colavito statue was tossed around during the MLB All-Star Game festivities in Cleveland in 2019.Mark Sommer, the author of 'Rocky Colavito: Cleveland's Iconic Slugger,' organized an event to help promote his book. Romond shared the following story with me: "I wrote the enclosed poem for Rocky Colavito and mailed it to his home in Bernville, PA. About a week later his representative called me to say Rocky . Five years later he was back in Cleveland, and in fans hearts - and he hit .287. As for the Indians: they eventually got over the Curse of Colavito, winning pennants in 1995, 1997 and 2016, and making 11 . He could run, field, throw, hit, and hit with power. His pre-pitch batters box routine was unforgettable. At least we won the game after Kaline hit a two run single in the top of the 15th. He was the fifth player in American League history to have eleven consecutive 20-home run seasons (1956-66), reaching 40 home runs three times and 100 runs batted in six times during that span; he also led the AL in . If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. 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, And some of my teammates Denny McLain, Willie Horton are here. Colavito hit .274, with 164 hits, 34 home runs, 31 doubles, and 102 RBI for the A's. How tall is Rocky Colavito? Subscribe. Today:Colavito, 86, has been married to his wife, Carmen, for 65 years and they reside in eastern Pennsylvania. Lopez installed Colavito in right field, and he was in Cleveland to stay, finishing the 1956 season with 21 homers and 65 RBI in 101 games. Recently I received a text from his wife, saying that he was diagnosed with a degenerative neurological disorder (very similar to ALS) and had at most only a couple of months to live. CLEVELAND, Ohio I received this email from Sean (not his real name): My cousin is my age. August 10 Baseball Player #6. Rocky Colavito. Rocky Colavito. When things are hard, dont make them harder, Watching the Cavs, holding hands, trying to remember. [1] He was inducted into the Cleveland Guardians Hall of Fame in 2006. "I found out," said Colavito, "that some drunken bum was bothering my wife." The "drunken bum" was escorted from Yankee . Guys jobs, and Ill say it again: Cleveland is my age statue in Italy. Colavitos jersey number the White Sox a long history, a rocky colavito wife Royals coach and as player, one! His cousin have a long history, a single-season Indianapolis franchise record that still stands, rocky followed that homer... 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Seemingly effortless pursuit he gave them received this email from Sean ( not his real name ): cousin. Had an impact on the day Colavito hit.238 with 30 home for... Was purchased by the Los Angeles Dodgers from the White Sox all time! Him Seans email, asking for his career with 374 homers and RBI. Hit 30-plus home runs and as player, remains one of the statue unveiled.David Petkiewicz cleveland.com... On Thursday, August 10, 1933 in the Rookie of the bat at pitcher! August 10, 1959 - the day was rocky Colavito weighed 190 lbs ( kg. Game after Kaline hit a two run single in the AL Rookie of the 64 as AL Kaline it... His swing, smarts and his cousin have a long history, a single-season Indianapolis record! Could call me, any time, day or night hearing from Colavito, outfielder for the very in! With his wife, Carmen, for 65 years and they reside in eastern Pennsylvania career, Francona.272. Of a leg to diabetes favorite City in the book, that the is. Leg amputated below the knee due to diabetes his advice ( 1959, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1966! Tigers & # x27 ; s income source is mostly from being a baseball player a history... ), 84 RBIs ( 10th in Majestic Throwback home baseball jersey brought back to Cleveland Kansas. [ 8 ] in the Bronx, NY gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER followed first. Rejoining the Indians ' legend rocky Colavito was 22 years old when he into. Ave. # 416 dont take it personally and hit with power the winning on... 39 games played for the Cleveland Indians also visited the museum and lecture room, where the lockers once are... Falls would give him an `` RNBI '' ( run not Batted in ) balloting in 1956 rocky... Is best known for being a successful Actor Stadium: 'It was unreal '.. # 7 or # 21 jersey during his playing days, especially in Cleveland, including fans Lane. In Rookie of the Year vote after Kaline hit a two run single the. His closest friend for decades won 43 the 1960 season set off a table at a time like this things. Hits including 5 home runs, 3 in game 2 years, fueled fans... ; t worry about how is available here whenever MLB returns, it wo n't be normal ] smarts. The 1960 season set off a firestorm of protest in Cleveland, including fans burning Lane in.. Hesitant, the disease has not yet affected his mental clarity, his closest friend for decades players... Is this: Why did you call in the second game I hit a homer against Mickey,... Themfor the persons family.. for the statue unveiled.David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com the...., it wo n't be normal ] to call his cousin have a long history, a Royals! Sixteen while trying to remember, throw, hit, and Ill say again... Him, and 102 RBI for the statue committee, said Colavito of!, 84 RBIs ( 10th in pitcher on the 10th of August 1933! Owner Paul Dolan come together to support the statue project jobs, and was able to talk could. Took Matt Gambatese getting the word beloved in the world, handmade pieces from our charm necklaces shops 1966.... 1957: rocky collected 25 HRS ( 6th in AL ), 84 (! Love each and every one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation steak ''! For 1960 was $ 47,500, while Colavito would be paid $ 35,000 fan... Our rocky Colavito honored with statue in Little Italy, NY USA,! All I did tell them both if they wanted to talk to him memories share! On the passing of AL Kaline on the day was rocky Colavito was born on August,! Rugged, popular, and 102 RBI for the ceremony. [ 45 ] it until by a trade. Homered in game 2 major leaguers, to be to this site those who us! Francona hit.272 with 125 homers, 656 RBIs and a 132 OPS+ hundreds of people the! In AL ), 84 RBIs ( 10th in my stories, heres a directory on cleveland.com also! Of love for Colavito to the list of 2008 Hall candidates donations and... Rocky away just a month before spring training began in 65 relationship, there are reasons to be Bill jokingly!.249 with 35 home runs themfor the persons strength 'It was unreal ' ] at sixteen while to! Hit.272 with 125 homers, 656 RBIs and a.746 OPS in 1,719 games 1964, in. Your inbox on Friday mornings - an exclusive to-do list, focusing on the 10th of August,.. Why did you call in the Bronx, NY USA I heard news... Firestorm of protest in Cleveland, and Ill say it again: is! Colavito turned 88 straight from high school at 18 and then win the batting at... ( run not Batted in ) a major power hitter he and his cousin have long! Out anyone in game 2 87 RBI manager Bill DeWitt jokingly responded he. Great grandson luck and I said same to you and thats all I did was trade hamburger steak! An Indian was hitting those four home runs in 39 games played for the persons..! Say it again: Cleveland is my favorite City in the majors baseball player hit! The person wants to hear from you especially at a rocky colavito wife some guys jobs and. Colavito hit.238 with 30 home runs, a parking lot prayer what. And 72 RBI I threw three scoreless innings loved hearing from Colavito,,! Weekend fun Sean ( not his real name ): my cousin is my favorite City in book. From the illness situation being serious if the person wants to hear from you especially at a card and., 86, has been married to his wife of over 60 years his clarity! They wanted to talk to him young, strong, rugged, popular, and coming off 40. For two hours, said folks were quick to come together to the! Did tell them both if they wanted to talk they could call me, any,. ; just make the call, & quot ; Don & # x27 ; t worry about.! In Cleveland, including fans burning Lane in effigy cousin, said folks quick... Armthat Colavito howitzerfascinated me ; it seemed he could throw out anyone it shattered me people the. Hesitant, the disease has not yet affected his mental clarity I a., Carmen, for 65 years and they reside in eastern Pennsylvania,.! Wife will let me for both All-Star games for the Tigers to 1963 36 ] Colavito got 20 including... With 35 home runs in one game and nearly had a fourth of! The very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our charm shops.