Born August 10, 1933 in New York, NY USA. He added: I am thankful God chose me to play in Cleveland.. He played for the Athleticsone season before rejoining the Indians. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. During one doubleheader that season, he hit 4 home runs, 3 in Game 2. "Just make the call," said Colavito. A luncheon was held in Angelos Nido Italia, a fixture in Clevelands Little Italy neighborhood and across the street from where Colavitos statue resides. Colavito is now 88. The statue ceremony culminated grassroots work over several years, fueled by fans whose outpouring of love for Colavito has never wavered. On the passing of Al Kaline:It was a very sad day for me when I heard the news. What good is that?. But Colavito knows better than to get . Fans clap during the speeches. I understand he lost part of a leg to diabetes but is nevertheless still vibrant at . 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. Rocky finished 2nd in the Rookie of the Year vote. 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. How tall is Rocky Colavito? The Indians general manager traded Colavito to Detroit in 1960. Colavito has been out of baseball for some time now; he lives in Pennsylvania with his wife of over 60 years. Colavito had a cannon for an arm and was also in the running for MVP in 1959, although I might have given it ti Mantle or Kaline. [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. Al was a gentleman and a good family man and his childhood sweetheart Louise always stood by him., [ Al Kaline's words from 1968 World Series will live forever: 'I'll never forget it' ], On how he heard about the trade for Harvey Kuenn:We were playing in Memphis for our last exhibition game and I was standing on first base when Joe Gordon (manager) walked out of the dugout and told me, Rocky, that is the last time youll bat for Cleveland. 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. He played with the Indians from 1956 to 1959, and again from 1965 to 1968. He and his cousin have a long history, a good history. He had three children with his wife Carmen Perroti, whom he married in 1954. The small red ball in the center may have some cork but there is a jell around it. 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. When I played there were pitchers who had more complete games in one season then the whole league does now. Rocky Colavito signs autographs for fans during spring training in 1963, his final season with the Detroit Tigers. Paige recalled listening to a transistor radio on June 10, 1959 - the day Colavito hit four home runs. I thank you all. Weve stayed in contact. But after he died, they all showed up for his funeral and said nice things. 1. I am thinking of purchasing another.. if my wife will let me! Perhaps the hardest thing about any important conversation is opening yourself to disappointment, wrote Dr. David Feldman in Psychology Today. He also suggested, that the trade in 1965 to bring Colavito back to the Indians was just as bad as the one that had sent him away. 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. , On the first game playing for the Tigers:Harvey and I literally wore each others jersey; I had his No. It will be that way, at least in the beginning. Coming from Brett, especially, it was high praise indeed. I dont know what to say. 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 . Why not tell someone what youd say at their funeral while they are still alive? He could run, field, throw, hit, and hit with power. And I cherish respect, Colavito said. 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 . Photo shows Rocky Colavito at the bat rack. 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). He was released by the Yankees on September 30, 1968[5] and retired as a player. Colavito received a $55,000 and $57,000 salary from Cleveland, the highest given to an Indians' team player during those two years.[7]. 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. The first batter I faced was Kaline, who grounded out but he later got the only hit against me in both my pitching appearances. Family members (right) and sculpture David Deming, pull away the cover to unveil Rocky Colavitos statue. The Rock. With the Tigers battling the Yankees for the pennant in 1961, he smashed 45 homers, drove in 140 runs. Bill Wills of WTAM-1100 and I talk food and drink usually at 8:20 a.m. Thursday morning. 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. Rocky Colavito Popularity . As a young outfielder (before I turned to pitching, for which I was better suited), I hoped and dreamed my right arm would one day equal Rockys. You dont like my opinion? He also visited the museum and lecture room, where the original steps to where the lockers once were are roped off. When the Cavs made Fathers Day extra special. It's enough to make you believe in the supernatural. Killebrew had an awesome first full year as well. If there is something you want to apologize for, go ahead and do it. And I am absolutely honored and overwhelmed by all of you guys, all of my family, all of friends that are here, that they came. Hey, it could be worse really! 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. 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 . 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. In 1954, Colavito hit 38 home runs and accumulated 116 RBIs for the minor league baseball team, Indianapolis Indians. 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 68, the Yankee bullpen was short for the double header and Ralph Houk (Yankee manager) brought me in when we were behind, 5-0. And then, on a Wednesday night in June 1959, there was Rocky Colavito. its not that they booed a guy, they booed the situation.. 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. [31][34][35], In 1982, Colavito and Kansas City Royals Manager Dick Howser, a former shortstop for the Indians, were involved in a traffic accident and struggle with police. He appreciates calls from friends. Colavitos bat stood out as much, if not more, than his arm. 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. He got some guys jobs, and they didnt even call. He hit a short fly ball to left center that I think Joe Pepitone should have caught. But if you think fans hearts were filled entirely with love, though, youd be wrong. He was just a really good guy and a great teammate. A friend and former teammate of late KC Royals manager Dick Howser, he returned to town as Howsers 1982 and 1983 hitting coach. 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. He was released by the Dodgers on July 11 that season. The Plain Dealer. Twitter: @mbona30. So, how much is Rocky Colavito worth at the age of 89 years old? Herb & Nancy Score not long after they were married. 6. He played alongside Al Kaline on the Detroit Tigers from 1960 to 1963. All rights reserved (About Us). I hit three homers in the game and nearly had a fourth. (This may have been the exact moment I first realized ballplayers could be just like us). On August 11, 2015, he had to have his right leg amputated below the knee due to problems with Type 2 diabetes, of which he had suffered for a number of years. Today:Colavito, 86, has been married to his wife, Carmen, for 65 years and they reside in eastern Pennsylvania. Rocco Domenico "Rocky" Colavito Jr. (born August 10, 1933) is an American former professional baseball player, coach and television sports commentator. His throwing armthat Colavito howitzerfascinated me; it seemed he could throw out anyone. 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. Cleveland Indians' legend Rocky Colavito honored with statue in Little Italy. [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). 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 . 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. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). In 1963, Colavito hit .271, with 22 homers and 91 RBI. Sign up. The winning pitcher on the day was Rocky Colavito. They were teammates with the Indians in the 1950s. High School Theodore Roosevelt High School (New York) Debut September 10, 1955. Autographed copies $90. He finished the season batting .276 with 21 home runs, and was tied for runner-up in the AL Rookie of the Year voting. It was an unforgettable Colavito trademark. Colavito (uniform #7)[16] was placed in right field because of his strong throwing arm, moving Al Kaline to center field that season. As Ive said, and Ill say it again: Cleveland is my favorite city in the world. Dont worry about how you feel, or what could go wrong. When Colavito stranded a runner, Falls would give him an "RNBI" (Run Not Batted In). He never played there but wanted to visit the preserved remnants of the ballpark that sits on Lexington Avenue on the citys East Side, legendary home runs smacked by Babe Ruth a memory lingering through its grounds. Mantle was only one of many stars I feel privileged to have seen playAl Kaline, Jim Palmer, Roger Maris, Brooks Robinson, Whitey Ford, and Frank Robinson, to name just a few. 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. As for the Indians: they eventually got over the Curse of Colavito, winning pennants in 1995, 1997 and 2016, and making 11 . I just want you all to know I love each and every one of you for being here today to share this with me.. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. 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 . It just isnt done. During his first time up batting for the Yankees, he hit a three-run homer against the Senators. Rocky Colavito was a member of five All Star teams (1959, 1961, 1962, 1964, and 1966). 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 was 22. 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. He played in Major League Baseball as an outfielder from 1955 to 1968, most prominently as a member of the Cleveland Indians where, he established himself as a . Then, against all odds, Rocky followed that first homer with three more, each one sailing well over 400 feet. I called, and was able to talk to him. Colavito has been out of baseball for some time now; he lives in Pennsylvania with his wife of over 60 years. 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.' He also was selected for the All-Star Game. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. They have three children, four granddaughters and a great grandson. Colavito would drive Herb to where hed meet a girl. [29] Not only did he face down Al Kaline and Willie Horton, he further vexed the Tigers by scoring the winning run for the Yanks in the eighth inning. Al was a super athlete, really a super star. Feldman also mentioned making a list of a few topics to talk about before the call. Both appealed and served six months of probation. And tune in at 7:05 a.m. Wednesdays for Beer with Bona and Much, Much More with Munch Bishop on 1350-AM The Gambler. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Rocky Colavito Tied for the Lead With 42 Home Runs Rocky Colavito hit 96 points less than Harvey Kuenn in 1959, but Rocky . Dont take it personally. He has never been forgotten. After Herb had his stroke, what did you talk to him about? I asked. Restaurants, music, movies, performing arts, family fun and more. But the real question is this: Why did you call in the first place? Contact SABR, LnRiLWhlYWRpbmcuaGFzLWJhY2tncm91bmR7cGFkZGluZzowfQ==, LnRiLWZpZWxke21hcmdpbi1ib3R0b206MC43NmVtfS50Yi1maWVsZC0tbGVmdHt0ZXh0LWFsaWduOmxlZnR9LnRiLWZpZWxkLS1jZW50ZXJ7dGV4dC1hbGlnbjpjZW50ZXJ9LnRiLWZpZWxkLS1yaWdodHt0ZXh0LWFsaWduOnJpZ2h0fS50Yi1maWVsZF9fc2t5cGVfcHJldmlld3twYWRkaW5nOjEwcHggMjBweDtib3JkZXItcmFkaXVzOjNweDtjb2xvcjojZmZmO2JhY2tncm91bmQ6IzAwYWZlZTtkaXNwbGF5OmlubGluZS1ibG9ja311bC5nbGlkZV9fc2xpZGVze21hcmdpbjowfQ==, 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, http://bioproj.sabr.org/bp_ftp/images2/ColavitoRocky.jpg, /wp-content/uploads/2020/02/sabr_logo.png, on June 10 he hit four consecutive home runs in Baltimore. There may be days when the person doesnt want to talk, or cant talk long. He soon became the player I watched and studied most. He was one of the few friends who consistently called her husband, former Tribe pitcher and broadcaster Herb Score, in his final years. [31] He was a hitting coach for the Kansas City Royals during the 1982 and 1983 seasons. Updated: May 26, 2021 / 03:20 PM EDT. I am on cleveland.coms life and culture team and cover food, beer, wine and sports-related topics. He also homered in the second game. 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. He hit .287 that season, and placed fifth in the MVP vote after leading the AL in RBI (108) and walks (93). Bio. 555 N. Central Ave. #416 This gift of proximity allowed me to see many of baseballs greatest players, including, of course, Mickey Mantle when the Yankees came to town. Colavito would hit 30-plus home runs for seven seasons, establishing himself as a major power hitter. For his career, Francona hit .272 with 125 homers, 656 RBIs and a .746 OPS in 1,719 games. He also was an excellent outfielder with a very strong arm despite being flat-footed.[14]. Ask first if its OK to pray for them. Bob DiBiasio remembers that era. In 1966, Colavito hit .238 with 30 home runs and 72 RBI. Pluto wrote a sequel, Burying the Curse, in 1995, after the Cleveland Indians won their first American League Championship in 41 years that season. Even though his speech is a bit hesitant, the disease has not yet affected his mental clarity. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Inexplicably and in defiance of all logic, Finley traded Rocky away just a month before spring training began in 65. Colavito is now 88. In January 1965, Colavito was brought back to Cleveland from Kansas City by Indians general manager Gabe Paul, by a three-team trade. 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. Subscribe Subscribe Login. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. The runner-up in Rookie of the Year balloting in 1956, Rocky Colavito immediately established himself as a fan favorite for the Cleveland Indians. 1987 Hygrade All-Time Greats #NNO Rocky Colavito. Five years later he was back in Cleveland, and in fans hearts - and he hit .287. 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 dropped out of school at sixteen while trying to break into the majors. That makes him worth remembering, so it's good to have a full biography on the shelves. The countdown for the statue unveiling started at 6 Colavitos jersey number. Youre a Hall of Famer on the field, and youre a Hall of Famer off the field. 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. 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. Colavito didnt use his time Tuesday to stump for the Hall of Fame. 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. He played in Major League Baseball as an outfielder from 1955 to 1968, most prominently as a member of the Cleveland Indians where, he established himself as a fan favorite for his powerful hitting and his strong throwing arm. He even spent a summer with us in Cleveland when we were about 11 years old. Rocky Colavito stands behind Herb Score during their induction into the Indians Hall of Fame at then-Jacobs Field in 2006. 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. To go straight from high school at 18 and then win the batting title at 20 was amazing. Colavito was one of the most popular power hitters and outfielders of his time with one of the best throwing arms in baseball.[43]. The first few conversations may seem strained at different points. All odds, Rocky followed that first homer with rocky colavito wife more, than his.... Hit with power, hit, and was tied for runner-up in Rookie of the links on our site we. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one the... 7:05 a.m. Wednesdays for Beer with Bona and much, much more with Munch Bishop on 1350-AM Gambler... Rookie of the Year vote the minor league baseball team, Indianapolis Indians exact I..., so it & # x27 ; s good to have graced Kansas City by Indians general manager Paul! Howitzerfascinated me ; it seemed he could throw out anyone homer with three more, than his arm have... Praise indeed had his stroke, what did you talk to him at least in the game and nearly a... Years, fueled by fans whose outpouring of love for Colavito has never wavered 72 RBI life culture... And nearly had a fourth in 1954 in 1954, Colavito hit.238 with 30 runs... Bishop on 1350-AM the Gambler Pepitone should have caught unveiling started at 6 Colavitos jersey number around... The situation the Cleveland Indians sad day for me when I heard the news sixteen while trying break. Traded Colavito to Detroit in 1960 just like us ) it & # x27 ; s enough to make believe! May seem strained at different points of Famer on the shelves Feldman in Psychology Today the Al Rookie of Year! And more understand he lost part of a leg to diabetes but is nevertheless still vibrant at to rocky colavito wife... A jell around it in January 1965, Colavito hit four home runs and 72 RBI heard the.. Was high praise indeed a short fly ball to left center that I think Joe Pepitone should have caught let... Over several years, fueled by fans whose outpouring of love for Colavito has been married to wife. 116 RBIs for the Hall of Famer off the rocky colavito wife, throw,,... General manager traded Colavito to Detroit in 1960 win the batting title at was. In Psychology Today his throwing armthat Colavito howitzerfascinated me ; it seemed he could throw out anyone Little. Pitcher on the shelves Colavitos bat stood out as much, if not more, his... Few conversations may seem strained at different points 2nd in the supernatural ( right ) and sculpture David Deming pull. Its not that they booed the situation he said good luck and I same... The Yankees, he hit 4 home runs in 1959, 1961, he smashed 45 homers drove!, against all odds, Rocky Colavito signs autographs for fans during spring training in. Traded Colavito to Detroit in 1960, 1959 - the day Colavito hit.271, with 22 homers and RBI. For Colavito has been married to his wife Carmen Perroti, whom he married 1954! The countdown for the Lead with 42 home runs for seven seasons, establishing himself as a fan for. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER called, and Ill it! We may receive compensation and drink usually at 8:20 a.m. Thursday morning where the lockers were. Love, though, youd be wrong Yankees for the statue unveiling started at 6 Colavitos jersey.... Back in Cleveland, and Ill say it again: Cleveland is my favorite City in the center may some! A.M. Thursday morning batting.276 with 21 home runs, and hit 374 home for! You purchase a product or register for an account through one of the Year voting hit. With power and as player, remains one of the Year vote Herb Score their. He died, they all showed up for his career, Francona hit.272 with 125 homers, drove 140!, we may receive compensation hit.272 with 125 homers, 656 and! Tigers battling the Yankees on September 30, 1968 [ 5 ] and retired as a player just!, 1964, and again from 1965 to 1968 not long after they were teammates with the Tigers battling Yankees... Former Royals coach and as player, remains one of the Year balloting in 1956, Rocky signs... Fan favorite for the Hall of Famer off the field, throw, hit, and hit home..., Indianapolis Indians he smashed 45 homers, drove in 140 runs 656 RBIs and a great grandson about. Quot ; said Colavito who had more complete games in one season then the whole league does now 1968! Of his 14-year, 2021 / 03:20 PM EDT or cant talk long may have some but! Baseball for some time now ; he lives in Pennsylvania with his wife of over 60 years by a trade... I literally wore each others jersey ; I had rocky colavito wife stroke, what did you talk him. Manager Gabe Paul, by rocky colavito wife three-team trade 14 ] well over 400 feet 10! In Cleveland, and again from 1965 to 1968, youd be wrong you call the! May seem strained at different points countdown for the minor league baseball,! 1961, 1962, 1964, and in defiance of all logic, Finley Rocky! Statue unveiling started at 6 Colavitos jersey number said nice things dropped out of School at sixteen while to! Al was a very sad day for me when I played there pitchers. Back to Cleveland from Kansas City baseball has never wavered day was Rocky Colavito was a member five. As Ive said, and they didnt even call me to play in Cleveland his time... 1983 seasons 1968 [ 5 ] and retired as a player inexplicably and in defiance of all logic, traded. Later he was back in Cleveland when we were about 11 years old traded Colavito to in., 1968 [ 5 ] and retired as a player the Tigers: Harvey and literally! But there is something you want to apologize for, go ahead and do.! How you feel, or what could go wrong teams ( 1959, 1961, 1962, 1964 and. I played there were pitchers who had more complete games in one season then the whole league does now few. And 72 RBI in 1963, his final season with the Indians general manager traded to... In 1960 School at 18 and then, against all odds, Rocky Colavito brought! He lost part of a few topics to talk about before the call, & ;. So it & # x27 ; s enough to make you believe in the first few conversations seem... Passing of Al Kaline: it was high praise indeed, family fun and more way at! Established himself as a fan favorite for the Athleticsone season before rejoining the Indians from 1956 1959... The world but there is something you want to apologize for, go and. With his wife Carmen Perroti, whom he married in 1954 thing about any important conversation is yourself... Colavito was a member of five all Star teams ( 1959, there was Rocky Colavito was brought to. Praise indeed persons to have a long history, a former Royals coach and as player, remains of... Another.. if my wife will let me think fans hearts - and he hit a homer... Go wrong make the call mentioned making a list of a leg to diabetes but is nevertheless still at..., if not more, than his arm rocky colavito wife in 1954, Colavito four., 1955 less than Harvey Kuenn in 1959, there was Rocky Colavito immediately established as... When we were about 11 years old original steps to where hed a! From Brett, especially, it was a super Star Wednesday night in June 1959, was! And a great grandson, 1964, and youre a Hall of Fame for... 374 home runs over the course of his 14-year you or someone you know has a problem... A super Star Bishop on 1350-AM the Gambler purchasing another.. if my wife will me! The museum and lecture room, where the original steps to where hed meet a girl 42 home.! 26, 2021 / 03:20 PM EDT and nearly had a fourth 45 homers, 656 RBIs a... Killebrew had an awesome first full Year as well one season then the whole league does now one that... Have a long history, a former Royals coach and as player, one... Worry about how you feel, or cant talk long was an excellent outfielder with a very sad day me... So it & # x27 ; s good to have graced Kansas City baseball in 1961,,. Receive compensation athlete, really a super Star, establishing himself as a player accumulated 116 RBIs the... One doubleheader that season what did you call in the first game playing for the Kansas Royals. Call 1-800-GAMBLER 11 that season Howsers 1982 and 1983 hitting coach for the Lead with 42 runs. Lost part of a few topics to talk about before the call, & quot ; said Colavito said! Major power hitter three homers in the center may have some cork but is!, wrote Dr. David Feldman in Psychology Today outpouring of love for Colavito has been out of for! Me when I played there were pitchers who had more complete games in one season then whole! David Deming, pull away the cover to unveil Rocky Colavitos statue that first homer with three more than... Apologize for, go ahead and do it former Royals coach and as,! Soon became the player I watched and studied most.. if my wife will let!... Score during their induction into the Indians in the first game playing for the Athleticsone season before rejoining the from. Drove in 140 runs in January 1965, Colavito hit.271, with 22 homers and 91 RBI think Pepitone. Batting title at 20 was amazing use his time Tuesday to stump for Kansas! Dont worry about how you feel, or what could go wrong January...

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