Rocky Colavito, a nine-time MLB All-Star and 14-year Major League veteran, died on Tuesday.
He was 91 years old.
The Guardians expressed their sympathy in a statement on social media, writing about his importance to the Cleveland franchise, where he played eight years in two stints.
“The Cleveland Guardians are deeply saddened by the passing of Rocky Colavito. A fan favorite, Rocky spent eight of his 14 MLB seasons in Cleveland. He represented the club in the All-Star Game. He competed three times and finished in the top five in MVP voting three times. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this time.”
Born in the Bronx in 1933, Colavito attended Theodore Roosevelt High School before dropping out to play semi-pro baseball, eventually signing a professional contract with the then-Cleveland Indians in 1951 at the age of 17. .
He made his major league debut in 1955, finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting, and went on to become one of the best power hitters of the '50s and '60s.
In 1958 and 1959, Colavito hit a combined 83 home runs, and in the latter half led the American League with 42 home runs.
After being transferred to Detroit before the 1960 season, the outfielder had arguably his best season in 1961, hitting career highs with 45 home runs and 140 RBIs.
He pitched in a 2013 game before the team's game against the Angels. AP
Colavito's career came full circle in its twilight, when he signed with the Yankees in 1968 and played in his final 39 major league games, hitting five more home runs with his hometown club.
He finished his career with 374 long balls and earned MVP votes in six different seasons.
