Cleveland has lost one of its baseball icons. Rocky Colavito, a name synonymous with power at the plate and deep-rooted loyalty from fans, passed away at 91, the Guardians announced Tuesday. A nine-time All-Star, Colavito spent eight of his 14 MLB seasons in Cleveland, becoming one of the franchise's most beloved figures.
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Colavito's journey with Cleveland began in 1955, and by 1959, he had cemented himself as one of baseball's premier sluggers, leading the American League with 42 home runs. Then came the trade. Right before the 1960 season, Cleveland shipped the 25-year-old Colavito to Detroit in a move that stunned fans. Trading away the league's reigning home run leader didn't just sting—it became the stuff of legend.
The Cleveland Guardians are deeply saddened by the loss of Rocky Colavito. Beloved by fans, Rocky spent eight of his fourteen MLB seasons with Cleveland. He represented the club in three All-Star Games while finishing top-5 in MVP voting on three occasions.
Our thoughts go out… pic.twitter.com/9oB22dwb7m— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) December 11, 2024
So much so that it inspired a book. Terry Pluto's "The Curse of Rocky Colavito" argued that Cleveland's baseball woes over the decades—from endless rebuilds to playoff heartbreaks—were somehow tied to that infamous trade. True or not, the story only added to Colavito's mythical status in the city.
Cleveland eventually made amends, reacquiring Colavito in a trade before the 1965 season. He played three more seasons with the team, earning his final two All-Star nods, before bouncing around the league and retiring in 1968. By the end of his 14-year career, Colavito had racked up a .266 batting average, 374 home runs, and 1,159 RBIs—numbers that solidify his place among baseball's greats.
But for Cleveland, it was more than the stats. Colavito was a symbol of what baseball meant to the city: passion, power, and a little heartbreak. His legacy will always loom large, not just for his home runs but for the bond he shared with a fanbase that adored him. Rest in peace, Rocky—you'll always be Cleveland's legend.
