Rocky Colavito, Cleveland Baseball Icon and Power Hitter, Dies at 91

Colavito, known for his legendary slugging and controversial 1960 trade, left an indelible mark on Cleveland sports history.

Rocky Colavito, a six-time All-Star and one of Cleveland's most beloved baseball players, passed away on December 10, 2024, at the age of 91, with the cause of death not disclosed.
Colavito's 1960 trade from Cleveland to Detroit for Harvey Kuenn is widely regarded as one of the most disastrous in baseball history, leading to a decades-long decline for the Cleveland franchise.
During his career, Colavito hit 374 home runs, including a rare four-home-run game in 1959, and led the league in RBIs in 1965 after briefly returning to Cleveland.
Colavito's bond with Cleveland endured long after his playing days, culminating in a statue erected in his honor in 2021 in the city's Little Italy neighborhood.
Known for his charisma, powerful arm, and dedication to the game, Colavito remained a cherished figure in Cleveland, where he often expressed his deep affection for the city and its fans.