From a “Sidekick’s” Perspective UPDATED!
– Jill Gazzo
For weeks I heard many stories from my husband, Joe Gazzo and his partner, Randy Mintz about a legendary baseball player, from back in the day, by the name of Rocky Colavito.
I was invited to tag along on an interesting journey to visit Rocky in Reading, PA.
We started out on Friday along the Pennsylvania Turnpike which became more beautiful as the miles passed. The conversation during the entire trip included fascinating details about Rocky’s career, and most importantly what a great man he was, on and off the field. Everyone seemed to love this man and would do anything to get a “piece of history” from this beloved baseball player.
We were fortunate enough to have an invitation from Rocky’s very good friend and wife to meet them for dinner at a quaint little restaurant, 201 West. What a beautiful evening we shared with great conversation about so many memories. Steve and Lucy had us back to their home which was another treat as we experienced a step back in time. They are antique lovers, and of course huge fans of their best friend Rocky.
Saturday was the huge opportunity for me to meet Rocky and his wife Carmen for the first time. Humble and engaging are the words to describe this beautiful couple! Rocky kept reiterating that he is so surprised that his fans remember him this some 50 years later! We also celebrated Carmen’s birthday while we were there and “serenaded” her with a Happy Birthday rendition. The purpose of the trip was to pick up the signed limited edition prints entitled “On Deck” that Joe created of Rocky with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Rocky Colavito statue.
The highlight of the day for Rocky and all of us was a presentation from Bob Zimmer, president of the Baseball Heritage Museum at Cleveland’s Historic league Park, for the first honorary lifetime member award at the museum.
Rocky also had the opportunity to speak with Fox Sports Commentator John Fanta, host of Rodeo Kick Round Table, as a preview of the upcoming interview taking place in a few weeks. Stay Tuned! It was hard to leave that day. My husband Joe reminded me that there are surely throngs of fans that would have loved to have been in my shoes that sunny Saturday in Reading PA!!
The ride back home was filled with gratitude for having experienced a truly magical moment!
Now For Sale!
Rocky Colavito AUTOGRAPHED Limited Edition Portrait Print – Artist: Joe Gazzo.
Photo Gallery
An assortment of Joe Gazzo’s art and events around Cleveland, Ohio
Rocky Colavito was my favorite all time Cleveland Indians player. I met Rocky and Carmen at a card show at the Strongsville, Ohio Holiday Inn some years back. Rocky was signing and Carmen came by my table and we talked. I will never forget that day.
When I played ball (which I did until 3 years ago at the age of 74 because of a heart attack with the Parma Huff-n-Puffers) I stretched the bat behind my back like Rocky did.
I cried the day he was traded, it was hard to believe a player as loved as Rocky would get traded.
That is why I had to purchase the print of my favorite player which is absolutely beautiful .
Thank you,
George
George, I feel your pain. I was so upset when the Tigers traded him I believe to the Yankees. I still remember the day Rocky came into to pitch for the Yankees. Must have been around 1964 or 65.
Rocky Colavito was my favorite Indians player and he still is. I remember getting Rocky’s autograph after an Indians game when I was 8 years old. I followed him from the stadium to his car holding my pen and scorebook out just hoping he’d sign it before he got into his car and drove away. He was talking to another person who was parked a few cars away and I didn’t want to interrupt their conversation so I just stood there with my pen and scorebook waiting and hoping to get his autograph. My hopes were quickly fading when Rocky opened his car door to get in while he continued to talk to the other person. To my complete surprise he signed my scorecard before he got into his car. I don’t remember what kind of car he had or even what color it was and I don’t even remember walking back to my grandfather who had taken me to the game, but I remember getting Rocky Colavito’s autograph like it was yesterday even though it happened over 60 years ago.
Thanks Jill for letting us share with your experience visiting Rocky and Carmen. Great memories to keep close. I love baseball, but it was bigger to me growing up because of Rocky.
When Rocky got traded to the Tigers my team for Harvey Kueen the headlines said something like Singles traded for homeruns. I watched him play for the next few years with the Tigers and he became my favorite player. What I most admired about him was his hustle. Not blessed with the greatest speed, but a cannon for an arm and being flat footed, any ball he got to he caught. He ran to/from his position. Someone once asked him why he did that. He said something to the effect that I loved this game and I’m just happy to have the opportunity to play every day. What few realize is that he played an entire season without making an error in the outfield. Thank you Rocky. Don’t Knock the Rock!