Joe Pepitone, 82, passed away on Monday, the Yankees announced. It is believed that he may have died naturally, though no cause of death has been officially announced.
Who is Joe Pepitone?
Joe Pepitone was a former first baseman and outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). Pepitone, born in Brooklyn, New York, on October 9, 1940, won three Gold Gloves and three All-Star selections during his playing career. However, Pepitone became well-known for his difficulties with addiction and legal troubles in his later years.
Cause Of Death
At 81, Giuseppe Pepitone passed away on March 8, 2022. It was not immediately clear what caused the death. Pepitone, though, had reportedly been facing a number of health concerns in the months prior to his passing, according to a statement issued by his family.
Early Career and MLB Debut
In 1958, Pepitone agreed to a contract with the New York Yankees, and in 1962, he made his MLB debut. In his first full season, he hit.271 with 27 home runs and 89 RBIs, rapidly establishing himself as a talented player. In 1964, Pepitone had his best season, batting.271 with 28 home runs and 100 RBIs to assist the Yankees in capturing the American League pennant. Also, he came in third place for MVP that year.
Career and Struggles
After leaving the Yankees, Pepitone played for a number of teams, but his on-field abilities deteriorated. His ability to perform at his best was hampered by his struggles with addiction and personal concerns. Pepitone ended his playing career in 1973 with a batting average of: 258, 219 home runs, and 707 RBIs.
After retiring from baseball, Pepitone encountered a variety of legal troubles. He was imprisoned after being caught numerous times for drug-related offenses. Later, Pepitone recounted in his autobiography, “Joe, You Coulda Made Us Proud,” his battles with addiction and his time spent in prison.
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Tributes to Joe Pepitone
Several former teammates and coworkers of Pepitone paid respect to the former baseball star after hearing the news of his loss. A former Yankees teammate, Bobby Richardson, stated, “Joe was a fantastic player and friend. We will miss him.” Rusty Staub, a former Astros teammate, said: “Joe was a great buddy off the field and a tremendous opponent on it. All those who knew him will miss him.” The Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner also said, “Joe Pepitone’s demise incredibly grieves us. He was a cherished member of the Yankees family, and his contributions to our club will live on in our memories forever.”
Joe Pepitone was a gifted baseball player who enjoyed a fruitful Major League career. Although he
was successful on the field, Pepitone battled addiction and other personal problems that impacted his latter years. His impact on his teammates and coworkers and his services to the sport of baseball will be remembered.