Rocky Colavito

Rocky Colavito was one of the most charismatic sluggers of the 1950s and early ’60s, a beloved fan favorite known for his towering home runs and flair for the dramatic. A four-time 40 home run hitter and nine-time All-Star, Colavito starred for the Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers, finishing his 14-year career with 374 home runs. In Cleveland, his impact was so profound that fans still refer to the “Curse of Rocky Colavito” after his controversial trade in 1960, a deal that many believe set the franchise back for decades.

Known for his strong arm and powerful bat, Colavito also helped change the image of the outfield slugger into something more dynamic and expressive. While others made headlines with activism, Colavito helped create the conditions in which integrated teams could flourish, by accepting teammates as equals and playing the game with infectious passion. He remains one of the most revered figures in Cleveland sports history, not just for what he did on the field, but for the way he carried himself off it.