Joe Pepitone, the former New York Yankees All-Star first baseman and Gold Glove winner in the 1960s, passed away at the age of 82 on Wednesday, October 13, 2021. The news of his death was announced by the Yankees organization, and it was soon shared by his family and fans worldwide.
Born on October 9, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York, Pepitone was raised in a large Italian-American family. He started playing baseball as a young boy and grew up to become one of the most talented players of his generation. Pepitone was drafted by the Yankees in 1958, and he made his Major League debut with the team in 1962.
Over the course of his ten-year career with the Yankees, Pepitone was known for his powerful swing, solid defense, and colorful personality. He was a three-time All-Star, twice won the Gold Glove Award for his fielding prowess, and was a member of two World Series championship teams in 1962 and 1972.
Off the field, Pepitone had a reputation for his flashy style and playboy lifestyle. He was often seen partying at New York City’s hottest nightclubs and dating some of the city’s most glamorous women. However, his personal life was also marked by tragedy, including the murder of his brother, Billy, in 1967.
After retiring from baseball in 1973, Pepitone continued to make headlines for his colorful antics. He appeared in several movies and TV shows, hosted a radio show, and even wrote a memoir about his life and career. Throughout it all, he remained a beloved figure to Yankees fans, who remembered him as one of the team’s biggest stars of the 1960s.
Upon hearing news of Pepitone’s passing, many fans took to social media to express their condolences and share memories of the beloved former All-Star. Former Yankees teammate Bobby Richardson tweeted, “Joe was a great teammate and a great friend. He lived life to the fullest and will always be remembered as one of the true characters of our game.”
Overall, Joe Pepitone will be remembered for his contributions to the New York Yankees and the game of baseball. His passing represents the end of an era and a loss for fans who remember him as one of the most colorful and talented players of his generation.
