Indians Statement on the Passing of Rocky Colavito

The Indianapolis Indians are deeply saddened by the passing of Rocky Colavito, who died Tuesday night at the age of 91.

Colavito first showcased his power in an Indianapolis uniform in 1954, becoming the first of nine players in franchise history to hit three home runs in a single game on May 22 at Minneapolis. He ended the 1954 campaign with an American Association-high 38 home runs to break the Indians’ single-season record of 33 set by Wally Post the season prior and helped lead the Indians to the American Association pennant with a 95-57 record. Colavito’s single-season home run record still stands today. That year, Colavito – well-known for having a strong arm – also entertained fans by standing on home plate at old Victory Field (later renamed Bush Stadium) and throwing a baseball over the wall in center field, which measured 480 feet from home plate. Colavito returned to Indy in 1955 and hit 30 home runs, and his 68 career long balls with Indianapolis are tied for third all-time in team history alongside Razor Shines.

Colavito debuted with Cleveland on Sept. 10, 1955, and went on earn nine American League All-Star bids over his 14-year major league career. Four of those All-Star honors came with Cleveland (1959, 1965-66), four with Detroit (1961-62) and one with Kansas City (1964). He finished in the top five in AL MVP voting three times (1958-59, 1965), became the eighth of 18 players in MLB history to hit four home runs in a single game in 1959, and ended his career with 374 home runs. In 2006, Cleveland inducted Colavito into its Hall of Fame alongside pitcher Herb Score, who was Colavito’s roommate in Indianapolis during the ’54 season.

Today, Colavito is recognized on the Elements Financial Suite Level at Victory Field as one of 21 former Indianapolis players with a dedicated suite in his honor.

Matt Guay, Indianapolis Indians general manager, issued the following statement:

“We remember and honor Rocky Colavito and his contributions to the Indianapolis Indians and our history. His single-season home run record is one that may never be broken. We extend our condolences to the Colavito family and his loved ones.”