Fun facts about Jim Pagliaroni:
-Born in Dearborn, MI, Jim signed with the Red Sox as a bonus baby in 1955.
-He made his debut at age 17, but appeared in only one game before going to the minors for seasoning.
-Jim returned to Boston in 1960, hitting .306 in 28 games.
-He took over the starting duties behind the plate in 1961, and hit a game-tying grand slam with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning on June 18. The Sox had given up five runs in the top of the frame to fall behind 12-5, and rallied back for eight runs and a thrilling walkoff win. For an encore, he caught all 13 innings of the second game of that day's doubleheader and hit the game-winning homer!
-Caught Bill Monbouquette's no-hitter in 1962 and Catfish Hunter's perfect game in 1968.
-Was traded to Pittsburgh and spent four seasons as their primary catcher (1963-1966).
-Set a Pirates record for home runs by a catcher with 17 in 1965, also driving in a career-high 65 runs.
-Finished his career with a year-plus in Oakland and a forty-game swing with the Seattle Pilots, playing his last game in 1969.
-In parts of 11 seasons he hit .252 with 90 home runs and 326 RBI.
-After retiring, Jim went on to live in Grass Valley, CA, where he was executive director of a food and agricultural company servicing the Pacific Rim. He passed away just last month, having suffered from cancer and heart ailments. He was 72.
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