Joe Pepitone was one of the most beloved Yankees of the 1960’s.
Sadly, he passed away yesterday at the age of 82.
Known for his flamboyant personality and playboy lifestyle, Pepitone was a homegrown kid from Brooklyn who became an instant fan-favorite.
Pepitone signed with the Yankees in 1958 and was a key member on their 1962 World Series winning team.
He went on to have a successful career consisting of three all-star selections and three gold glove awards.
Known to be quite vain and obsessed about his appearance, Pepitone grew to be self-deprecating later in life, which made him even more popular with Yankee fans.
He authored his well-known autobiography in 1975, titled “Joe, You Coulda Made Us Proud.”
The acclaimed book detailed his nightlife adventures with Frank Sinatra, his partying with Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford, as well as his four month jail stint at Rikers Island for misdemeanor drug convictions.
Pepitone certainly lived an eventful life…
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 13, 2023
The baseball world reacted to the sad news on social media…
“One of the great characters of the game. Grew up on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. First thing he did with his Yankees signing bonus was to buy a Thunderbird Convertible.”
One of the great characters of the game. Grew up on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. First thing he did with his Yankees signing bonus was to buy a Thunderbird Convertible.
— Douglas T. Branch “Swim Fan” (@DouglasTBranch1) March 14, 2023
“Growing up in the 60s i loved the Yankees. His gm 6 GS at Sportsmans Park i heard on the radio. I was 11. Mantle Maris Howard Tresh Pepitone……..”
Growing up in the 60s i loved the Yankees. His gm 6 GS at Sportsmans Park i heard on the radio. I was 11. Mantle Maris Howard Tresh Pepitone……..
— Tom (@TomHollywood54) March 13, 2023
“Grew up Mantle fan. Never saw him (or Maris) live. Met Pepitone briefly…Found him scary man…He should have made TV and movie cameos playing mobster…”
Grew up Mantle fan. Never saw him (or Maris) live. Met Pepitone briefly…Found him scary man…He should have made TV and movie cameos playing mobster…
— writer (@statisticsphd) March 14, 2023
“Joe Pepitone, a former first baseman and legendary character for the New York Yankees during the 1960s, who was both an All-Star and Gold Glove winner, passed away at the age of 82. We offer our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Joe Pepitone, a former first baseman and legendary character for the New York Yankees during the 1960s, who was both an All-Star and Gold Glove winner, passed away at the age of 82. We offer our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/K7AE8nVznf
— Hardcore Italians (@HardcoreItalian) March 14, 2023
“From what I have read he was a really great person off the field. He will be missed!”
From what I have read he was a really great person off the field. He will be missed!
— Flesh Gordon (@TheFleshGordon) March 14, 2023
RIP
— Kyle (@UKfanKyle) March 14, 2023