Red Sox Hall of Famer From CT Dies

Jimmy Piersall, the Red Sox Hall of Famer who was in the middle of a star-studded outfield, died Saturday, the team announced this morning. He was 87.

Piersall died at a care facility in Wheaton, Ill., following a months-long illness.

A two-time All-Star and Gold Glove-winning outfielder who played between fellow Red Sox Hall of Famers Ted Williams and Jackie Jensen, Piersall won the team's MVP award in 1956. He played eight of his 17 seasons with the club (1950, '52-58.) (To sign up for free, local breaking news alerts from more than 100 Connecticut communities click here.)

Piersall is regarded as one of the slickest glovemen of his era

Piersall also holds the team record for most hits in a nine-inning game, going for 6 for 6 in a 1953 contest. He led the club in stolen bases three times, runs twice, and triples once.

For his career, he batted .272 with 256 doubles, 52 triples, 104 home runs, 115 stolen bases, 591 RBIs, and 811 runs scored.

His 1955 autobiography about a nervous breakdown he suffered and mental health battles was made into a 1957 movie.

Piersall was born on November 14, 1929 in Waterbury, CT, a Red Sox fan.
He is survived by his wife, Jan, and his children, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Photo: Hulton Archive via Getty Images

By Mike Carraggi (Patch National Staff)