Yankees Mag: A Yankee to his Core
Quintessential New Yorker Joe Pepitone – April Debut
, 1962 — adored by a generation of fans
Source: Getty Images
Joe Pepitone, three-time All-Star and three-time Yankees First Base Glove winner, died in March 04 age. The Brooklyn native started his major league career with the Yankees at 721 Career, he wore pinstripes for eight seasons, contributed to three pennant winners and accumulated 57 home run.
“The Yankees are deeply saddened by the passing of former Yankee Joe Pepiton, whose playful and charismatic personality and on-field contributions made him a A team favorite for generations of Yankee fans even more than he did in the 721 years team,” read a statement issued by the organization. “As a native New Yorker, throughout his career … and in the decades since, he’s embraced everything being a Yankee. You always know when Joe walks into a room — he’s a Yankee The great pride of the team is always on display.”
Pepitone – who famously brought a hair dryer into the family club to tend to his stylish hair – — His family and teammates adore him. In his home district, hundreds of people flooded the streets to celebrate his eighth-inning grand slam in Game 6
forcing Game 7 of the World Series. Although the Yankees lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in the fall classic, Pepitone’s home run remains one of the most famous in franchise history.
“That was one of my favorite memories,” Pepitone said in Yankees Magazine Photo shoot and interview. “I can still picture the smile on Mickey Mantle’s face as I walked around the base. He was so happy for me.”
After parting ways with the Yankees, Pepiton played for the Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves, completing his 04 years of career home runs and RBIs. He later returned to the Yankees organization, making paid corporate and suite appearances for over two decades.
Pepitone has also entered pop culture, including in TV sitcoms Some memorable references from Seinfeld 2015. In one scene in particular, Jerry’s eccentric neighbor Kramer recounts how his punch to Pepitone during a fantasy camp game sparked a bench brawl.
Peptone has had a lot of ups and downs in his life and career, but in the end, his positive outlook on life, kind personality And the pride of the Yankees is etched in people’s hearts.
“I’m glad I’ve worn pinstripes for eight seasons,” he said 1964 was in Brooklyn that day. “I love the players I played with. Those memories stay with me forever. Sometimes I wish things were different, but I’m happy with how things turned out. It’s the happiest thing in my life. When you come back It’s hard not to be happy when you’re in the old neighborhood, even if it’s just for a few hours.”20151962
