A former baseball player, Joe Pepitone, passed away on Monday, March 14, 2022. Joe Pepitone was an All-Star and Gold Glove first baseman for the New York Yankees during the 1960s, known for his flamboyant personality and nightlife.
Keep reading this article to learn more about the life and career of Joe Pepitone, including information about his cause of death, who he was, and much more.
Who was Joe Pepitone?
Joe Pepitone’s life was marked by tragedy and adversity from a young age. Born and raised in Park Slope, Brooklyn, Pepitone attended Manual Training High School. However, at the age of 17, he was shot by a classmate at the school during the same week that his father passed away due to a stroke at just 39 years old. Despite this traumatic event, Pepitone did not press charges against the shooter.
Despite the challenges he faced, Pepitone went on to become a baseball star, with a successful career that included two All-Star appearances and three Gold Gloves. He played for the New York Yankees, the Chicago Cubs, and the Houston Astros during his time in the major leagues.
IABF is saddened by the loss of Italian American great Joe Pepitone, who played with the Yankees, Astros, Cubs and Braves from 1962-1973.
— Italian American Baseball Foundation (@IABF5) March 13, 2023
Pepitone was a three-time all-star and three-time Gold Glove Award winner.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/fUDS4THDgX
Despite his success on the field, however, Pepitone’s life was not without its struggles, including battles with addiction and legal issues. Nevertheless, he remained a beloved figure in the baseball community, and his contributions to the sport will not be forgotten.
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How did Joe Pepitone Die? What was his Cause of death?
Joe Pepitone, a celebrated first baseman for the New York Yankees during the 1960s, has passed away at the age of 82. Pepitone was known not only for his impressive skills on the field, but also for his charismatic personality and love for the nightlife. He was a two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner who played for the Yankees from 1962 to 1969 before finishing his career with stints on the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros.
Pepitone was discovered dead on Monday morning at his daughter’s home in Kansas City, Missouri, where he had been living. The cause of death is currently unknown, but it is suspected to be a heart attack. His son, BJ Pepitone, confirmed the news of his father’s passing. The baseball community and fans alike mourn the loss of this legendary player and send their condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Joe Pepitone’s contributions to the sport and his larger-than-life personality will never be forgotten.
Statement from The New York Yankees on the passing of Joe Pepitone: pic.twitter.com/XckqVACsfa
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 13, 2023
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Joe Pepitone’s Career in New York Yankees
Joe Pepitone’s baseball career began in 1958 when he signed with the New York Yankees as an amateur free agent. After playing four seasons in the minor leagues, he made his debut with the Yankees in 1962 as Moose Skowron’s backup at first base. Pepitone batted .239 in 63 games that season. The following year, the Yankees traded Skowron, believing that Pepitone was ready to take on the starting role. Pepitone responded with a strong season, batting .271 with 27 home runs and 89 RBIs. However, in the 1963 World Series, he made a costly error that led to the Los Angeles Dodgers winning the championship.
In 1964, Pepitone continued to perform well, batting .251 with 28 home runs and 100 RBIs. He hit a grand slam in Game 6 of the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, but the Yankees lost the series. Pepitone remained popular with fans throughout the 1960s, and even played center field after Mickey Mantle’s mobility was reduced due to bad knees. However, by the end of the decade, as the Yankees struggled to achieve a .500 winning percentage, fans began to boo Pepitone for his lackluster play and inability to get on base, particularly as a left-handed power hitter in the original Yankee Stadium. Despite this, Pepitone’s contributions to the Yankees during the 1960s were significant, and he remains a memorable figure in the team’s history.
Steve Mona posted a photo on his social media account and wrote: The last photo is of “The Bisk” in front of Joe’s childhood home, 266 St. Mark’s Place, Brooklyn, NY.
Obituary and Funeral Arrangemnets
BJ Pepitone, the son of former baseball player Joe Pepitone, has stated that the family has not yet made any decisions regarding funeral arrangements for his father, who passed away on Monday. Joe Pepitone was a beloved figure in the baseball community, known for his flamboyant personality, hairpieces, and successful career, which included two All-Star appearances and three Gold Gloves. The family is likely to announce funeral arrangements soon.
Tributes to Joe Pepitone
We lost a good one today. Rest in Peace Joe Pepitone. Truely was a great friend and teammate. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Pepitone family. pic.twitter.com/b53tdcdaXO
— Fergie Jenkins (@fergieajenkins) March 13, 2023
TamiAnn Giannella Wrote,
RIP 
Joe Pepitone.. Back in 1989 I was hired to do a modeling job for this baseball card trade show. Was so much fun spending the day with Joe Pepitone, Tommie Agee, Ed Charles, Jim Bouton and Ed Kranepool… thanks for a memorable day Joe!
Joe Pepitone, 82, died. An early career story. Still have it. At his BK salon. pic.twitter.com/Et6m2phFMS
— Peter Vecsey (@PeterVecsey1) March 13, 2023
