The sports world marks the passing of a legend as the Cleveland Guardians announced the death of Hall of Famer Rocky Colavito at 91. Known for his impressive home runs and being a fan favorite, Colavito died peacefully at his Pennsylvania home. The Cleveland19 report included sentiments from the Guardians Senior Vice President/Public Affairs Bob DiBiasio, who said, "Our collective hearts ache at the passing of Rocky." Colavito's career spanned eight seasons with Cleveland, and he was seen leading the MLB with a .620 slugging percentage in 1958.

In an unpopular move, Colavito was traded to the Detroit Tigers in 1960, igniting the "Curse of Rocky Colavito," which plagued the team's performance for years. In a statement obtained by News 5 Cleveland, DiBiasio recounted Colavito's impact on fans, saying via Cleveland.com, "His popularity was evident across Northeastern Ohio as sandlot players imitated Rocky’s on-deck circle routine of kneeling, then as he stepped into the batter’s box stretching the bat over his shoulders and pointing the bat at the pitcher."

Colavito returned to Cleveland in 1965 and remained with the team until 1967. His contributions to baseball weren't limited to his athletic prowess; after retiring, Colavito found roles in Cleveland TV and as a coach for the then-Indians. Commemorating his influence and love for Cleveland, a life-sized statue was erected in his honor in Little Italy in 2021. According to News 5 Cleveland, Colavito unveiled the statue on his 88th birthday.

Mark Sommer, the biographer of Colavito, detailed the late athlete's health struggles before his passing. Having celebrated his 70th wedding anniversary with his wife Carmen this year, Colavito also made comparisons between himself and Joe DiMaggio. Auf, Rocky loved Cleveland so much that he told cleveland.com, "When the statue was unveiled for him a few years ago he thanked God that he got to play in Cleveland." Rocco Domenico "Rocky" Colavito Jr., a storied member of the Guardians family, was born on August 10, 1933.