Tony Cuccinello
From BR Bullpen
Anthony Francis Cuccinello (Cooch or Chick)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 7", Weight 160 lb.
- Debut April 15, 1930
- Final Game September 25, 1945
- Born November 8, 1907 in Long Island City, NY USA
- Died September 21, 1995 in Tampa, FL USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Tony Cuccinello played in the first All-Star Game in 1933. In 1945, his final season as a player, he nearly won the American League batting title while playing for the Chicago White Sox. Going into the season's final day, he had a .002 lead over Snuffy Stirnweiss of the New York Yankees. Stirnweiss went 3 for 3 that day to win the batting crown while Cuccinello sat idle as the Sox doubleheader was rained out.
Cuccinello was player/manager of the International League's Jersey City Giants in 1941, and was set to manage in 1942 when he was released so he could sign with the Boston Braves and continue his playing career.
After his playing career ended, he went on to be a major league coach, spending many years on the staff of his close friend Al Lopez. Cuccinello managed the Tampa Smokers in 1947 and was a coach for the Indianapolis Indians in 1948. He was then a coach for the Cincinnati Reds (1949-1951), Cleveland Indians (1952-1956), Chicago White Sox (1957-1966), Detroit Tigers (1967-1968), and White Sox again (1969).
His brother Al Cuccinello also played in the majors.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 3-time All-Star (1933, 1938 & 1945)
