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Retire Tony C's number 25 |
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| SIGN PETITION |
Born just a stones throw from Fenway Park in Revere, MA, Tony Conigliaro entered the hearts of New England as a member of the Boston Red Sox at young age of just 19-years-old. Conigliaro homered in his very first at bat at Fenway Park hitting a shot over the Green Monster and into the screen.
In his rookie season in 1964, Conigliaro hit .290 with 24 home runs and 52 RBI. His second season with the Boston Red Sox proved to be even better when Tony C led the American League in home runs with 32.
In that magical season of the Impossible Dream, Conigliaro was selected to play in the 1967 All Star game at the age of 22 and in that same season became the youngest player to hit a total of 100 home run in their career. With 25 home runs, Conigliaro holds the Major League record for most home runs by a teenager.
Tragically, the promising career of Tony Conigliaro came to a crashing halt when on the night of August 18, 1967 a fastball out of the hand of Jack Hamilton collided with the cheekbone of the hometown hero. An unfortunate accident tragically altered what had the makeup to being a sure Hall of Fame career, but now we will never know.
Tony C returned to the Red Sox a year and a half later in 1969 hitting 20 home runs with 81 RBI for the Red Sox. His incredible efforts of determination and prosperity earned him the Comeback Player of the Year award. If there was a such thing as the Comeback Player of the Century award, I'm sure Tony Conigliaro would be atop the list to receive such an honor.
How am I so sure of this? Well, beginning in 1990, the Red Sox instituted an award in honor of Tony Conigliaro. The award is given annually to the player that "best overcomes an obstacle and adversity through the attributes of spirit, determination and courage that were trademarks of Conigliaro".
After the pitch that ended his 1967 season, Tony C put together his best season in his career even after his vision had been impaired by the misguided fastball. In 1970, Conigliaro belted 36 home runs and drove in 116 runs, both of which were career highs for the slugging Sox outfielder.
Tony C batted .267 in his years with the Red Sox with a total of 162 home runs and drove in a total of 501 runs in the 802 games in which he played wearing a Boston Red Sox uniform.
On February 24, 1990, our beloved Tony Conigliaro passed away at the age of 45. Tony C will always be remember as one of the greatest and most inspirational players to ever don the Red Sox uniform. In his honor, and I know I don't stand alone when I say this, I propose this petition to see that the next number to be retired by the Boston Red Sox is the number 25 worn by Tony Conigliaro throughout his entire career with the Red Sox.
I would like to thank anyone who signs this petition in advance as I'm sure there will be many of you. The retiring of his number 25 is long overdue and with your help, we can see that it is finally done.
Petition:
| By signing this petition you hereby support the effort to ensure that Tony Conigliaro's number 25 is officially retired by the Boston Red Sox. |
| SIGN PETITION |
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