WOW! Over Twenty Two hundred baseball fans have already signed this petition with nearly 1500 positive comments in just four months. This is remarkable as Rocky Colavito retired from MLB over 55 years ago! The majority knows, even today, Rocky belongs in the HOF. Everybody loved Rocky in the 1950’s and 60’s, except MLB pitchers. Ten years of his 13 year career, no one out Home Run or out RBI’d Rocky Colavito in the American League.

Thousands of baseball fans and many analysts believe Rocky Colavito should be in the Hall of Fame. They point to his impressive power hitting statistics, including leading the league in Home Runs, RBIs, Slugging Pct., total bases and his strong defensive play, particularly his powerful throwing arm. His career OPS and OPS+ also compare very favorably to Hall of Famers from his era.

Colavito was one the top hitters in baseball in the 1950’s and 1960’s which included Mantle, Mays, Aaron, Banks and Killebrew. Rocky had a 5 year HR total when he led the Major Leagues and a 10 year HR and RBI total when he led the American League in both. It’s Unbelievable that he wasn’t enshrined into the HOF because of both. This in itself are HOF based statistics.

Please sign the petition for this deserving Baseball legend. This petition with your name and comments will eventually be sent to the Golden Days ERA Committee of the HOF. Become a part of Baseball history. Please share with your friends and relatives on social media. Thank you.
____________________________________________________________________________

WE, the undersigned, believe that Rocky Colavito deserves to be enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. We believe his records during his era are consistent with the criteria established by the Golden Days Era Committee of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Colavito name is mentioned in the first breath of power hitters: Mantle, Mays, Killebrew, Aaron, Mathews, Banks, McCovey, Frank Robinson, Duke Snider, Musial and Yastrzemski during his era. All of these players are Hall of Famers -- EXCEPT ROCKY COLAVITO!

————————————————————————————————————————

The following is a compilation of Rocky’s exceptional career in a nutshell.

1. Rocky was second in Rookie of the year voting in 1956.

2. Rocky led the ML in total Home Runs for a five year period of his 13 year career.

3. Rocky led the AL in total Home Runs and total RBI’s for ten years of a 13 year career.

4. Rocky was third in total home runs in the AL of all players in his era at the end of his 13 year career.

5. Rocky was number one in total RBI’s in the AL of all players in his era at the end of his 13 year career.

6. Rocky’s OPS and OPS+ compare well with present HOF members from his era.

7. Rocky was in the top five in MVP voting three times during his career.

8. Rocky was the AL champion in HR’s, RBI’s, and Slugging during his career.

9. Rocky led the AL twice in Total Bases with over 300 bases both times.

10. Rocky was a 6 times All Star in the AL during his 13 year career.

11. Rocky's average WAR score using the 5/7 method is 5.7. Using the "5/7 method," a WAR season average of 5.7 is an extremely strong Hall of Fame candidate.

12. Rocky played a perfect season in the outfield, with a fielding percentage of 1.000.

13. Rocky led the league in putouts five times, in range four times, in fielding runs three times, and in assists twice.

14. Rocky was one of the most loved and popular players in the 1950’s and 60’s.

15. Rocky increased the Cleveland Indians attendance in one year by over 800,000 because of his popularity with the fans.

This petition goes into a detailed compilation about each of the above.
____________________________________________________________________________

Colavito was a six-time All-Star playing in 9 all star games and hitting 3 HR’s in All Star competition. He is only the fifth player in the history of the AL to have eleven consecutive 20-home run seasons (1956–1966). He also led the AL in home runs, runs batted in, slugging average, total bases twice and bases on balls. Colavito ranked third among AL right-handed hitters for home runs (371) at the time of his retirement.

——————————————————————————————————————————

From the near beginning of Rocky’s career after just missing out being chosen as Rookie of the year in 1956, 1958 thru 1962..a 5 year sequence of MLB seasons.. he hit 200 home runs, the MOST in Major League Baseball and averaged 113 RBI’s per year. This feat alone should have got Colavito into the Hall Of Fame. He beat out the following greats, Aaron, Mays, Mantle, Mathews, Banks and Killebrew in HR’s during this exact same time period ...they were all in their prime, ALL NOW IN THE HALL OF FAME, BUT NOT COLAVITO. They ended up in the order below.

1. ***ROCKY COLAVITO 200 home runs
2. Ernie Banks 199 home runs
3. Mickey Mantle 197 home runs
4. Hank Aaron 188 home runs.
5. Eddie Mathews 187 home runs
6. Willie Mays 181 home runs.
7. Harmon Killebrew 167 home runs

Only Ernie Banks (115) and Hank Aaron (118) averaged more RBI’s than Rocky. Rocky topped all these great sluggers this 5 year period in HR’s. Rocky also led all these sluggers or was near the top in HR’s and RBI’s for 10 MLB seasons in his career. All these sluggers mentioned are in the Baseball HOF EXCEPT ROCKY COLAVITO.

——————————————————————————————————————————

Here are the home run totals of the top sluggers in Major Leagues during a same ten year timeframe: The near beginning 10 years of Rocky’s remarkable career! Rocky had the third most HR’s in the Majors. THIRD IN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL AFTER 10 STRAIGHT YEARS SHOWING GREAT CONSISTENCY!

1. Willie Mays: 390 (1957-1966)
2. Hank Aaron: 376 (1957-1966)
3. ROCKY COLAVITO 337 (1957-1966)
4. Harmon Killebrew: 327 (1957-1966)
5. Mickey Mantle: 323 (1957-1966)

DURING THIS PERIOD (1957-1966), COLAVITO WAS THE AMERICAN LEAGUE’S TOP HOME RUN HITTER (337) AND TOP RBI LEADER (936). NUMBER ONE IN BOTH! He beat out HOF sluggers like Mickey Mantle, Harmon Killebrew and all others in the American League. He achieved eleven consecutive 20-home run seasons and exceeded 30 home runs seven times and 40 home runs three times (1958, 1959, 1961). He also reached 100 RBIs six times within these years (1958, 1959, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1965). Colavito led the American League in home runs in 1959. He also led the American League in RBIs in 1965, and slugging percentage in 1958. These are Hall Of Fame statistics.

During his first 11 seasons in the major leagues, Rocky Colavito averaged 33 home runs per year. He also averaged 97.5 RBI per year during this period.

——————————————————————————————————————————

Let’s compare Rocky’s HR’s and RBI’s with the great Mickey Mantle from 1957 until 1966 (10 years with both playing in the same era)

HR’s
***Total Colavito Home Runs (1957-1966): 337 HR’s
Total Mantle Home Runs (1957-1966): 323 HR’s

RBI’s
***Total Colavito RBl (1957-1966): 936 RBI’s
Total Mantle RBI (1957-1966): 825 RBI’s

Rocky hit more HR’s and RBI’s than the great Mickey Mantle and others already in the HOF. Rocky matches up with all the great sluggers during his era.

——————————————————————————————————————————

During Rocky's complete 13 year career he hit 374 HR's and drove in 1159 runs (RBI) In his total career from 1956 - 1968. Rocky was third in HR's with only Mickey Mantle (415) and Harmon Killebrew (393) hitting more HR's in the American League during this period. Rocky during his complete career was number one in RBI's followed by Mickey Mantle (1097) and Harmon Killebrew (998) in the American League.

Rocky ended his career as the top RBI producer in the American League from his rookie year (1956) through 1968. Again this in itself, third in HR's, and first in RBI's for his career should have been enough to enshrined Rocky into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

——————————————————————————————————————————

Rocky Colavito's on-base plus slugging (OPS) and adjusted OPS (OPS+) from 1957 to 1966 (10 seasons) show a period of tremendous offensive power. OPS measures a player's ability to get on base and hit for power, while OPS+ determines how he rates against the average players.

During this span (1957-1966), Colavito averaged 34 home runs, 102 RBIs, and a 135 OPS+. Which means his play was rated 35% better than the average. Rocky Colavito's on-base plus slugging (OPS) and adjusted OPS (OPS+) from 1957 to 1966 of .874 and 135 show a period of tremendous offensive power.

As said above Rocky’s OPS+ was 135 during this period. The HOF average is 128. We must also take in consideration that Rocky’s great numbers were all before BASEBALL LOWERED THE PITCHING MOUNDS AND REDUCED THE STRIKE ZONE IN 1969 TO HELP HITTERS. We believe all of this should be taken in consideration and is enough to get Rocky’s career results into the Baseball Hall of Fame?

——————————————————————————————————————————

Colavito put together MVP-worthy seasons in ’58 and ’59 before Cleveland traded him to Detroit. Many believe he was robbed of the MVP because he played for Cleveland.

His bat was the very best in the majors in ’58, when he hit .303 with a Major League-best .620 slugging percentage. Colavito added 41 homers with 113 RBIs and a 1.024 OPS (180 OPS+) that season.

(180+ indicates a very high level of performance: Having an OPS+ of 180 signifies a player performing 80% or more above the league average, which is considered elite.)

Rocky Colavito's average OPS in his first 10 full seasons (1956-1965) was .964, and his average slugging percentage was .502. ALL HOF QUALIFYING NUMBERS. He played his first 10 seasons with the Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, and Kansas City Athletics.

——————————————————————————————————————————

Rocky was a force to be reckoned with his first 11 years. In 1959, the Cleveland Indians won 89 games and lost 65, finishing 2nd in the American League behind Rocky’s huge success and in 1961 Rocky also led the Detroit Tigers to 101 wins. Detroit finished the season with a record of 101-61 again 2nd to the NY Yankees. His fan base was unbelievably large during his years with Cleveland and Detroit and continues today, 50 years plus after his retirement.

Probably the most telling statistic is his career OPS (on-base percentage + slugging average) compared to players already in the Hall of Fame whose careers overlapped with Colavito's. Colavito ranks 17th when added to the list of 35 already Hall members of his era. Rocky ranks ahead of Reggie Jackson, Carl Yastrzemski and Roberto Clemente. Rocky was in the top 5 in MVP voting three different years.

——————————————————————————————————————————

The following is also why Rocky Colavito belongs in the HOF.

Hall Of Fame member’s OPS average is .837, whereas Rocky’s lifetime OPS average was .848, his first 10 years his OPS was .964.

Rocky Colavito hit 374 career HR’s, whereas HOF members averaged 225. He hit 4 consecutive HR’s in one game. Rocky also has the distinction of being the only Major Leaguer to hit 4 home runs on two different days. He almost achieved this rare feat three times.

Hall Of Fame members averaged 1203 RBI’s and averaged 18 year careers, whereas Rocky’s total is 1159 slightly less because his career was only 13 years. Rocky’s rookie season started in 1956. During Rocky’s career no one had more RBI’s in the American League than Rocky. Rocky’s RBI average is higher than the average HOF member.

Hall Of Fame member’s SLG percentage average is .468, whereas Rocky’s lifetime SLG average is .489. His SLG average was .502 his first 10 years in the Majors. His best year was 1958 with an Major League leading .620.

——————————————————————————————————————————

The American League batting averages for all players was .254 in 1958, .253 in 1959, .253 in 1960, .255 in 1961, and .254 in 1962. A five year MLB average of .255. Colavito’s batting average was .274 during this period. Rocky’s average during this period was .19 points higher than the average Major League batting averages. Rocky’s batting average was .273 from 1956-1965. His best three years he hit .303, .290, and .287.

——————————————————————————————————————————

Rocky possessed arguably the strongest arm of any right fielder of his time. Few runners dared to attempt to stretch hits or advance to 3rd on him. Rocky Colavito shares the MLB record for the highest fielding percentage by an outfielder in a season (1.000), which he achieved in 1965.

Colavito also had a strong fielding record, particularly as a right fielder. Rocky Colavito threw out 16 runners on the bases in one season. He also had an average of 11 runners thrown out per year throughout his career, contributing to his strong defensive performance.

Here's a more detailed look at his fielding achievements:

Perfect Fielding Percentage: In 1965, Colavito played a perfect season in the outfield, with a fielding percentage of 1.000.

Strong Arm: Colavito was known for his powerful arm, that threw out many going for that extra base. He also pitched and won a game pitching.

Defensive Contributions: He led the league in putouts five times, in range four times, in fielding runs three times, and in assists twice.

——————————————————————————————————————————

The HOF members average years playing are 18. Rocky’s was only 13 and his last two years he was basically a pinch hitter and utility player. Rocky’s first 12 year averages in HR’s and RBI’s are very much HOF worthy for his era. Rocky should not be penalized because his career was a few years shorter. During his era he was always one of the leading hitters in baseball.

——————————————————————————————————————————

Rocky Colavito significantly impacted attendance for the Cleveland Indians during his time with the team. Many believe he alone saved the Cleveland franchise. In 1959, the Indians drew 1,497,976 fans, a dramatic increase from 663,805 in 1958. This jump in attendance was largely attributed to Rocky Colavito's performance and popularity. A tremendous increase of 831,171.

When Colavito returned to the Indians in 1965, the fans also returned, with attendance rising from 653,295 in 1964 to 934,786 in 1965. This increase of nearly 300,000 demonstrates his drawing power even later in his career.

——————————————————————————————————————————

His popularity with fans continues as evidenced by the strong reception he receives whenever he appeared in public. Colavito memorabilia remains in demand often outselling many Hall of Fame members' items and his accomplishments are still cited by the press. I am sure Colavito’s memorabilia will outsell most in the HOF if inducted.

In 1976, Rocky was voted the most memorable personality in Cleveland Indians' history. He was elected to the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in 1981 and inducted into the Cleveland Indians' Hall of Fame in 2006.

In 2021 a statue of Rocky Colavito was created in Cleveland, Ohio honoring his career and accomplishments. At least two songs and numerous books were created honoring Rocky’s Baseball Career. For these and many more reasons, we encourage you to select and enshrine Rocky Colavito, an exceptional, gifted, and deserving man, into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

——————————————————————————————————————————

Colavito died from type 2 diabetes at his home in Bernville, Pennsylvania, on December 10, 2024, at the age of 91.

We believe Rocky’s career stats warrant his entry into the HOF… he is a Cleveland and Detroit legend and household name in Ohio and Michigan … everyone loved The Rock and his career totals and results should be enough for entry into Baseball’s Hall Of Fame. We really believe your committee will agree after closely examining Rocky’s career and baseball era.

Thank you,
Rocky Colavito’s Fan Base

Rocky Colavito website
http://beauproductions.com/rockycolavito/———————————————————————————

This Rocky Colavito HOF petition was created on April 16, 2025

NATIONAL BASEBALL HALL OF FAME
ATTN: THE GOLDEN DAYS ERA COMMITTEE
25 Main Street
Cooperstown, NY 13326

Email address: registrar@baseballhall.org.

TOLL FREE # 888-425-5633
LOCAL # 607-547-7200