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 and RBIs, and his strong defensive play, particularly his powerful throwing arm. His career OPS and OPS+ also compare favorably to Hall of Famers from his era. This fan site and petition are dedicated to advocating for his induction.

Here's a more detailed look at why Rocky Colavito should be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame :

• Power Hitting:Colavito was a feared slugger, hitting 374 home runs in his career and leading the league in home runs in 1959. He also had seven seasons with 30 or more home runs.
• RBI Production:He led the league in RBIs in 1965 and was consistently among the league leaders in that category.
• Defense:Colavito was known for his strong throwing arm and was considered an excellent outfielder.
• Comparable Statistics:His career OPS (on-base percentage + slugging average) is comparable to some Hall of Famers from his era, and his OPS+ (OPS adjusted for ballpark and league) was sometimes over 180.
• Fan Support: A fan sites and petitions campaign are actively promoting his candidacy.
• Legacy:Colavito was a beloved figure, especially in Cleveland, and is considered a legend by many fans.

Rock Colavito was as feared at the plate as Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Harmon Killebrew, Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, Ernie Banks, Willie McCovey, Frank Robinson, Duke Snider, Stan Musial and Carl Yastrzemski during the 1950’s and 1960’s. During his era Colavito either led the league or was near the top in HR’s, RBI’s, Slugging and MVP voting. Rocky had seasons when his OPS and OPS+ were as high as 1.000 plus and 180+. Please add your name to help get Rocky his rightful place in Baseball’s Hall of Fame.

Rocky Colavito was my favorite Major League ball player as a youth. I actually thought Colavito was already inducted into Baseball’s Hall of Fame years ago. Even today Colavito is one of Detroit’s and Cleveland’s favorite players EVER. We can’t believe Colavito was overlooked by Baseball's Hall Of Fame.

I’m 82 years old and I remember all the excitement everyone had when Colavito came to the plate, hitting a HR, or making a great catch and throw in the outfield. In Cleveland and Detroit he was always a top fan favorite. I was there to witness all the greatness Rocky displayed every time he took the field. I witnessed 3 of his HR’s as a youth.

The purpose of this petition is to allow others to see the positives of why Rocky deserves to be inducted into the HOF. If we can get thousands to sign and thousands of comments the Golden Days Era Committee will realize the importance of what Rocky Colavito’s life dream is to all his fans, they will look favorably at inducting Rocky. Not just because of his many fans but what Rocky actually accomplished on the field.

From 1958 thru 1962.. 5 year sequence.. he hit 200 home runs, the MOST in Major League Baseball and averaged 113 RBI’s per year. That feat alone should have got Colavito serious consideration for the Hall Of Fame. He beat out Aaron, Mays, Mantle, Mathews and Banks in HR’s ... all in their prime, all HOF members, and all about the same age. Also remember that this was before lowering the pitching mounds and reducing the strike zone to benefit batters after Rocky retired from baseball

Dave Parker and Dick Allen were just recently voted into the Baseball HOF. Rocky’s career numbers are as good as both of these great players. The Golden Days Era Committee needs to look closely at Colavito’s career stats and the huge numbers of fan support Colavito has even today, 50 years plus after his retirement.

A man that has songs and books written about him, a statue built after him and now a movie being made about his career deserves to be inducted into the HOF. I think we can convince the ERA Committee. This petition showing Rocky’s HOF results and fan support should get the job done

Rocky Colavito fans all over the country are uniting to appeal to the Golden Days Era Committee (Formerly the Veteran's Committee) of the Hall of Fame to recognize Rocky for induction into the Hall. Please sign this petition (at the right) to the Golden Days Era Committee to help get Rocky in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Ray Beaufait
beau1943@aol.com ____________________________________________________________________________

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. All of these players are Hall of Famers -- EXCEPT ROCKY COLAVITO!

Colavito was a six-time All-Star playing in 9 all star games and hitting 3 HR’s in All Star competition games. He is only the fifth player in the history of the AL to have eleven consecutive 20-home run seasons (1956–1966). During that span, he exceeded 40 home runs three times and 100 runs batted in, six times. He also led the AL in home runs, runs batted in, and slugging average. Colavito ranked third among AL right-handed hitters for home runs (371) and eighth for AL games played at right field (1272), at the end of his MLB playing career in 1968.

From 1958 thru 1962.. 5 year sequence.. he hit 200 home runs, the MOST in Major League Baseball and averaged 113 RBI’s per year . That feat alone should have got Colavito serious consideration for the Hall Of Fame. He beat out Aaron, Mays, Mantle, Mathews, Banks and Killebrew in HR’s ... all in their prime, all HOF members, and all about the same age.

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

Also from 1958 thru 1962 Rocky averaged 113 RBI's per year. Only Ernie Banks (115) and Hank Aaron (118) averaged more. Rocky led all these great sluggers this 5 year period. Rocky also led all these sluggers or was near the top in HR’s and RBI’s for the first 10 years in his career. All these sluggers mentioned are in the Baseball HOF except Rocky Colavito.

Hitting all but three of his 374 career home runs in the American League, he ranked behind only Jimmie Foxx (524) and Harmon Killebrew (then at 397) among the league’s right-handed hitters when he retired.

Let’s compare Rocky’s HR’s and RBI’s with the great Mick Mantle from 1957 until 1966 (10 years or 10 seasons)

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

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

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

Here are the home run totals for some of the top sluggers during that timeframe:

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)

We must also take in consideration that Rocky’s great numbers were all before Baseball lowered the pitching mounds and the strike zones in 1969. We believe all of this should be taken in consideration and 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. His bat was the 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+ or 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 seasons (1955-1964) 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’s last two years were spent mostly as a reserve and pinch hitter. Rocky was a force to be reckoned with his first 11 years. His fan base was unbelievably large during his years with Cleveland and Detroit.

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 and with the 2008 HOF nominees: Colavito ranks 17th when added to the list of 35 already Hall members of his era. His OPS also ranks ahead of Reggie Jackson, Carl Yastrzemski and Roberto Clemente. Colavito ranks 2nd when applied to the list of 2008 Hall candidates. Rocky was in the top 5 in MVP voting three 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 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, whereas Rocky’s total is 1159 slightly less because his career was only 14 years..

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 American 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. Rocky Colavito's batting averages from 1958 to 1962 were as follows:

1958: .303
1959: .257
1960: .249
1961: .290
1962: .273

Colavito’s batting average was .274 during this period. Rocky’s average during this period was .20 points higher than the average Major League BA. Rocky’s batting average was .270 from 1957-1966. 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.

Rocky could reportedly throw a baseball 435 feet. He was considered to have the strongest arm in the American League and was twice used as a relief pitcher due to his throwing power. Some sources even claim he threw a ball over 500 feet in a stunt.

While known for his offensive power, 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 14 and his last two years he was basically a pinch hitter and utility player. Rocky’s first 12 years averages in HR’s and RBI’s are very much HOF worthy. 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:

• 1959 Season: His growing popularity helped Cleveland Stadium attendance soar from 663,805 in 1958 to 1,497,976 in 1959. This suggests a substantial increase attributed to his presence and the team's strong performance, finishing second in the American League.
• Return in 1965: 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 appears in public. Colavito memorabilia remains in demand often outselling many Hall of Fame members' items and his accomplishments are still cited by the press.

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. 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.

At least two songs and numerous books were created honoring Rocky’s Baseball Career.

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 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.

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

ROCKY COLAVITO BELONGS IN BASEBALL’S HALL OF FAME. DURING HIS ERA HE WAS ONE OF BASEBALL’S BEST AND MOST POPULAR PLAYERS

PLEASE SIGN, THE GOLDER DAYS ERA COMMITTEE WOULD ALSO APPRECIATE ANY COMMENTS

WE ARE TRYING TO RIGHT A WRONG, FOR THIS GREAT BASEBALL ICON AND MAN AND GIVE HIM HIS RIGHTFUL PLACE IN THE BASEBALL HALL OF FAME

PLEASE DON’T KNOCK THE ROCK - HE IS SO DESERVING OF THIS INDUCTION. HIS CAREER RESULTS AND HIS TRIBUTES TO THE GAME OF BASEBALL DESERVES HIS INDUCTION INTO THE BASEBALL HALL OF FAME.

For all of the reasons above, and Colavito being one of the most popular players in the history of Baseball, Rocky Colavito deserves to be inducted into the Baseball Hall Of Fame. Please sign the petition on the right.

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