Rico Petrocelli

Rico Petrocelli signed with the Boston Red Sox in 1963, and in his 13 years with the team HE defined the position of "power-hitting" shortstop. Rico Petrocelli hit 210 home runs while with the Red Sox, including three seasons with more than 20 home runs each. In September, 1969, he hit his 40th home run, becoming the first American League shortstop ever to reach the 40-run plateau.

But Rico Petrocelli was a double threat: not only was he a powerful hitter, he was also one of the best infielders in Red Sox history. Extremely versatile, he led the league in fielding three times and in two different positions: twice at shortstop, and once at third base. As a shortstop, he was chosen to start in the All Star Game twice. As an integral part of the team, Rico Petrocelli helped the Red Sox advance to two World Series appearances, including in the 1967 "Impossible Dream" season. He was elected to the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 1997.

Rico Petrocelli loves Boston and calls nearby Nashua, New Hampshire home. He has worked as a manager, coach, and TV analyst for the Pawtucket Red Sox, and as a radio/television analyst for the Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners. He now hosts a Saturday sports talk show on Boston’s 1510-AM "The Zone," and is also president of his own marketing company. Rico Petrocelli also continues to dedicate himself to a charitable calling, working with the Jimmy Fund for over 30 years.