42 Facts About Rocco Baldelli

Rocco Daniel Baldelli is an American former professional baseball outfielder and coach who is the manager of the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball (MLB).

Rocco Baldelli quickly established himself as an excellent hitter and outfielder, and placed third in voting for American League Rookie of the Year.

Rocco Baldelli was unable to play at all in 2005 and missed significant time over the following seasons as doctors struggled to diagnose and treat his condition; from 2005 until his retirement in 2010, the former everyday center fielder spent long stretches on the disabled list and only once appeared in more than half of his team's games.

Rocco Baldelli signed a free-agent contract with his hometown Boston Red Sox in 2009 and appeared in 62 games as a backup outfielder and part-time designated hitter.

Rocco Baldelli appeared in 10 games over the last month of the regular season and was included on the Rays' playoff roster, but severe muscle cramping during the team's first round series forced him out of the lineup, at which point he decided to end his playing career at age 29.

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Rocco Baldelli was named the club's first base coach before the 2014 season and was promoted to major league field coordinator in November 2017.

Rocco Baldelli was named manager of the Minnesota Twins after the 2018 season.

Rocco Daniel Baldelli was born to Dan and Michele Baldelli in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.

Rocco Baldelli attended the PEGASUS Gifted and Talented middle-school program at La Salle Academy in Providence.

Rocco Baldelli played baseball for the Rhode Island Tides, an AAU ball club.

Rocco Baldelli was a four sport star, earning all-state honors in baseball, indoor track, basketball, and volleyball.

Rocco Baldelli began his professional career with the Princeton Devil Rays, the team's High Rookie League affiliate.

Rocco Baldelli overcame his struggles as a hitter and quickly rose through the Tampa Bay organization.

Rocco Baldelli made his major league debut on Opening Day 2003, starting in center field.

Rocco Baldelli finished in the top ten in many hitting categories in the American League.

Rocco Baldelli was seventh in at bats with 637, tenth in hits 184, tied Ichiro Suzuki in eighth place with eight triples, and fourth in singles with 133.

Rocco Baldelli led the AL in outfield assists and ranked 2nd in range factor, indicating that he was one of the best defensive outfielders in baseball.

Rocco Baldelli came in third in the voting for 2003 AL Rookie of the Year behind New York Yankees' outfielder Hideki Matsui and winner Angel Berroa of the Kansas City Royals.

Rocco Baldelli started the 2005 season on the disabled list after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament over the offseason while playing baseball with his brother.

Rocco Baldelli had surgery and was expected to be back by the All-Star break.

Rocco Baldelli was a regular starter in the outfield for the rest of the 2006 campaign and had his best statistical season, hitting.

Doctors recommended a period of rest, after which Rocco Baldelli reported to the minor leagues for a rehab assignment.

Rocco Baldelli attempted to return to game action during spring training in 2008, but his continuing physical problems made it impossible.

Rocco Baldelli had been growing a beard for months as a "symbol of his rehabilitation" and shaved it off before playing.

Rocco Baldelli ended up appearing in 28 games for the Rays in 2008, mainly as a DH and pinch hitter but occasionally playing in right or left field.

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Rocco Baldelli made an impact in his limited post-season playing time.

In Game 2 of the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, Rocco Baldelli made a double play by catching a fly ball and throwing back to first baseman Carlos Pena in time to beat Jayson Werth.

Finally, in Game 5, Rocco Baldelli hit a solo home run in the top of the seventh that tied the game for the Rays, although it wouldn't prevent the Rays from losing the game and ultimately the series.

Mitochondrial channelopathy is a rare cell disorder that affects ions in neurological "pathways" and causes severe muscle fatigue and can be life-threatening, but Rocco Baldelli was diagnosed with a moderate form which can be managed with medication and diet.

On January 8, 2009, Rocco Baldelli signed a one-year deal with the Boston Red Sox, reported to be worth a base of $500, 000 plus up to $6.

Rocco Baldelli continued to wear number 5, becoming the first Red Sox player to wear that number since the departure of fan favorite Nomar Garciaparra in 2004.

Rocco Baldelli hit his first home run for the Red Sox on May 9, 2009 at Fenway Park against his old team, the Rays.

On July 19, 2010, Rocco Baldelli signed a minor league deal with the Rays and joined the Charlotte Stone Crabs, the team's Class A affiliate.

Rocco Baldelli played occasionally throughout September, was included on the Rays' postseason roster, and started at DH for the first game of the 2010 playoffs against the Texas Rangers.

Rocco Baldelli privately decided to retire soon after his medical condition forced him out of the 2010 ALDS, but Rays' executive Andrew Friedman advised him to take some time to think about the decision before announcing it publicly.

Rocco Baldelli was a balanced ballplayer who could hit for average and power, had good speed in the field and on the basepaths, and a strong throwing arm.

In December 2014, Rocco Baldelli was named the Rays' first base coach under new manager Kevin Cash, who had been Rocco Baldelli's teammate on the club in 2005.

On November 12, 2019, Rocco Baldelli was named American League manager of the year for the 2019 MLB season, beating out New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone and Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash, who finished second and third, respectively.

In 2004, Rocco Baldelli was inducted into the Rhode Island Italian-American Hall of Fame.

Rocco Baldelli has listed his other interests as traveling, fishing and playing the bass guitar.

Rocco Baldelli is the son of Dan and Michelle Baldelli and has two brothers, Nicholas and Dante.

Rocco Baldelli is a horse owner with an interest in breeding and racing Thoroughbreds.