Balticfox---- There was no knock against the Rock; he sadly suffered at the hands of the Cleveland Indians idiot general manager, "Frantic" Frank Lane. Lane could get bent out of shape for reasonable requests by a player, and dumb ass Lane would trade 'em, just like that. Cleveland's fans were SO bloodshot-eyes enraged at Lane they hung him in effigy.
Furthermore, MANY fans swore they would never attend another Indian game again. No idle threat, this. Cleveland's 1959 attendance had been a robust 1,497,976. Lane dealt Rocky the day before the 1960 season commenced. By the end of the '60 season, total attendance had plunged to 950,000, a stunning drop of 36.5 percent. The trade triggered a long spell of mediocrity, as the Tribe would not have a winning season until 1965, when Colavito had been DEALT BACK TO THE INDIANS. ---
RIP, Rocco. You were sure a terrific player. --- Brian Powell
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