The Outfielder debuted with the Indians in 1955, where he was an instant fan favorite and bona fide star.
Colavito was the runner-up for the American League Rookie of the Year in 1956, and in 1957, he began a six-year streak in the top six in Home Runs and a nine-year run in the top ten in Runs Batted In. Colavito won the Home Run Title in 1959, and this season, and the year before, he was in the top five in MVP voting.
One of the most controversial trades took place in Indians’ history when two days before opening day, Colavito was traded to the Detroit Tigers for Harvey Kuenn. Kuenn consistently batted over .300, and the Cleveland GM, Frank Lane, was berated as Indians fans and press thought it was a bonehead transaction. Lane famously quipped that he traded "hamburger for steak," but it was an interesting trade for both sides.
Kuenn’s All-Star days were soon to be behind him, and Colavito, while still producing, was not nearly as popular in Detroit. He was then traded to the Kansas City Athletics, and then back to Cleveland in 1965, where he had one more great year with 26 Home Runs and a league-lead in RBIs (108) and Walks (93). He was fifth that year in MVP voting.
Colavito declined after that year, and he would play until 1969, appropriately finishing his career with a brief stint with the New York Yankees.
Colavito retired with 374 Home Runs and 1,159 RBIs.
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