Jimmy Piersall

James Anthony Piersall (born November 14, 1929 in Waterbury, Connecticut) is a former center fielder in Major League Baseball. Between 1950 and 1967, he played for the Boston Red Sox (1950, 1952-58), Cleveland Indians (1959-61), Washington Senators (1962-63), New York Mets (1963) and Los Angeles & California Angels (1963-67).

Career after retirement from Baseball

Piersall later had a broadcasting job with the Chicago White Sox from 1977 to 1981, and was teamed with Harry Caray, but was ultimately fired after excessive on-air criticism of team management. He became the subject of a movie based on Piersall's writings, Fear Strikes Out, where he was portrayed by Anthony Perkins (directed by Robert Mulligan, 1957). While still highly regarded for its merits as a film, Piersall would eventually disown the film due to its distortion of the facts. The film, and Piersall's life, are frequently cited today as cautionary tales for parents who pressure their children to succeed in youth sports. Besides Fear Strikes Out, Piersall authored The Truth Hurts, in which he details his ouster from the White Sox organization.

Related Topics:
Broadcasting - Chicago White Sox - 1977 - 1981 - Harry Caray - Fear Strikes Out - Anthony Perkins - Robert Mulligan - 1957 - The Truth Hurts - White Sox

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Piersall, who winters in Arizona and still does a sports radio show in Chicago, was delighted to receive an invitation to White House event honoring the 2004 World Champions Boston Red Sox on March 2, 2005. According to a Sox official, the White House prepared a guest list of about 1,000 for the event, scheduled to be staged on the South Lawn. "This is a real thrill for a poor kid from Waterbury, Connecticut," Piersall said. "I'm 75 years old. There aren't many things left". He also said he visited the White House once before as guest of President John F. Kennedy.

Related Topics:
Arizona - Sports radio - Chicago - White House - 2004 World Champions - Boston Red Sox - March 2 - 2005 - Waterbury, Connecticut - John F. Kennedy

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