On September 25th, Rico Petrocelli, a former third baseman for the Boston Red Sox, addressed a joint Rotary gathering of the Rotary Club of Nashua and Nashua Rotary West regarding his new book chronicling the 1967 World Series with the “Impossible Dream Team.” One thing obvious listening to Rico Petrocelli chat about baseball, he still loves baseball.
The book is “Rico Petrocelli's Tales from the Impossible Dream Red Sox”.
“I was a rookie in 1965 on the team, and started to play in games against and with the people I idolized growing up, Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Sandy Kofax, , and more.” He told the crowd about getting to first base and Mantle was the first baseman.
“I was giddy- this is Mickey Mantle. I have to say hi,” he said. After diving back to the base on a pick off attempt, Mantle said hi to him. “I couldn’t believe it! Mickey Mantle knew who I was.”
Petrocelli explained that the ’67 Red Sox went from 5th place to second place on a 10 game win streak after the all start break, and people started coming to Fenway Park in droves. “It was exciting to see all the families, kids, old and young filling the seats. There was an air of excitement and it was fun to be at Fenway.”
“I had a couple of exciting moments in that 1967 season. I caught a Mantle fly out, and he retired after that. I caught Mickey Mantle’s last out ever. And threw the ball back to the mound. It was during a game, and no one knew Mantle would retire,” explained Petrocelli. “What do you think that ball would be worth today?” “I also caught the pennant winning out, and hung onto the ball for dear life.” He continued. “I gave the ball to pitcher Jim Lonborg. Years later he told me he gave the ball to the Yawkeys, and they lost it.” The day was filled with lots of reminiscing about former teammates George Scott, Luis Tiante, Tony Conigliaro, and more. Petrocelli told stories about how the game of baseball evolved, salaries exploded, the media became rabid to get stories, and his time to retire came too soon. “I am very fortunate to be part of the Red Sox family. Even now the team treats former players with respect, and finds opportunities to keep us working,” he explained. “I’ve been in broadcasting ever since I left the playing field, and still love being around the game.”
The book came about when Lowell Sun reporter Chaz Scoggins reminded him 2017 was the 50 year anniversary of the Impossible Dream season. “We had talked about writing a book, and this was the right time. It’s probably the last book about that season written by a former player.” Petrocelli explained that in sports, business, or just life, the two things needed most for success are passion and commitment.
“I tell kids all the time if you stick to it through the tough times, you have a shot with passion and commitment.” After a question and answer period, Petrocelli autographed copies of the book for Rotary members.
“I love the Red Sox, I love Nashua, and I love talking baseball,” he commented. That was for sure. You could fell his passion and commitment coming through his words, stories, and smile. Petrocelli currently lives in Nashua, New Hampshire, with his wife Elsie, to whom his has been married for 50 years. He vacations in Sarasota, Florida. After retiring from baseball Petrocelli remained connected to the baseball world via radio broadcasting for the Red Sox and writing newspaper columns and blogs about the Red Sox. He also worked as a roving instructor for the Red Sox, and managed several Minor League baseball teams. Later, he started a sports memorabilia business called Petrocelli Sports that he recently turned over to his son.