Joe Garagiola, Sr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Joe Garagiola |
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Garagiola in 1953
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| Catcher | |||
| Born: February 12, 1926 St. Louis, Missouri |
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| Died: March 23, 2016 (aged 90) Phoenix, Arizona |
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| debut | |||
| May 26, 1946, for the St. Louis Cardinals | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| September 26, 1954, for the New York Giants | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .257 | ||
| Home runs | 42 | ||
| Runs batted in | 255 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Joseph Henry Garagiola, Sr. (February 12, 1926 – March 23, 2016) was an American professional baseball player. He was a catcher for nine seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). After his playing career, Joe Garagiola became a very famous sports announcer and television host.
He played for teams like the St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, and New York Giants. Many people also knew him from his time as a regular panelist on The Today Show. He also hosted and appeared on many game shows. Joe Garagiola passed away on March 23, 2016, at the age of 90.
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Playing Baseball
Joe Garagiola started his baseball journey playing for the St. Louis Cardinals. He made his big league debut in 1946. He was a catcher, which is a very important position in baseball. The catcher works closely with the pitcher and helps guide the game.
World Series Champion
In his first year with the Cardinals, Joe Garagiola helped his team win the 1946 World Series. This was a huge achievement for a young player! He played in five games during that World Series.
Teams Joe Played For
After playing for the Cardinals until 1951, Joe moved to the Pittsburgh Pirates. He played there for a couple of seasons. Later, he joined the Chicago Cubs and then finished his playing career with the New York Giants in 1954.
Life After Baseball
After retiring from playing baseball, Joe Garagiola found a new way to stay involved in sports. He became a well-known announcer. His friendly voice and fun personality made him very popular.
Broadcasting Career
Joe announced baseball games for many teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, and California Angels. He also worked for NBC Sports Radio, covering many different sports. He was known for his interesting stories and his ability to make games exciting for viewers.
Television Host
Beyond sports, Joe Garagiola became a familiar face on television. He was a regular on The Today Show, a popular morning news program. He also hosted several game shows, like He Said, She Said and Sale of the Century. His humor and charm made him a favorite with audiences.
Awards and Recognition
Joe Garagiola received many honors for his work. In 1991, he won the Ford Frick Award. This award is given by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum to broadcasters who have made major contributions to baseball. He is also part of the St. Louis Walk of Fame. In 2014, he received the Buck O'Neil Lifetime Achievement Award for his positive impact on baseball and society.
Images for kids
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Garagiola with the Pirates
