Meet Jim Piersall

Jim Piersall
"Jimmy"

Positions: Center Fielder
Full Name: James Anthony Piersall
Bats: Right - Throws: Right
Born: November 14, 1929 in Waterbury, Connecticut, USA
Died: June 3, 2017 in Wheaton, Illinois, USA
Organizations: Boston Red Sox (8), Los Angeles / California Angels (5), Cleveland Indians (3), Washington Senators (2), New York Mets (1)


Jim Piersall

JIM PIERSALL' WALL OF GLORY

HONORS AND AWARDS
  • All Star: 2 (1954, 1956)
  • Gold Gloves: 2 (1958, 1961)
BATTING
  • 2B Leader: 1 (1956)
  • Games Leader: 1 (1956)
FIELDING
  • Def. Games as CF: 2 (1956, 1957)
  • Assists as CF: 1 (1957) 
  • Double Plays Turned as CF: 2 (1958, 1961)
  • Def. Games as RF: 1 (1953)
  • PO as RF: 1 (1953)
  • Double Plays Turned as RF: 1 (1953)
  • Def. Games as OF: 1 (1956)
  • PO as OF: 2 (1956, 1957)
  • Double Plays Turned as OF: 1 (1953)
  • Fielding % as CF: 5 (1956, 1957, 1960, 1961, 1962)
  • Fielding % as OF: 3 (1956, 1961, 1962)
WHO?
The "Jimmy" was an American former baseball center fielder. He was best known for his battle with bipolar disorder.

106 Jimmy Piersall Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images

Because of his condition, Piersall had several problems on the field, that costed him demotions to minor leagues, ejections, suspensions and medical (even psychiatric) treatments. His extrange behavior not just included brawls and violent incidents, but also playing "air guitar" with his bat, using a Beatles wig, "talking" with Babe Ruth behind the center field monuments at Yankee Stadium, and celebrating his HR number 100 running the bases in the right order, but backwards. 

Baseball player Jim Piersall of the Cleveland Indians. News Photo ...

Jim Piersall was well-aware of his mental condition. In his autobiography "Fears Strikes Out" he stated: "Probably the best thing that ever happened to my was going nuts. Who ever heard of Jimmy Piersall until that happened?" 

Did Jimmy Piersall Really Run the Bases Backwards When He Hit His ...

Jimmy Piersall finished his career with the Angels. In 17 seasons he got an AVG of .272, with 104 HR and 591 RBI.  

Jimmy Piersall and Miss Angel — Calisphere


MY COMMENT:

I remember my father referring to him as "the crazy" ("el loco") Jimmy Piersall. He told me that Piersall did "crazy stuff" but we didn't discussed the details. After some years I learned why my father nicknamed him that way. He was not really crazy, but he suffered of bipolar disorder, whose eccentric behavior gave him high visibility.

Beside his mental condition, Jim Piersall was a good hitter and an excellent fielder with an strong arm and above-average speed.

His natural athleticism allowed him to have a long career in major leagues (17 seasons), even while dealing with the bipolar disorder. 

An intriguing and interesting personality.

BEST FIVE SEASONS

Year Age Tm Lg G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS Pos
1955 25 BOS AL 149 515 68 146 25 5 13 62 6 67 52 .283 .364 .427 .792 *8/H
1956 26 BOS AL 155 601 91 176 40 6 14 87 7 58 48 .293 .350 .449 .799 *8
1957 27 BOS AL 151 609 103 159 27 5 19 63 14 62 54 .261 .331 .415 .746 *8/H
1960 30 CLE AL 138 486 70 137 12 4 18 66 18 24 38 .282 .313 .434 .747 *8/7H9
1961 31 CLE AL 121 484 81 156 26 7 6 40 8 43 46 .322 .378 .442 .820 *8/H
Note: If you are using a cell phone to look at this table, put it horizontally for a better experience

What do you think? If Piersall were mentally healthy his stats had been better? Share your thoughts!

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