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' 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.

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. 

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?" 

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

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!