Tony Cuccinello
Anthony Francis "Tony" Cuccinello was an American professional baseball second baseman and third baseman. He played in Major League Baseball for the Cincinnati Reds, Brooklyn Dodgers, Boston Bees, New York Giants, Boston Braves, and Chicago White Sox between 1930 and 1945. He was the older brother and uncle of former major league players Al Cuccinello and Sam Mele. His surname was pronounced "coo-chi-NELL-oh".
A native of Long Island City, New York, Cuccinello led the National League second basemen in assists and double plays three times and hit.300 or better five times, with a career high.315 in. He was selected for MLB's first All-Star Game, played on July 6, at Comiskey Park, batting as a pinch-hitter for Carl Hubbell in the 9th inning. He also was selected for the 1938 All-Star Game.
On August 13, 1931, as a member of the Cincinnati Reds, he went 6-6, scoring 4 runs and recording 5 RBI in a 17–3 rout of the Boston Braves.
During the 1945 season, Cuccinello hit.308 for the Chicago White Sox, and just missed winning the American League batting title, one point behind Snuffy Stirnweiss'.309. Nevertheless, he was released in the offseason.
In a 15-season career, Cuccinello was a.280 hitter with 94 home runs and 884 RBI in 1704 games.
Following his playing retirement, in 1947 Cuccinello managed in the Florida International League for the Tampa team, and a year later coached for the Indianapolis Indians of the American Association. He returned to the major league to coach with the Reds, Cleveland Indians, White Sox and Detroit Tigers. He coached under former teammate Al López in Cleveland and Chicago and was a member of Lopez's and American League championship teams, and the World Series champions.
Cuccinello died in Tampa, Florida at the age of 87.
