60 years ago, the Cleveland Indians traded Rocky Colavito while he was standing on first base! [View all]

Many Tribe fans believe the Curse of Rocky Colavito’s trade has been bringing the team bad luck ever since.

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By Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer
CLEVELAND, Ohio – When did Rocky Colavito find out he was traded to the Detroit Tigers?

“When I was standing on first base,” said the former Tribe star from his home in Eastern Pennsylvania.

“At first base?" I asked.

“It was right before the (1960) season,” said Colavito. “We were playing an exhibition game in Memphis. I had hit a homer earlier in the game. My next at bat, I was on first base.”

OK...

“(Tribe Manager) Joe Gordon came out of dugout,” said Colavito. “I thought he was going to take me out because it was an exhibition game.”

According to Colavito, the conversation went like this:

Gordon: “That’s the last time you’ll bat in a Cleveland uniform.”

Colavito stared at the manager.

Gordon: “You’ve been traded to Detroit for Harvey Kuenn. Good luck.”

Colavito: “Same to you.”

Colavito said he headed to the Tribe bullpen, where his good friend and roommate Herb Score was sitting.

“I’ve been traded to Detroit," Colavito told Score.

“Roomie, don’t say that,” said Score, believing Colavito was joking.

“I’ve been traded for Harvey Kuenn," said Colavito.

Colavito was in shock. Score was in shock. Cleveland was outraged at Tribe General Manager Frank Lane.

The date of the trade was April 17, 1960.....

https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2020/04/60-years-ago-the-cleveland-indians-traded-rocky-colavito-while-he-was-standing-on-first-base.html