A catcher who played for the Chicago Cubs and Montreal Expos from 1963 to 1974, known for his strong defensive skills and decent batting average.
John Dominic Boccabella, a former professional baseball player, is best known for his impressive career as a catcher and first baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1963 to 1974, playing for the Chicago Cubs, Montreal Expos, and San Francisco Giants. With an honors degree in commerce from the University of Santa Clara, Boccabella's athletic prowess earned him a spot in the MLB, where he made his debut at just 22 years old.
Born on June 29, 1941, in San Francisco, California, to Italian immigrant parents, Boccabella grew up in San Anselmo, where he attended Marin Catholic High School. His collegiate career at the University of Santa Clara saw him become a member of the Santa Clara Broncos baseball team that reached the final of the 1962 College World Series.
After graduating, Boccabella was signed by the Chicago Cubs and assigned to the Pocatello Chiefs, a Cubs farm team in the Pioneer League. His impressive first season in professional baseball, posting a .365 batting average along with 30 home runs and 92 RBIs in just 84 games, earned him a promotion to the major leagues.
Boccabella made his MLB debut as a first baseman with the Cubs on September 2, 1963. Despite hailing from San Francisco, the Cubs radio announcers dubbed him "Boccabella from Pocatella." In 1966, Cubs manager Leo Durocher converted Boccabella into a catcher to serve as a backup for Randy Hundley.
In 1968, Boccabella was drafted from the Cubs by the Montreal Expos in the expansion draft. He served as a utility player until 1973, when he became the Expos' primary catcher. That same year, he set new personal career highs in games played (118), plate appearances (442), home runs (7), and RBIs (46).
One of Boccabella's most notable career highlights came on July 6, 1973, when he hit two home runs in the sixth inning at Jarry Park, including a grand slam.
With the arrival of highly rated Expos first-round draft choice Barry Foote in September 1973, Boccabella was traded to the Giants. He played for the Giants until the end of the 1974 season, marking the end of his 12-year MLB career.
Throughout his career, Boccabella demonstrated his versatility as a catcher and first baseman, earning him a reputation as a reliable and skilled player. Although he may not be a household name, Boccabella's contributions to the MLB are undeniable, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire future generations of baseball players.
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