A utility player and coach with a 13-year MLB career, known for his versatility and pinch-hitting prowess. He later coached for several teams, including the Twins and Nationals.
Steve Lombardozzi is a former American professional baseball player, best known for his impressive performance as a second baseman for the Minnesota Twins and Houston Astros during his six-season stint in Major League Baseball (MLB). He etched his name in history by being part of the Twins' world championship team in 1987, where he showcased his skills by hitting an impressive .412 during the World Series.
Steve Lombardozzi was born on April 26, 1960, in Malden, Massachusetts. He received an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, where he played for coach Jay Bergman's Florida Gators baseball team in 1980 and 1981. Prior to that, he attended Gulf Coast Community College in Panama City, Florida, where he played for Coach Bill Frazier in 1978 and 1979.
In the summer of 1978, 1979, and 1980, Lombardozzi played collegiate summer baseball with the Falmouth Commodores of the Cape Cod Baseball League, earning a league all-star nod in 1980. In 1981, he received first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) and SEC All-Tournament honors.
The Minnesota Twins selected Lombardozzi in the ninth round of the 1981 MLB Draft. He was assigned to the Elizabethton Twins in the rookie-level Appalachian League, where he hit .321 with 6 home runs and 38 RBI in 65 games.
In the following years, Lombardozzi made steady progress through the Twins organization, spending 1982 at class-A Visalia, 1983 at AA Orlando, and 1984 at AAA Toledo. After returning to Toledo in 1985, he made his major league debut with the Twins on July 12 and split the rest of the season between the majors and AAA.
In 1986, Lombardozzi went north with the Twins following spring training and became the starting second baseman for the team for the next three seasons. In 1987, Lombardozzi was on the team when they won the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. He led all hitters in that World Series with a .412 batting average and also held the record for the longest last name of any player to hit a postseason home run, hitting a Game 1, two-run home run off Cardinals pitcher Danny Cox.
Steve Lombardozzi's impressive performance in the 1987 World Series cemented his place in baseball history. His championship winning season with the Twins remains an inspiring story for aspiring baseball players and fans alike.
Steve Lombardozzi's remarkable journey from college baseball to MLB championship winner serves as a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for the game.
65 Years Old
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69 Years Old
A seasoned baseball leader with a storied career, guiding teams to postseason success and earning multiple Manager of the Year awards. Known for his old-school style and ability to get the most out of his players.
80 Years Old
Hall of Fame pitcher and charismatic broadcaster, renowned for his dominant fastball and iconic Jockey underwear ads.
70 Years Old
A legendary slugger and coach, known for his 3,000 hits, 500 home runs, and eight All-Star appearances, leaving a lasting impact on the game of baseball.
79 Years Old
A speedy outfielder and designated hitter, known for being the 1973 American League Rookie of the Year and playing 14 seasons with the Baltimore Orioles and Houston Astros.
90 Years Old
Legendary baseball player and trailblazing manager who broke racial barriers and won numerous accolades, including MVP and Manager of the Year awards.
