Harry Agganis

Harry Agganis
Born(1929-04-20)April 20, 1929
DiedJune 27, 1955(1955-06-27) (aged 26)

Baseball career
First baseman
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
MLB debut
April 13, 1954, for the Boston Red Sox
Last MLB appearance
June 2, 1955, for the Boston Red Sox
MLB statistics
Batting average.261
Hits135
Home runs11
Runs batted in67
Teams
Football career
Career information
Position(s)Quarterback
US collegeBoston University
NFL draft1952 / round: 1 / pick: 12
Drafted byCleveland Browns
Career history
As player
1949, 1951–1952Boston University
Career highlights and awards
Retired #sBoston University #33

Aristotle George "Harry" Agganis (April 20, 1929 – June 27, 1955), nicknamed "The Golden Greek",[1] was an American college football player and professional baseball player. After passing up a potential professional football career, he played in Major League Baseball as a first baseman from 1954 to 1955 for the Boston Red Sox.

Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, to Greek immigrants Georgios Agganis and Georgia Papalimperis, Agganis first gained notice as a college football player at Boston University, becoming its first student named All-American. He passed up a professional career with the Cleveland Browns in order to play his favorite sport, baseball, close to his hometown. He signed a bonus baby contract, and after one season playing minor league baseball, he started at first base for the Red Sox.

In 1955, Agganis became gravely ill early in the season and was hospitalized for two weeks for pneumonia. He rejoined the Red Sox for a single week before being rehospitalized with a viral infection. After showing some signs of recovery, he died of a pulmonary embolism on June 27.

  1. ^ Associated Press (June 28, 1955). "Harry Agganis, Golden Greek, Passes Suddenly at Age of 25". Ottawa Citizen. p. 28. Retrieved August 6, 2013.