Harry Agganis
Aristotle George "Harry" Agganis (April 20, 1929 – June 27, 1955), nicknamed "The Golden Greek", 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.
Harry Agganis | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 20, 1929 Lynn, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | June 27, 1955 (aged 26) Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S. |
|
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 |
| Hits | 135 |
| Home Runs | 11 |
| Runs batted in | 67 |
| Teams | |
| Football career | |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Quarterback |
| US college | Boston University |
| NFL draft | 1952 / Round: 1 / Pick: 12 |
| Drafted by | Cleveland Browns |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1949, 1951–1952 | Boston University |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
| Retired #s | Boston University #33 |
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.