Tony Cuccinello – Baseball by The Letters https://www.baseballbytheletters.com Hand-written memories from those who lived The Game! Thu, 27 Oct 2016 14:16:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 22759191 Minnesota Skipper Sam Mele Remembers White Sox Roadblock En Route to 1965 World Series https://www.baseballbytheletters.com/2011/05/02/minnesota-skipper-sam-mele-remembers-white-sox-roadblock-en-route-to-1965-world-series-2/ https://www.baseballbytheletters.com/2011/05/02/minnesota-skipper-sam-mele-remembers-white-sox-roadblock-en-route-to-1965-world-series-2/#respond Mon, 02 May 2011 13:58:00 +0000 http://www.baseballbytheletters.com/2011/05/02/minnesota-skipper-sam-mele-remembers-white-sox-roadblock-en-route-to-1965-world-series-2/ Read more]]> Tattoo, or did Mele catch
a fastball on the bicep?

Sam Mele was Minnesota’s first Tom Kelly. Manager Mele turned the Twins into near World Champions in 1965.

I asked him when his thoughts changed from “good team” to “World Series bound.” He replied:

“Had a series with the White Sox and beat them. That gave us the lead.”

Mele’s baseball bloodline can be traced to Uncle Tony Cuccinello. I asked what special education he received as a nephew.

“All the fundamentals of baseball.”

Mele’s fame as Minnesota skipper followed a tidy 10-year career as a hard-working outfielder. His headline-grabbing moment as a hitter came in 1953, compiling a 22-game hitting streak.

I asked if there was one toughest game in which his streak was in doubt.

“Facing Yankee pitcher Allie Reynolds.”

A full look at Mele’s life in baseball is provided by writer Bill Nowlin’s wonderful biography, found on the SABR website.

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