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Harry Agganis

Harry Agganis
Harry Agganis 55 Topps-152.jpg
First baseman
Born: (1929-04-20)April 20, 1929
Lynn, Massachusetts
Died: June 27, 1955(1955-06-27) (aged 26)
Cambridge, Massachusetts
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
AVG .261
Hits 135
RBI 67
Teams
Career highlights and awards
1954: 7th in AL with 8 Triples
Harry Agganis
Date of birth (1929-04-20)April 20, 1929
Place of birth Lynn, Massachusetts
Date of death June 27, 1955
Place of death Cambridge, Massachusetts
Career information
Position(s) Quarterback
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

Aristotle George "Harry" Agganis (Greek: Αριστοτέλης Γεώργιος Αγγάνης) (April 20, 1929 – June 27, 1955), nicknamed "The Golden Greek", was a former American first baseman and college football star who played two seasons with the Boston Red Sox of the American League (1954–1955), after passing up a potential professional football career.

Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, Agganis first gained notice as a college football player at Boston University, becoming the first person in school history to be named All-American. He passed a professional career with the Cleveland Browns in order to play his favorite sport, baseball, close to his hometown. Agganis was signed to a bonus baby contract, and after one season playing minor league baseball, Agganis became the starter 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 one week before being rehospitalized with a viral infection. After showing some signs of recovery, Agganis died of a pulmonary embolism on June 27. Agganis' sudden death is considered one of the greatest tragedies to hit Boston's sporting community.

Agganis' family origins were from Longanikos near Sparta, Greece. He was born in Lynn, Massachusetts, to a large family which includes four brothers and two sisters. He was a star football and baseball player at Lynn Classical High School as well as a strong student, being named as "All-Scholastic" from the state of Massachusetts.


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