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Dick Radatz Obituary
Radatz, a 6-foot-5 right-hander nicknamed "The Monster," lost his balance and suffered a severe head injury in the fall Wednesday afternoon, police Chief Thomas Kominsky said.
The cause of death is believed to be accidental, Kominsky said. He said the offices of the state medical examiner and Bristol County district attorney were investigating.
Radatz pitched seven seasons in the majors for Boston , Cleveland, Detroit, the Chicago Cubs and Montreal. He went 52-43 with 122 saves and a 3.13 ERA.
His best years were in Boston, where he broke into the big leagues in 1962. He was 49-34 with 104 saves, applied under modern rules because saves weren't recorded as a statistic in those days, in four-plus seasons with the Red Sox. He was an All-Star in 1963 and 1964.
Radatz regularly pitched multiple innings of relief, long before pitchers evolved into one-inning specialists.
Radatz holds the major league record for strikeouts in a season by a relief pitcher, 181 in 1964.
Boston signed Radatz, a Detroit native who graduated from Michigan State University, before the 1959 season as an amateur free agent.
Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press
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82 Entries
William Radatz
January 7, 2024
My cousin
paul paquin
July 23, 2023
He was a top-notch reliever for the Red Sox during my young days of the early 1960's, he was named "the Monster" by Mickey Mantle because Mickey feared him!Also want to say a belated thank you to his family for giving a kid back then hope for a Red Sox win! Wish his family the best, he gave us much enjoyment!
Thomas Young
May 19, 2022
I am a Red Sox fan and knew of Mr. Radatz from my dad who told me his "nickname" the monster" when I was about 8 or 9 years old and it really is one of the better nicknames of all time , I really wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading everyone's story of their interaction with him , he obviously was one of the rare people you meet in life that has a positive impact on you .
Thomas & Libby Widgeon
March 17, 2018
Sorry For Your Loss!
How you can show support
Paul Clifford
February 2, 2018
I was fortunate to be paired with Dick twice in Dom DiMaggio's Jimmy Fund annual charity golf tournament at Kittansitt. I just saw this posting and concur with all the kind words shared. He was real funny and had a ton of baseball stories to share. But he was also a gentleman who looked you in the eye and was genuinely interested in what you had to say.
It was a real pleasure to spend time with him and his death was very sad.
Harry Simpson
March 16, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Neil MacNevin
February 11, 2015
I worked on air at old WCOP radio in Boston with Dick several years during his off season. I was Tom Evans in those days...and, we had nothing but fun with Dick. He came back to Mass. from Michigan, to work as a sales rep in Everett. We spoke by phone and agreed to meet for lunch soon... But..sadly we never got around to it. He will be missed by many.
James Andrews
September 1, 2012
Dick Radatz came to Wylie E Groves school in 62 to do his student teaching for a semester.
Being a freshman of course we all looked upward to the skies as he was taller than most. He helped out Mr. Carson the gym teacher with classes but I was very lucky as he helped me with basketball skills after watching one of our games. I do remember so vididly how soft his voice was and such attention he gave as he looked you right in the eyes when talking and always was searching for something positive to say or plant in your brain. I didn't know he was a baseball player at the time as he never told us...but he could play basketball and shoot lefty lights out. Then in the summer I turned on the Tigers and Ernie Harwell was talking about this pitcher on the mound who was the winner of the firemen's award... which is a Red sox thing... he struck out Kaline, then Horton... it then clicked who he was and how special I was that previous winter to have Mr. Radatz as our teacher for such a short time. When I heard he had moved on to the hinterlands it really struck me deep way down in my being how could this be someone so strong, so nice, poof gone. Later in life when I moved from AZ. back East to CT. I tried to call on him in Boston when visiting as a salesman...but he had a radio program that he was doing that summer day and they said he was pretty busy... my loss as there aren't that many man figures in a young boys life that reinforce you just got to keep going and belive in yourself.... Dick Radatz would say! though not here in person since 05... still maintains a real presense to those he touched while traveling mother earth's journey. Thank you Mr. Radatz ( by the way you did good in your student teaching so long ago in Birmingham MI. You were a great teacher. James Andrews
frederick radatz
November 4, 2009
he was a very kind man may he rest in peace
Jason Lisowski
May 12, 2009
My Father worked with Dick at Eastern Container. Dick was a salesman. My father and Dick had some good times together and my dad would tell stories about what a funny and genuine man he was. I remember when my father first started working with Dick and he was so excited he was working with the Monster, one of his favorite players. I still have the ball that he signed to me. I only wish I could have met him. Rest in Piece
Kevin Delp
January 21, 2009
I played high school and American Legion ball with Dick Jr. His father Dick Sr. coached me in American Legion. I have fond memories of his stories in the major leagues and all the instruction he gave me thru the years that helped me to play college ball. I was shocked to find out he had passed away as I was looking him up on google to possible contact him to say hi. I coach baseball and the things I have learned from him I pass on to the young kids. He will be missed. When I think back on my baseball career, I had lots of coaches, but my American Legion days and being coached by him were the funnist.
john reilly
January 27, 2008
an all star major league ball player but more importantly an all star major league person. your show with mike adams on weei mike and the monster was informative and hilarious. mike adams said he loved doing the show with you and misses you every day. that sentiment is shared by about a million other people.
Dianne Chadbourne
October 19, 2007
I met Dick when he was a sales rep in the late 80's. I didn't remember him as a Red Sox pitcher and didn't believe his fellow sales rep when he told me this on his first sales call to me. As we were going up the stairs to my office, my shoe came flying off and I turned to Dick who had caught it in mid-air and said, "Are you sure you weren't a catcher?" Dick was really amused by my not believing his story. And after many unconvincing facts and stories shared by his co-worker, he told Dick, "Show her your watch." Dick handed me his watch which had a blue face and the Red Sox logo on it. "Turn it over," his friend said. On the back it was engraved, "To Dick Radatz on Old Timer's Day, Fenway Park....."
"Oh my gosh, you really were a Red Sox pitcher."
"I guess I was," said Dick. He smiled at me, not offended in the least and said, "That was long before your time."
I enjoyed my subsequent yet brief business relationship with Dick Radatz. He was down to earth, forgiving of my youth, easy to know,and as I later learned a great fastballer!!
Joe Stack
August 9, 2007
To Dick's family,
We lost a good one. My condolences.
Dick,
Great to know you, miss those stories! Miss you and Mikey on WEEI on Sunday mornings!
Hope you are in good company and see you again someday!
Your pal,
walter culbreth
July 4, 2007
Dick "the monster" Radatz,my childhood hero.We will miss you.
Tina Raptis
May 6, 2007
As a Red Sox fan I was very young and remember him well!
Great strike out pitcher and his catcher Mike Pagliaroni!
RIP
Jeff Willis
March 8, 2007
A real gentleman with a witt.I will never forget the night you called a friend of mine...a lifetime fan. He is still talking about that call.Something so little meant so much. My pleasure knowing you ..
tony provenzano
October 18, 2006
i was a 12 year old kid when i first saw dick radatz strike out my yankees and wished hal reniff could be more like him. it was sad to hear that the "villain" had passed on and how sentimental i've become about my childhood cast of characters.
Billy Bilbrey
September 19, 2006
My first memories of Mr. Radatz, was when in 1964 he devestated my Kansas City A's. Monte Moore the A's announcer praised his velocity on each pitch.And I became a Dick Radatz fan.
Steve bigora
July 4, 2006
So many laughs at sox fantasy camp with this man. It was an absolute pleasure getting to know him. He will be missed.
Rod & Loretta Clarke
July 1, 2006
Dick was a big man with an even bigger heart. It was an honor and a privilege to know him. And a heck of a lot of fun, too. I don't think there will ever be another quite like him.
MEGAN THURNQUIST
July 1, 2006
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Megan Thurnquist
July 1, 2006
IT WAS AN HONER TO GET TO KNOW DICK,FUNNY AND A GENTALMAN IN DEED.
I HAVE THE BEST VIDEOS OF DICK,GARY,JERRY AND THE GANG FROM COURT AT CAMP,AND STILL WATCH AND LAUGH. COURT WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. XO MEG
Dave Mulvey
June 30, 2006
I will always cherish the memories of Dick from over the 18 years that I was privledged to be able to call him "my friend." He always had a kind word, a smile and a handshake for everyone he met. He will always hold a very special place in my heart as well as in the hearts and lives of all those who knew him. God bless you Dick, and thank you for all you gave.
David Dorfman
June 28, 2006
Your cap, Red B, #17 was strolling around yankee stadium during the last Red Sox game. I was proud to wear it! Dave "Heckel" Dorfman #66.
Marty Kawadler
June 28, 2006
I enjoyed talking with Dick-a real genuine human being.
Bob Morrill
June 28, 2006
Dick was one of the nicest men I have known. He always had a smile and encouragement for you. I miss Dick and his humor at the fantasy camp kangaroo courts.
Paul Trusten
May 20, 2006
In the mid-1990s, while shopping at the Holyoke Mall in Holyoke,MA, I saw one of my childhood heroes, Dick Radatz, sitting at a table raising money for some organization. If the year had been 1963 instead of 1993, I wouldn't have been able to get near him! Thirty years too late, I finally got a chance to say hello to him. "Aren't you The Monster?" I said, introducing myself. "Yes!" he said. He was a kind, warm, strong gentleman. It is sad to hear of his death. Rest in peace, Dick. Thank you for your kind words and the autograph. You made Boston so proud!
Joe Pignatiello
April 9, 2006
I grew up in Natick, Massachusetts, and at age 8, I started following the Red Sox in 1962. My favorite player was Dick Radatz. I used to pretend to be him and tried to imitate his side-arm throwing style. I painted a strike zone on the back side of my garage and spent hours and hours throwing side-arm as hard as I possibly could. It didn't take long before many of the shingles broke off and had to be replaced. A few years ago when my parents were selling their house, my mother found a note that I wrote as a child. All it said was that when I grow up, I wanted to be 6-feet 5-inches tall and pitch for the Boston Red Sox. Dick Radatz had an enormous impact on my life as a young little leaguer in the 1960s and ever since as a baseball fan. He will always live on in my memories.
Nick Infusino
September 6, 2005
A great ball player, a better man
Susan Ward
April 27, 2005
To the Monster,
I spoke to you one time on WEEI Boston and you made a strong impression on me. Not so much from that talk, but from your viewpoint on kids playing sports and the numerous other times I heard you in 'EEI.' You will be remembered forever here. Your friend, Sue from Quincy.
George Keene
April 20, 2005
May you rest in peace Dick. I had the privilege of getting to know Dick at the annual Red Sox fantasy camp, a true gentleman who will be sorely missed.
Nicki Reilly
April 14, 2005
You will certainly be missed. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to work with you at the Spirit for two years. Thanks for all the stories!
Bill Cass
April 12, 2005
I was listening to the Red Sox home opener on the radio yesterday and was saddened to hear of Dick's passing. I had the good fortune of spending a week with Dick and other former players at a Red Sox Fantasy Baseball camp 10 years ago. It was a week I will never forget. I will keep Dick's family in my thoughts and prayers.
Keith Hudson
March 31, 2005
To the Radatz Family,
Dick was one of my PE teachers at Royal Oak Dondero High School. In 1963, my older brother, Jim caught for him during a wam-up at school, while the regular catcher was getting his gear. He said it was a good thing he was accurate and could put it in his glove, because he never once saw the ball coming...and the pain! In 1962 I was a 95 lb wrestler sitting in an attendance line behind the 103 pounder. He was goofing around and Dick told him to get back in line but this kid smarted off. I thought he was going to die before my eyes, but Dick was pretty laid back about it and ignored him. I always remembered his gentle nature with us. I am so glad I worte to him this winter and he was kind enought to write back. My brother and I were just talking about him Easter weekend when a day later I saw the news in SI. I'm broken hearted! He was the hero of everyone at Dondero!
Tami Bonarrigo
March 26, 2005
Dick, My heart, prayers, and love goes out to you, our family, and friends who have given us so much support through this difficult time. I thank God for bringing our families together.we will stay together so when you look down, you will look down with a smile and be at peace knowing how much we love you.and someday we will all be together again.Thank you for being a great STEPDAD. you will always be like a real dad to me. I thank God for that and all the happiness you brought to our lives. I miss you!!
terry bruce
March 24, 2005
i would like to thank everyone for their thouhgts and prayers for Dick.he has been my stepdad for quite a lot of years now.whenever i think of him now i get a picture of Dick standing in Heaven with those arms raised overhead in one last victory! i'll miss him ,but never forget him.Dick,thanks for making my mom{Char} happy all those years. see you on the other side.
Klae Calvert
March 24, 2005
I have had the pleasure of playing under Dick for the last two years at the North Shore Spirit and can't believe that i will never get a chance to hear one of those amazing stories he told, or watch him hold a baseball and make it look like an egg. I miss you Dick, thank you for all your help and wisdom. I just wish that i could have won that last game for you! Save me a seat up there in the dugout mate. In my thoughts always, Klae Calvert
Joe Farnham
March 23, 2005
To the Radatz family,
It is my deep hope that the image of Dick Radatz conveyed via early television or radio be memorialized in the memories of so many young Red Sox fans, like myself. At a time in this country's life when idols were falling he portrayed and conveyed mythical attributes of power and invincibility. I will never forget this man, though I never met him in person. He made an ever-lasting impression on this young man when he needed heroes like Dick Radatz. God bless him ands help him on his yet to be completed journey.
Raymond Radatz
March 23, 2005
From your cousin who always admired and had fond memories of Dick, watching you on television at Uncle Walt's house as a kid, having a beer or two and hearing all the great stories later in life, God bless and rest in peace.
Jim Mullen
March 21, 2005
Char, and the Radatz family, our sincere condolences to a wonderful man. Thank you for sharing your life with us and being a friend. We will never forget the great times we had together. You were a charming man who made life fun. Jim and Donna Mullen, and our sons. Would like to find out when and where a service will be conducted.
Sandra Stivalet-Riggs
March 21, 2005
Char, Tami,and Family:
Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
The Riggs Family
Joe LaHood
March 21, 2005
I first met Dick(the moose) at MSU in 1955 when we were 18, and freshmen at MSU. We were in the same dorm, W Shaw Hall. Later we joined the same fraternity ATO. Dick was always an outstanding personality, with a great sense of humor. He was a nice guy...we all will miss him.
tim gapa
March 20, 2005
Dick played rec league basketball for my father Earl as a young man in Detroit.Dad told many stories of Dick's many athletic talents. The Gapa family offers its prayers for the Radatz family.
Tom Donahue
March 20, 2005
My thoughts go out to the Radatz family at this very difficult time. Dick was a great friend and I feel fortunate to have had the honor of getting to know him over the past few years. We will all miss him. He is probably having a great time teaching all his new friends the words to "General Custers Soldiers" and telling them the legend of L.J. Doola. Wherever he is, i know there is laughter. He was loved by all who knew him and will always be in my thoughts.
Ed Pyle
March 19, 2005
I remember sitting next to Mr. Radatz's wife at a Red Sox-Reds spring training game in Tampa. Both were stunning, needless to say in very different ways.
Dick Radatz is one of the Sox greats I will never forget.
Barry Kendrigan
March 19, 2005
Another favorate of my youth now gone. God bless him and his family.
Stephen Foley
March 19, 2005
We're gonna miss you. Thanks for all the afternoons listening to the games on my transistor.
james tgettis
March 19, 2005
The big man was a "giant" of a person. On or off the field, in the clubhouse or anywhere we went his presence was paramount. I was given a great gift having the opportunity to work, travel, and share the professional wisdom of the BIG BIG man. My most sincere condolences to his family. Jim Tgettis, First Base Coach, North Shore Spirit
Don Swallow
March 19, 2005
I spent many evenings with Dick, Char, Dick Jr., and Kathy at the 1990 Sox Exchange Fantasy Camp. He always made me feel like I was the celebrity. I feel privileged to have know him.
Don Swallow
Dennis Gillpatrick
March 18, 2005
My sincere condolences to the Radatz family. The "Monster" may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.
Susan Webster
March 18, 2005
As a young girl, I lived and breathed the Red Sox...my whole family did. I have many happy memories of Dick Radatz coming in to pitch to save a game. I have equally happy memories of watching my then-78 year old grandmother, no more than 5 feet tall and 100 pounds, cheering on her favorite player - Dick Radatz.
My God bless the Radatz family, and thank you for the wonderful memories.
Mark Webb
March 18, 2005
Our condolences to Mr. Radatz's family, the Boston Red Sox, the entire Red Sox Nation as well as baseball fans everywhere....we will mourn the loss of a great person and a great player with you
Donna Poulos
March 18, 2005
My sincere condolences to the Radatz family at this difficult time. "Monster" surely left a legacy that will never be forgotten.
Joe Hickey
March 18, 2005
Thanks Dick for all the humor you shared with fans like myself and your team mates like Luis Tiant throughout the years. You told some great stories and threw baseballs as hard as anyone ever threw them.
Pam Knapp
March 18, 2005
A wonderful man guiding the young men of the North Shore Spirit baseball team, Lynn, MA in 2004. An example, guidepost that will be missed by all. My prayers are with the his family. God Keep you.
Arthur Koretsky
March 17, 2005
I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to the Radatz family.
Brian Saben
March 17, 2005
My sincere sympathy to Dick's family. I will always have great memories of the times that I drove Dick to the airport and talked about his baseball career. Thank you for sharing your life with me. It has been a pleasure and an honor to know you and your family.
kathy krawiec
March 17, 2005
Our sincere condolences to the Radatz family. I was told of his achievements by my Dad, the greatest Red Sox fan of all time. Dick Radatz's legacy is one reason for my love of the game now.
Paula Thoms Colombo
March 17, 2005
My sincere thoughts and prayers to
Dick's family in this time of great
loss. I will remember him and his
imposing presence on the mound for
Michigan State.
Paula Thoms Colombo
Joan DeTeresa Pratt
March 17, 2005
I offer my sincere sympathy to Dick's family.
Dick was a good friend of mine at Michigan State. I had a feeling he was still in the Boston area and I had been trying to get in touch with him since I moved to RI in '87. Unfortunately, I never was able to locate him.
He was a great guy, and well liked by all who knew him at MSU. He was "Shark Face" to us before he became "The Monster."
Mike Barbosa
March 17, 2005
My deepest sympathy to your family on the loss of a great fole model and family man!
Joe Bottari
March 17, 2005
Farewell to you, Monster!!
You'll live forever in the hearts of Red Sox fans!
Prayers for you and your family
Joe B.
Beth
March 17, 2005
My sincere sympathy to Dick's son and daugher.
I'll never forget Springfield!!!
God Bless.
With love, Beth
Joe Lavin
March 17, 2005
Dick always had the power and competitive free spirit of many of the Sox who finally broke through and won the World Series for us. He was a stud.
rhonda nieweglowski
March 17, 2005
My heartfelt and deepest sympthy,& condolences to the Radatz-family
Jack Malloy
March 17, 2005
God Bless the Radatz family in this time of sorrow. The "Monster" will be in the "lords Bullpen, helping out."
Dave Carlin
March 17, 2005
Dick,
You were the Red Sox when I was a teenager. The most overpowering picher I have ever seen. God bless you.
Dave Carlin
David Goad
March 17, 2005
Condolences to the Radatz family on your loss.
Joseph Flynn
March 17, 2005
I Graduated from Grammar school in 1953
High school in 1957
Providence College 1961
Loved those sox in those days and still do.
Dick Radatz is still one of my all time Sox
Favorites. You will be rembered in my Prayers!
Laurie Carpenter-Noll
March 17, 2005
Condolences to the Radatz family, "The Monster" will be missed.
Sal Stabila
March 17, 2005
Remember you as a kid when I was groing up. You were a great person and sportsman. God bless you.
joe osmanski
March 17, 2005
I am a life long sox fan from R.I., called to active duty. Sorry to hear of your loss. We never know how long we have, or how we'll go
Bob Martin
March 17, 2005
Thanks for the memories Dick.
Joe Cimaroli
March 17, 2005
Dick did me the honor of lending his popular image to serveral benefit golf tournaments which I hosted. He was larger than life and someone to whom I am forever grateful.
Farewell
ronald martin
March 17, 2005
thank you for all the great saves you gave us you were always a gentleman and will be missed,enjoyed your candor on extra innigs
Mark Chittim
March 17, 2005
I was just a boy when "The Monster" was at his most devastating. He will always be one of most favorite Bosox players of all time.
Michael Levesque
March 17, 2005
To a true New England Legend. May you still strike out those fearsome batters in heaven with your fastballs.
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