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BORN
1922
DIED
2017
Sam Mele Obituary
He died at his home in Quincy, Massachusetts.
The Twins went 102-60 when they went to the World Series in 1965. Minnesota, however, lost Game 7 of the Series to Sandy Koufax and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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Sabath Anthony Mele was born Jan. 21, 1922, in Astoria, New York. He debuted April 15, 1947, as an outfielder for the Boston Red Sox. He mainly played right field.
Mele, a Marine Corps veteran, also played for the Washington Senators, the Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, the Cincinnati Redlegs, and the Cleveland Indians.
He had a career batting average of .267 with 80 home runs in 1,046 games.
After retiring as a big league player, Mele served as a scout and a big league coach for the Senators and a fill-in coach later when the franchise moved to Minnesota and became the Twins. He managed the Twins from 1961 to 1967.
Mele's record as a manager was 524–436 (.546). From 1967 until 1994 when he retired, he returned to the Red Sox and served as a special assignments scout.
45 Entries
MA
August 2, 2017
May the God of All Comfort give you peace.
Mitch Summerlin
June 28, 2017
I was the Twins spring training batboy from 1964-67 and worked in the Twins clubhouse during the pennant year of 1965. I will always cherish those fond memories, among them Sam's love for bubble gum, which he always held out his hand for when I walked by. It got to where he wouldn't ask, just hold out his hand. The reporters interviewing him on the field thought that was really cool! RIP, Sam. I'm sure there's bubble gum in Heaven. If I make it there, I'll hand it to you.
Mitch Summerlin
Guy Valvano
May 22, 2017
To the family of Sam Mele: My name is Guy Valvano. I was a sports writer for the Scranton Tribune for 35 years and have a picture of Sam that I'm sure the family would like to have. I didn't know who or how to get in touch with a family member but would be happy to send this picture to you. My phone no is 570-342-6050 & my email address is [email protected]. Please let me know that you receive this & if you would like me to send it to someone. Guy Valvano
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Ann L
May 8, 2017
To the family of Mr. Sam Mele -
Many on this site have shared their experiences of either knowing your dear one or just meeting him once and they were always awesome times etched in their memories. Please be comforted by these experiences and the scriptural texts too.
Mr. Mele is now in the greatest memory of all - our Creator and Eternal Father.
May 8, 2017
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
May 8, 2017
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.
J. Baker
May 7, 2017
Upon hearing of the sad news many memories came rushing back to me. From the first time I was able to see all of Mr. mele' s accomplishments in his home in Quincy, photos trophies of ball players I had come to admire being a young baseball player myself, I was in awe just being in that room!
I remember my mom going to Bingo and coming home telling me how she had seen Mrs. Mele there and said to say hi.
I remember Marsha whom I had went to high school with and her sisters whom I was fortunate to meet as well as her brother.
Oh such wonderful memories of times gone by but still very much ingrained in this mans memories!
Rest in peace coach Mele you were one of a kind and your family a true testament to the man who we now say goodbye.
God Bless!
Debra & Hank
May 6, 2017
Rest in Peace w/ Love
Scott Chamberland
May 6, 2017
Rest in Peace
May 6, 2017
Condolences to the family. May Go comfort you during this time of loss.
Bob Long
May 5, 2017
My heartfelt condolences to the Mele Family.I got to know Sam very well over my younger years in Pro Baseball as an umpire including several years as the minor league crew chief during spring training in Winter Haven Fla. It was always a treat to listen to some very funny stories from him,Johnny Pesky,and Charlie Wagner.He was a good friend and great,great man..God Bless,Sam
James Cavanaugh
May 5, 2017
I`d like to send kind regards and condolences to Mr. Mele`s family and friends. Ninety-five years is a good, long life, and getting to spend so much of it in baseball was a true gift from the Lord. I am sorry to Sam`s family for their loss. Please indulge me for one brief anecdote---my cousin Hugh received his first baseball glove in the 1950`s, and it was a Sam Mele model. I never forgot this, and for some reason this crossed my mind a couple of months ago. Incredible how the mind works. I`m adding Mr. Mele to my prayer list. In heartfelt sympathy, Jim C.
Dorothy Sullivan
May 5, 2017
Ron and I send heartfelt condolences to you and your family, Sher. Your dad felt your love and devotion all through his later years and it should comfort you that now he's with your mom, who you loved so much. I know how much you will miss him. As much as you've missed your mom. Now they are together in heaven. He was a great man. Peace be with you, Roland and your family.
Love,
Dottie & Ron
May 5, 2017
I met Sam in 1960 and he arranged for me and my Dad to see Ted Williams in the clubhouse. Ted had the flu and never came to the park that night. I still have two baseballs Sam had Ted autograph for me as I asked. More, he got one for me autographed by the entire Washington Senators team.
I only met him that one time, but he was very nice to me.
Thank you again and rest in peace, Sam.
Dan McAuliffe,Jr.
May 5, 2017
I'm sorry for your loss. May God grant you peace to cope with your loss Phillippians 4:6,7.
May 4, 2017
To the Mele family, I remember Sam as a good man and a good instructer of the minor leagures he was assigned to My condolence to the entire family. Tony Cleary former athletic trainer Red Sox, minor leagues.
May 4, 2017
Godspeed my friend, Connie is waiting for you.My sincere condolences your family.You will be sorely missed.God gained another great man.If there's a ball club up in heaven I'm sure you'll be the manager. your loyal friend,
Mark
Mary Green
May 4, 2017
My deepest Condolence to the family of Sam Mele you find comfort in knowing that others shares your sorrow with you. Take Comfort in knowing that God keeps those who dies in his memory for they are precious in his eyes. Psalm 116:15
L W
May 4, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss. Please know that the God of all comfort hears your cries and He will rescue you with comfort and peace. (Psalms145:18,19)
May 4, 2017
My condolences for your loss. There are no words that can describe the pain you are now feeling. The sadness will be with you for some time, but allow the memories to give you the needed strength to go on. May you lean on God for comfort during this most difficult time because He cares for you. 1Peter 5:6,7
Joe McDonald
May 4, 2017
RIP to a great man
David Bader
May 4, 2017
Heartfelt condolences to all family members. I watched Sam play many games in right field for the Red Sox, and then had the opportunity to meet him when he would visit the men's clothing department at Remick's of Quincy Department Store, at the time he was a coach for the Washington Senators. Very kind man, with a warm and friendly personality. Terrific right fielder with the Sox....sad closing of the Cucinello baseball family...Semper Fi....and ....fair winds and following seas.
May 4, 2017
may the God of all comfort be with the family and friends of
Harry Simpson
May 3, 2017
Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni.
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
May 3, 2017
We are so saddened by the loss of Sam. On behalf of the Pepe family we send our deepest condolences. Our Mom and Dad loved being with Sam and Connie. They had such great fun together and always laughing . My Dad and Sam had wonderful visits and would always check on each other when they each lost their wonderful wives. One day when my now 26 year old son and I were visiting my parents, Sam and Connie came to Pembroke St to have coffee with my Mom and Dad. My son was probably 6 or 7. He was so thrilled when Sam signed a baseball for him and gave him one of his baseball cards. My son's Dad had a baseball signed by Sam in the 60's and Sam did the same for my son in the 90's. How thoughtful and kind of Sam. They are both in a place of honor and will be cherished forever.
We are sending much love and warmth to the entire Mele family.
With compassion and warm thoughts,
Marcia Pepe
Mark Stodghill Sr.
May 3, 2017
I was the batboy of the 1965 Minnesota Twins, who Sam led to a still-franchise-record of 102 regular season wins and the team's first appearance in the World Series. Sam was a classy guy, who treated everyone well. He was well-liked by his players and the entire organization. My condolences to his family.
May 3, 2017
Goodbye Mr Mele we look forward to seeing him in paradise. For now may the God of comfort take care of his family and friends. They need comfort and strength at this difficult time in their lives. God love you.
Darlene Cuccinello
May 3, 2017
Sam now has closed the chapter of the family legends, but he always opened the hearts of so many who will truly miss him. May his loving memory bring comfort and peace to his family.
Judy Gillis
May 3, 2017
Hearing of Sam's passing brought back so many wonderful memories of the entire Mele family growing up! He was always so kind to me and I remember how I loved babysitting for Connie and Sam and their adorable kids. PLease accept my condolences and I want you all to know you are truly in my thoughts and prayers.
❤
Judy Maskilieson Gillis
May 3, 2017
Please accept my condolences, may the family find comfort @ Issiah 25:8,AJ
Joe Coyne
May 3, 2017
My Deepest sympathy for your loss. It was my pleasure knowing Sam from going to Mike's Texaco. We had great conversations and always settled the world troubles for that day. Thanks for all that you did for the game of baseball. RIP Sam
Adrian Barnette
May 3, 2017
We'll miss you !
May 3, 2017
Sending my heartfelt condolences to the Mele family during this most difficult time. May the memories shared together with Sam bring you peace and may our loving God comfort and heal your broken hearts.
~Psalm 83:18~
May 3, 2017
May the God of tender mercies bring comfort to the family at this time. Psalms 83:18.
May 3, 2017
My prayers go out to you and your family. Ps 55:22
Fred Cuccinello
May 3, 2017
To the entire family from ours, we share your pain. The earth has lost a loving father and a man who I loved.
CC.
May 3, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with the MELE FAMILY during this most difficult time. May 'God' give you peace. -Romans 15:13
N. Haley
May 3, 2017
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
May 3, 2017
I would like to express my condolences for the loss of your loved one. Find solace in knowing that God shares your sorrow and wants to be a refuge for you during this difficult time. (Psalm 46:1
May 3, 2017
I am truly sorry for your loss. We can take comfort in knowing that this life is not all there is.
Cheryl Lynn
May 3, 2017
I am sorry for your loss.May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time.
E Ferguson
May 3, 2017
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Soon all such pain will be a thing of the past. God has promised to end sickness and death forever.(Isa.33:24;25:8) He will also reunite us with our loved ones on a cleansed earth. May you receive the comfort and peace that God supplies.
Peggie Colucci-Cahill
May 3, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss..Take comfort in knowing he is reunited with your Mother, and treasure your memories......My thoughts, prayers and heart are with you
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