When it comes to baseball, we talk about the players, their clubs, and legacies. Likewise, fans are also aware of the roles of baseball owners, coaches, and managers. These people are responsible for the outcome of any match. And one such well-renowned individual is Rocco Baldelli.
The sportsman began as a star athlete before making his professional debut. Then, he worked his way up from minor leagues to play for major league clubs. Furthermore, the athlete is currently serving as a manager for the MLB team, Minnesota Twins. He is also the recipient of the 2019 AL Manager of the Year award.
So, let's learn more about this iconic MLB manager in this biography.
Luis Rojas Biography - Former New York Mets Manager And Felipe Alou's Son
Rocco Baldelli Comes From A Loving Family
The former baseball pro was born Rocco Dan Baldelli on September 25, 1981, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. He acquired his love for baseball from his dad. Moreover, Rocco Baldelli's father, Dan Baldelli, was a massive baseball fan and ushered his son towards it. The latter also coached him from his childhood to high school.
Likewise, Rocco Baldelli's mother, Michelle Baldelli, has been his number one supporter from day one. She also never missed out on any of his matches during his playing years.
Rocco Baldelli's father, Dan Baldelli, encouraged him to pursue a career in baseball from a young age. Photo Source: Social Media.
The player's brother, Nicholas Baldelli, is currently working as a dentist. His younger sibling, Dante Baldelli, played baseball at Boston College.
Rocco was a four-sport star excelling in baseball, indoor, track, volleyball, and basketball at Bishop Hendricken High School. During his senior year, he pulled his oblique muscle but still hit .531-5-13.
The teen was also good in academics and scored 1300 on the SAT. He received athletic scholarships from many universities but decided to make his professional debut.
Beginning Of Baldelli's Playing Career
Aforementioned, Rocco rejected college offers and signed with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for $2.25 Million in 2000. He then began playing in minor leagues as a hitter for two seasons. Moreover, he won the 2002 Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year Award.
The sportsperson made his Major League debut in 2003. His outfield assists, range factor, and defensive stats ranked among the top in American League for two seasons.
However, the baseballer's later career years suffered hindrances due to his various injuries. First, he tore his anterior cruciate ligament during the offseason in 2005. Moreover, the athlete later underwent Tommy John surgery after injuring his elbow.
Rocco Baldelli suffered from different types of diseases and injuries during his playing career. Photo Source: Social Media.
Baldelli pulled his hamstring during the 2007 season. Still, he played in thirty-five games and further caused damage. In the aftermath, Rays put him on the disabled list for most of the year.
The MLB player's situation became more severe after being diagnosed with a cell disorder, mitochondrial channelopathy. The disease made him unable to play regularly in the field.
Despite that, Rocco played for Boston Red Sox and Rays for several seasons. However, his medical condition caused him to announce retirement in January 2011. Additionally, he concluded his MLB career with a .278 batting average, sixty home runs, and 262 RBI.
Rocco's Coaching And Managerial Career
Although the former professional baseballer quit playing, he didn't leave the Rays. Instead, he began working as a roving minor-league hitting, outfield, and defense instructor.
Baldelli soon became the bench coach for his former teammate Kevin Cash in 2015. He later got promoted to the role of major league field coordinator in 2017.
Rocco Baldelli initially served as Tampa Bay Devil Rays' coach before making his managerial debut with Minnesota Twins. Photo Source: Social Media.
The coach parted ways with Rays and became Minnesota Twins' manager in 2018. He led the team to win 101 games in his first season. As a result, he became the youngest manager to win the American League Manager of the Year award.
At present, the baseball manager is actively leading Twins. His efficiency and leading skills have earned him respect from the fans and players.
Rocco Baldelli Net Worth And Earnings
The MLB manager faced several setbacks in his playing career. Still, he gave his best and won the hearts of many fans and fellow opponents.
Alongside fame, the former baseball pro's playing career has also brought him a hefty amount. In addition, his income must have also benefitted from his multiple endorsement deals. Hence, Rocco Baldelli's net worth must have undoubtedly risen over the years.
Rocco's salary during his professional playing years are listed below:
| Year | Team | Salary |
| 2005 | Tampa Bay Devil Rays | $369,000 |
| 2006 | Tampa Bay Devil Rays | $2,000,000 |
| 2007 | Tampa Bay Devil Rays | $750,000 |
| 2008 | Tampa Bay Devil Rays | $2,250,000 |
| 2009 | Boston Red Sox | $500,000 |
The former player's earnings from his managerial career must also be a notable figure. Although he hasn't disclosed the details, his contract with Twins must bring home millions of dollars annually.
Hence, Rocco Baldelli's net worth stands at a gigantic $3 million. Another well-renowned baseball player turned manager is Cincinnati Red's manager, David Bell.
Rocco Baldelli Is Married To Allie Baldelli
The sports personality has received support from his family, peers, friends, and others throughout his baseball journey. However, one person has stood by him through every obstacle. And that is his partner, Allie Baldelli.
We don't know exactly when the pair started dating. But according to several sources, both have been in a relationship for a long time. Moreover, the couple married in a private ceremony in July 2021. The event was attended by an officiant, witness, and their dog, Bowie.
Rocco Baldelli got married to Allie Baldelli secretly with only an officiant, witness and their dog in attendance. Photo Source: Allie Baldelli's Instagram.
Rocco Baldelli's wife, Allie Baldelli, is a Boston native who previously ran Up Land Jewelry Collection. Going through her Instagram account, she seems to be interested in photography and keeping a visual diary.
Baldelli Is A Father Of A Babygirl
The Twins manager first shocked the world by announcing his wedding abruptly. He once again surprised everyone after revealing the birth of his firstborn, Louisa Sunny Baldelli.
The proud father welcomed his daughter, Louisa, on September 6, 2021. He shared her pictures on his Twitter account two weeks later.
Rocco Baldelli welcomed his daughter, Louisa Sunny Baldelli, two months after his marriage. Photo Source: Rocco Baldelli's Twitter.
Baldelli is happily raising his baby girl alongside his spouse, Allie. He is also continuing his managerial duties and parental responsibility together.
We send the new father best regards concerning his family and professional lives.
Trivia And Facts
- Rocco has 26.3K Twitter follwers.
- He is the recipient of the 2008 Tony Conigliaro Award.
