Former outfielder Billy Conigliaro died today, Wednesday:

Though he wound up winning a World Series ring with Oakland in 1973, Billy always remained a part of New England lore, forever connected by his local roots and the tragic events surrounding his older brother, powerful slugger Tony C.

Born less than 10 miles from Fenway Park in Revere, Billy C. was 19 when he was chosen fifth overall out of Swampscott High School in Major League Baseball’s inaugural amateur draft in 1965.

Conigliaro made his big league debut as a pinch runner in April 1969, the same month his brother returned from a beaning that had derailed his All-Star career.

ESPN.com

My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Conigliaro peaked early, his best season coming at age 22 when he posted a .271/.339/.462 slash line and a 2.4 rWAR. That would represent more than half his career total. He did win a World Series ring with Oakland in 1973. Part of his falloff came from a high strikeout rate for his era. That drove down his batting average, and without an adjustment, might have ended his career without the knee injury.