Billy Raimondi
Billy Raimondi never had an at bat in the major leagues, but Billy is what baseball is all about…playing for the love of the game. Billy was a catcher in the minor leagues from 1931 through 1952, which was longer than any other position player in Pacific Coast League history (Herm Pillette pitched 23 seasons). He is probably best remembered as a member of the PCL Oakland Oaks. I won’t rehash his career here as it has already been written about, but I encourage you to read his story.
Billy’s brother Ernie Raimondi who was a WWII hero.
Billy is now 97 years old. I recently wrote to him and included 3 different photos with duplicates for him to keep. Today I received a package, which included a letter from his son, Billy Jr.
Billy Jr. said,
“My father appreciates that you are interested in his baseball career and that he is still remembered…..his handwriting isn’t as good as it used to be, but he still managed to sign your pictures. Thanks very much for the duplicates and your kind words…”
Full note
Billy in 2007 at the PCL Reunion
Thanks Mr. Raimondi!
Posted by esiason14 :: Posted in Custom Cards, TTM Autographs, vintage autographs
5 Responses to “Billy Raimondi”
September 3rd, 2010 at 11:10 pm
My father remembers Billy not only for his baseball feats, but for the time when my dad was working for the Tribune and Billy worked relief home delivery, as a sub for my Dad, Ken Desirello. Dad is 86 years old now and still remembers him fondly. Dad remembers seeing him play for the Oakland Oaks, also does the name Dynamite Dunn ring a bell?
My parents plan on going to the reunion in Alameda for the Trib at Elks Lodge on Oct, 2nd. Maybe Billy would come??
Sandy Himel
Daugher
October 19th, 2010 at 11:21 pm
I am sorry to report that my father, Billy Raimondi, passed away on October 18, 2010. He had been bedridden for the last two months or so, but his passing was peaceful. He leaves many loving family members and friends, in and out of baseball. My dad never missed a Tribune reunion or a Norcal PCL reunion until this year. Our family is thankful to all those who fondly remember him.
Bill Jr.
October 20th, 2010 at 1:48 am
Thanks so much for your bio of Billy Raimondi. I was 9 years old when he was finishing up his playing days with the Oaks. Of course I knew of him and his illustrious career. Those Oaks began me on a love affair with baseball that continues today. I grew up with Billy’s daughters in Alameda and remain madly in love as best friends with Judy, his youngest. I am also friendly with June the older daughter. I know and adore the whole family. I could go on and on but I will always remember Billy as my first baseball hero. We lost a lot when loosing Billy.
October 20th, 2010 at 8:45 am
Bill,
I’m very sorry to hear that. He had a really interesting and great story. I really enjoyed learning about his life in baseball. Several months ago we sent some pictures in and he was grateful enough to sign them for us. He will always remembered by the true fans of baseball.
Kyle
October 22nd, 2010 at 11:02 am
I am very saddened at the passing of Mr. Raimondi’s passing.
After reading this blog entry, I became interested in his career, and sent him 2 pictures to hopefully autograph for me. He graciously signed them for me, and I received a wonderful letter from his daughter. I was impressed that the pictures were returned in under a month, with wonderful signatures, and I was truly thrilled to add them to my collection. I will treasure those pictures in my collection. Thank you to your father for his baseball career, and for being so thoughtful to this fan, who never saw him play, but for a brief time felt connected to a baseball legend. My sincere condolences.
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