Jimmy Piersall, former Major League center fielder who wrote about his struggle with mental illness, has died at the age of 87.
PIersall played with the Red Sox for seven seasons and is a member of the Red Sox Hall of Fame. He made his first appearance in the Majors in 1950. He made the All-Star team in 1954 and 1956. In 1956, he led the league in doubles. Piersall was an outstanding defensive player who won two gold gloves. After playing for the Red Sox, he went on to play for the Indians, Senators, Mets and Angels. Piersall retired after the 1967 season.
Piersall co-wrote his biography in 1955 titled “Fear Strikes Out: The Jim Piersall Story.” He talks about having a nervous breakdown and being admitted to a mental hospital for therapy. Piersall’s father put a great amount of pressure on him to be great in baseball. The book was adapted into a movie in 1957 that featured Anthony Perkins as Piersall. Piersall later was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
After his playing career, Piersall was a broadcaster for the Texas Rangers in 1974 and the Chicago White Sox from 1977 until 1981.
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Guy bears an uncanny resemblance to Ben Affleck.