RIP - Joe Christopher

 

Joe Christopher, an outfielder for the Pirates, Mets, and Red Sox, passed away on October 3, 2023 at age 87.

Christopher split the '59 and '60 seasons between the Pirates and their AAA team, then spent all of 1961 as the Pirates' 4th outfielder (primarily starting 1/3 of the games in left field). 

 

After the 1961 season he was selected by the Mets in the expansion draft and was one of their top 4 outfielders for the next 4 seasons, including their everyday right fielder in 1964. 

 

Following the 1965 season he was traded to the Red Sox for shortstop Ed Bressoud, then midway through 1966 he was sent to the Tigers (with pitcher Earl Wilson) for outfielder Don Demeter. He didn't play for Detroit, and spent the next 2 1/2 seasons in the minors before retiring. 

 

New York Times obituary  

 

New York Post obituary