Beverly resident, Billy Conigliaro, invited to throw first pitch at Fenway in honor of Tony Conigliaro

L-R(Larry Lucchino, President & CEO of the Boston Red Sox; Keisha Conigliaro, wife of Billy Conigliaro; Billy Conigliaro, former Red Sox player; Sean McDonald, Tony C’s culinary and corporate executive chef).

Photo Credit: Regan Communications Group

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Anthony “Tony C” Conigliaro’s Boston Red Sox debut, the Conigliaro family—represented by Tony’s younger brother and former Red Sox player, Billy Conigliaro—was invited to Fenway to throw out the first pitch. As part of the ceremony, President and CEO of the Red Sox, Larry Lucchino, presented a replica of the ‘Conigliaro’s Corner’ plaque that hangs at Fenway to Sean McDonald, Tony C’s culinary and corporate executive chef. Two Tony C’s Sports Bar & Grill restaurants will be opening in Somerville’s Assembly Row and Burlington’s 3rd Avenue late this fall, in memory of the legendary player. Tony C’s will be a family-friendly sports bar, with the best new American comfort food in the area. For more information on the restaurant “like“ Tony C‘s Somerville on Facebook.

About Tony Conigliaro:

Tony C was only 19 years old in 1964 when he broke into the big leagues as a rookie with the Red Sox. In 1967, during The Impossible Dream season, the bar was set high for Tony C’s personal success, but on August 18th he was struck in the face by a fastball and his season, and many thought his career, was over. Conigliaro eventually came back, despite all odds; while his injury changed him forever, he made every effort to continue in the game he loved.

About Billy Conigliaro:

Billy is one of Tony’s two younger brothers and was the Red Sox first pick in the fifth round of the 1965 draft out of Swampscott High School. After being struck in 1967, Tony made his triumphant return to the team in 1969. On April 11th of that year Billy made his big league debut as a pinch runner in Cleveland Stadium; he stole a base in the top of the 12th as the Red Sox prevailed in a 16 inning 2-1 win. His first start came five days later at Fenway Park when he played right field in place of his brother. On April 20th the brothers appeared in the starting outfield together for the first time. What an incredible family! Twice during the following season both brothers hit home runs for the Red Sox in the same game. By the end of the 1970 season, their homers totaled to 54 (36 from Tony C, 18 from Billy C).