William Michael Conigliaro (August 15, 1947 – February 10, 2021) was an American baseball outfielder who played five seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played for the Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, and Oakland Athletics from 1969 to 1973. He batted and threw right-handed, and was the younger brother of Tony Conigliaro, with whom he was teammates on the Red Sox from 1969 until 1970.
Early life
Conigliaro was born in Revere, Massachusetts, on August 15, 1947. His father, Sal, was employed at a tool and die shop and was eventually promoted to plant manager. Both he and his wife, Teresa, inspired their sons to pursue baseball. Conigliaro attended Swampscott High School,
Professional career
Conigliaro played in the minor leagues from the 1965 to 1968 seasons. He made his Major League Baseball debut on April 11, 1969, at the age of 21, He made his first start five days later, hitting two home runs in that game. Although he was sent back to the minors in May, he was called back up by the Red Sox during the September roster expansion. He recorded career-highs in hits (108), runs scored (59), home runs (18), RBIs (58), and games played (114). He also had the fifth-most assists as a left fielder in the American League (AL) with seven. Billy Conigliaro reportedly became "very emotional" when his brother Tony was traded to the California Angels at the end of the season.
Unhappy in Milwaukee, Conigliaro announced his retirement from baseball in the middle of the 1972 season. He applied for reinstatement in 1973, and the Brewers sold Conigliaro to the Oakland Athletics for an undisclosed amount of money. He was married to Keisha on October 19, 2002, until his death.