Jim Rivera

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Jim Rivera (born July 22, 1922) is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and left-handed batter who played for the St. Louis Browns (1952), Chicago White Sox (1952-1961) and Kansas City Athletics (1961).

Born to Puerto Rican immigrants in New York, NY, as Manuel Joseph Rivera, he was called "Jungle Jim" due largely to his unorthodox playing style, and for his highly extroverted personality.

In the 1950s, Rivera was a sparkplug for the White Sox. A smart and fast runner, he ran the bases with abandon, sliding into bases on his belly before it was fashionable, and made many a game-saving catch in the right field. A ground ball hitter, he used his speed to full advantage and was a much tougher in clutch situations.

In 1955 Rivera led the American League in stolen bases, being six times runner-up behind Minnie Miñoso (1952-53), Jackie Jensen (1954) and Luis Aparicio (1956-58).

In his 10-year career Rivera batted .256 with 83 home runs, 422 RBIs, 503 runs, 155 doubles, 56 triples, and 160 stolen bases in 1171 games played.

Jim Rivera said Whitey Ford was the "toughest" pitcher he ever faced, and the nickname "Jungle Jim" came from a writer at The Chicago Sun Times referencing the way Rivera ran the bases head first.