Former Cubs minor-leaguer Picchiotti passes away at 92
John Picchiotti, who signed with the Cubs in 1945 and played six seasons in their minor-league system, has passed away at the age of 92.
He lived in Arlington Heights.
Picchiotti joined the Cubs at age 17 after graduating from Austin High School in Chicago.
Over his professional career, he played in 610 minor-league games and batted .243.
Picchiotti debuted with the Leaksville-Draper-Spray Triplets in the Carolina League in 1945 and ended his career with Raleigh in 1950.
In a story published by wgntv.com in 2015, Picchiotti reflected on playing against Hall of Famers Jackie Robinson and Mickey Mantle in the minors.
"Boy, did Jackie run," Picchiotti said. "That's what you're looking for in baseball, something exciting."
When his playing days ended, Picchiotti owned and operated Homestead Realty in Oak Park/River Forest for over three decades.