Pagliarulo Joins Andre Chiefs’ Coaching Staff

Won World Championship with Minnesota in 1991

– By Bruce Tillman

Two of the best known and respected names in Medford baseball have rejoined forces.

South Medford native Mike Pagliarulo, who spent eleven seasons as a third baseman in the majors, has joined the Andre Chiefs’ Coaching Staff and his former teammate Chuck Andre.

Pagliarulo spent six seasons (1984-1989) with the New York Yankees before moving on to the National League with the San Diego Padres in 1990. He returned to the American League where he played a big role in the Minnesota Twins’ World Series Championship in 1991. After two more seasons in Minnesota, Pags concluded his MLB career with the Baltimore Orioles and finally the Texas Rangers in 1995.

“Having Mike on our staff has been a tremendous boost for the Chiefs’ franchise, said Andre, who recently won his 600th career game. “The players respond so well to Pags, they listen to his insight, respect his experience, and just love having him in the dugout”, he added. “Mike takes the time to film their swings, works individually with the hitters, and has helped the infielders with positioning and situational baseball. We are so pleased to have him and his influence as part of our staff.”

Pagliarulo recorded 134 home runs and knocked in 515 runs in 1,246 MLB games. He was a 6th round draft pick of the Yankees in 1984 after playing his college ball at the University of Miami.

Pagliarulo’s family roots in the Chiefs’ franchise runs deep. His dad, the late Charlie Pagliarulo, was a star infielder for the Chiefs in the 1950’s before going on to play in the Chicago Cubs organization. His mother Margaret, who passed away in 2011, is the sister of legendary former Chiefs’ Manager and ICL Hall of Famer Lenny Dempsey. His uncles Tim, Tom, and Jack Dempsey, also wore the Chiefs’ colors in the 1960’s.

Mike was a high school teammate of another member of the Chiefs’ staff, John Veneziano, at Medford High in 1976 and 1977. He also played with Andre for the Chiefs and then skipper Joe O’Donnell in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Both Pagliarulo and Andre have been inducted into the Medford Mustang Hall of Fame. Pagliarulo graduated from Medford High in 1978 where he starred in both baseball and soccer.

Pagliarulo’s hitting instruction appears to be paying immediate dividends for the Chiefs as they sit in first place and lead the league in hitting, with a lofty .320 average, as the Intercity League moves to the Fourth of July break.