Former White Sox outfielder 'Jungle' Jim Rivera dies at 96

Posted November 14, 2017 12:00 am

Scot Gregor

Outfielder Jim Rivera, a key member of the Chicago White Sox's 1959 American League pennant winning team, died Monday night in Fort Wayne, Ind. He was 96.

"Jungle" Jim played for the Sox from 1952-61, batting .257 with 134 doubles, 50 triples, 77 home runs, 382 RBI and 146 stolen bases in 1,010 games.

In 1953, Rivera led the American League with 16 triples. He led the AL with 25 stolen bases in 1955.

Rivera appeared in all five games of the 1959 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, going 0-for-11 with 3 walks.

Before the 1952 season, the White Sox traded Rivera to the St. Louis Browns. He was traded back to the Sox in July of 1952.

"Jim was a key member of the Go-Go White Sox teams of the 1950s, teaming with fellow outfielders Minnie Minoso, Jim Landis and others," the Sox said in a statement. "It was amazing to see the friendship and camaraderie among those men whenever they gathered together at a Sox game, even if it was decades after they last played together. We imagine they are having quite a clubhouse meeting today. We extend our condolences to Nancy Rivera and the entire Rivera family at his passing."

Jim Rivera, who played for the Chicago White Sox from 1952 to 1961, died Monday night at age 96. Rivera led the American League in triples in 1953. Associated Press/1953 file

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