Joe Lovitto Jr.; Former Major Leaguer Was San Pedro Prep Star

Joe Lovitto Jr., 50, a high school baseball star from San Pedro who played with the Texas Rangers in the 1970s, died Saturday of cancer at his home in Arlington, Texas.

A switch-hitting outfielder and third baseman for the Rangers, Lovitto’s best season was in 1972, when he hit .224 for the Rangers in 330 at-bats. His career was plagued, however, with nagging injuries to his right arm and shoulder. He was traded to the Mets after the 1975 season and retired.

A high school star in football and baseball, Lovitto played at Fermin Lausen High and graduated from San Pedro High in 1969. Lovitto signed a professional contract when the Rangers, then playing in Washington and known as the Senators, drafted him in 1969. The Senators moved to Texas two years later.

Lovitto’s battle with cancer started in 1991, when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. From there it spread into his lymph nodes and then his lungs.