Joe Pepitone, flamboyant Yankees All-Star, dead at 82

Houston’s Doug Rader scrambles back to first base as the Cubs’ Joe Pepitone takes a late pickoff throw from catcher J.C. Martin. (Sun-Times)

NEW YORK — Joe Pepitone, an All-Star and Gold Glove first baseman on the 1960s New York Yank ees who gained renown for his flamboyant personality, hairpieces and penchant for nightlife, has died at age 82.

Pepitone was living with his daughter Cara Pepitone at her house in Kansas City, Missouri, and was found dead Monday morning, according to BJ Pepitone, a son of the former player. The cause of death was not immediately clear, but BJ Pepitone said a heart attack was suspected.