These Athletes Were On Hall Of Fame Paths Until Injuries Got In The Way

Tony Conigliaro Took A Fastball To The Eye

Photo Credit: Dan Goshtigian/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

You probably don’t know the name Tony Conigliaro, which is exactly why he’s on this list. Playing for the Boston Red Sox, Conigliaro was a slugging phenom until he took a pitch to the face in 1967.

The blow caused Conigliaro, who had averaged 25 home runs a season, massive eye trauma. He returned in a few years with incredible results. Sadly, before his age 30 season, he began losing his eyesight and was forced to retire without reaching his full potential.