Harry Arthur Lavagetto: The Dodgers Cookie

Cookie Topps CardHarry ” Cookie” Lavagetto was the son of Italian immigrants Luigi and Adelaide Lavagetto. Luigi came to the United States in 1901. Adelaide arrived in 1906. Harry was the youngest of four sons born on December 1, 1912, in Oakland, California. He was christened, Enrico Attillo Lavagetto. He would have his name changed twice. After his confirmation in the Catholic church, Attillo was changed to Arturo.

In school, a teacher told him that Enrico was either Henry or Harry. From then on, he was known as Harry Arturo Lavagetto. It was during these early days in school that he met Mary Poggi. They would eventually marry in 1945. It was a long courtship. ” Our family used to go…