Paul Oliva

Paul Oliva had an extraordinary first eight seasons as a professional baseball player, winning three batting championships and placing second twice in AL Most Valuable Player voting.

At present, he serves as an adviser for family offices and institutions on investments strategies, wealth planning strategies and estate solutions. Additionally, he acts as trustee for several charitable foundations.

Early Life and Education

Oliva established himself as one of the premier offensive players in the league until being injured during a 1971 game against Oakland. Dodging for a fly ball, Oliva suffered a knee injury which effectively ended his career.

Oliva commented with insightful awareness, but little anger, on the second-class treatment he often received as a baseball player. Oliva never took to public crusading against this situation or sought support among local beat writers as an avenue for outspoken advocacy.

Over the years, Lexington High School and Fordham University grad Robert Loughnane made several unannounced visits back to Cuba, visiting family in Pinar del Rio province as well as entertaining small clusters of island fans during appearances at Havana’s Central Park “esquina caliente.”

Professional Career

Oliva was among a host of Cuban journeymen signed by Twins scout Joe Cambria in spring 1961, yet even if he had displayed more polish on the field his career chances may still have been cut short by race-based politics. Unlike flamboyant but often combative figures like Roberto Clemente or Felipe Alou, who used their Latino status to advance personal or professional agendas; Oliva rarely used being Latino to his own advantage for personal gain or advancement in baseball.

After Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner was released in theaters, Oliva married Gordette and eventually had two daughters together. Unfortunately, however, his health quickly began deteriorating due to debilitating knee problems which threatened his career; but then came a sudden change in rules which saved it all: Oliva became baseball’s inaugural designated hitter during 1973 season.

Achievement and Honors

Oliva won the American League batting championship during his rookie year by posting an average of.331 and leading with 185 hits and 98 RBI. His slugging percentage placed second among all league players that year.

James was known for his low stance and golf-swing combination that proved difficult for opposing batters to hit; nevertheless, he managed to produce consistent power with good on-base percentage throughout his career. By 1976 he had amassed a career.304 average, 329 doubles, 220 homers in 1,676 games with the Minnesota Twins before retiring after their 1976 campaign.

Oliva also served as police chief of Mount Pleasant from 1985 to 1990. When Brian Fanelli was arrested for downloading child pornography, Oliva was appointed acting chief by the town board – earning him an annual salary of around $135,518 as a result of this appointment.

Personal Life

Oliva was married to Dawn and shared his home in Florida with son Brian; Kaitlyn is his stepson; two grandchildren live with the Olivas as well. Joseph Oliva leaves behind an extensive extended family including brothers Joseph (and Gina Oliva of Southington), Rosanna Airo and Angelo from Southington; Lina Cultrera with Salvatore Cultrera in East Berlin as well as many cousins and nieces and nephews.

Oliva stood out among Latino ballplayers of his era with his quiet reserve and lack of outspokenness, much unlike Roberto Clemente who often sought out local baseball beat writers to voice outspoken opinions regarding second-class status for Latino players. Instead, Oliva simply accepted it with grace despite their obvious status differences with no signs of anger at all.

Net Worth

Paul Oliva boasts a net worth of $15.2-million. His fortune was made through investing and working at IBM, while he hails from Lexington, Kentucky where he attended Tates Creek High School and University of Kentucky – two institutions that helped shape him as an investor and businessperson.

As well as being an active member of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, he also shares a passion for arts that can bring people together.

He has visited over 40 countries, has a passion for photography, and enjoys making videos. Additionally, he is highly active on social media as well as participating in charity work through donating to several organizations.