John Edward Ruberto [ Sonny ] ( January 2 , 1946 -- March 25 , 2014 ) was a backup catcher and pinch runner in Major League Baseball who played over parts of two seasons for the San Diego Padres ( 1969 ) and the Cincinnati Reds ( 1972 ) .
John Edward `` Sonny '' Ruberto ( January 2 , 1946 -- March 25 , 2014 ) was an American baseball backup catcher and pinch runner . He played in the Major League Baseball ( MLB ) and played two seasons for the San Diego Padres ( 1969 ) and the Cincinnati Reds ( 1972 ) .