David Rosello Rodriguez obit

Longtime Cubs infielder who finished career in Cleveland dies at 76

 A veteran infielder who played nine MLB seasons and was known more for his glove than his bat with the Cubs and Indians died at 76

He was not on the list.

Dave Rosello, who played nine MLB seasons for the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians, died Wednesday, Sept. 30, in Kissimmee, Fla. He was 76.

A native of Puerto Rico, Rosello was mostly a backup infielder, known more for his fielding prowess than his bat.

A three-time American Association All-Star in the minors, Rosello led Double-A shortstops in assists and chances in 1972. But he needed time to prove himself as a hitter before finally getting a chance to play regularly in Chicago.

Rosello spent parts of four seasons as a backup second baseman and shortstop with the Cubs when, in 1976, he faced the unenviable task of replacing six-time All-Star Don Kessinger at shortstop.

Rosello got his most extended playing time with the Cubs that year after getting the start on Opening Day. In a career-high 91 games, he slashed .242/.359/.286, with more walks (41) than strikeouts (33).

But Rosello’s time as a starter ended relatively quickly. By 1977, he was back in a reserve role and the Cubs traded Rosello to Cleveland for Norm Churchill and Bruce Compton — two players who never reached the majors — after the season.

In three seasons in Cleveland (1979-81), Rosello played another 173 games. He set a career high in 1979 by hitting three home runs and driving in 14.

In 1982, Rosello spent the season with Cleveland’s Triple-A affiliate, appearing in most of his 111 games at third base. That proved to be his last season in professional baseball in the U.S. Rosello retired with a career batting average of .236 in 422 major-league games.

According to his online obituary, Rosello is survived by two children, two stepchildren and five grandchildren.

David Rosello Rodriguez, who was born on June 26, 1949, in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, and passed away on September 30, 2026, in Kissimmee, Florida, lived a life marked by kindness, laughter, and devotion to the people he loved most.

He was a friendly, funny, and kind man whose presence brought warmth and comfort to those around him. David carried himself with a welcoming spirit and a genuine interest in others, and he was known for the easy way he could make people feel at home. His life was centered on family, friendship, and the simple joys that made each day meaningful.

David’s greatest passion was baseball. He loved the game deeply and found great joy in serving as a baseball coach, where he shared his knowledge, encouragement, and enthusiasm with others. Coaching was more than a pastime to him. It was a way to inspire, teach, and connect with those around him. He took pride in helping others grow, and his love for the sport left a lasting impression on many.

In addition to baseball, David enjoyed golf and appreciated the pleasure of a good drive, a day at the beach, and the excitement of travel. He also loved good food and treasured the experiences that came from sharing meals and memories with the people closest to him. One of his favorite traditions was attending Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios, an experience he looked forward to and enjoyed with great enthusiasm.

Above all else, David loved spending quality time with his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Virgen Rodriguez, and a loving father to his children, Noemi Rosello Rodriguez and David E. Rosello Rodriguez. He also embraced his role as a stepfather to Jonathan L. Soto Rodriguez and Christopher L. Soto Rodriguez with care and affection. His love extended to his grandchildren, Ian Reyes Rosello, Alice Reyes Rosello, Christopher L. Soto Perez, Liddiannis Mendret Perez, and Valentino Soto, each of whom brought him great pride and happiness.

David’s life was a reflection of love, loyalty, and joy. He will be remembered for his humor, his gentle nature, and the way he made others feel valued and appreciated. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In the minors he played with the Quincy Cubs, San Antonio Missions, Wichita Aeros and Portland Beavers.