Joseph Joseph Lafata (b. August 3, 1921 in Detroit, MI – d. May 6, 2004 in Roseville, MI) was a first baseman and outfielder for 11 seasons (1940 to 1952), three in the Major Leagues for the New York Giants and nine in the minors. He served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II (1943-1944).

Scouted by Wish Egan, he began his career playing for an affiliate of the home town Detroit Tigers before going off to serve two years in World War II. When he returned he was signed by the New York Giants & hit .298 at AAA Jersey City in 1946 as a teammate of Bobby Thompson.

He debuted with the Giants in 1947, playing in 62 games that season. He hit .221 in 95 at-bats with two home runs and 18 RBI. He played in just one game for the Giants in 1948 and, in 1949, hit .236 in 140 at-bats with three home runs and 16 RBI. Overall, he hit .229 in his career with five home runs and 34 RBI, collecting 54 hits in 236 at-bats.

He died at age 82 on May 6, 2004 in Roseville, MI and is buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Detroit, MI.

(excerpted from Baseball Almanac, BR Bullpen, Centerfield Maz & Wikipedia)