Former Twins pitcher Frank Viola, the MVP of the Twins' 1987 World Series, gave his mother-in-law a pendant that was designed to look like the rings that team members and others received for winning the title.
But when the family gathered in St. Paul earlier this month for the funeral of Adella Daltas, someone broke into the home of Viola's daughter Brittany and stole the pendant and other mementos, including her 2012 Olympic ring and NCAA championship ring. Brittany Viola was a member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic diving team and national 10-meter champion at the University of Miami.
"Brittany is most upset about the World Series pendant as my mom gave it to her," said Kathy Viola, who grew up in Shoreview and married Frank when he played for the Twins. "(It's) really hard to believe someone could take items that were so personal and had so much meaning to Brittany."
Frank Viola is currently pitching coach for the New York Mets' Class AA team in Binghamton, N.Y.
Kathy Viola posted about the theft on Twitter:
"We're hoping a pawn shop or individual will see the posts and come forward," Kathy Viola said. "None of those items are replaceable."
