Tony Cuccinello, third-base coach for the 1959 White Sox, Chicago's last pennant winner, and a 15-year major-league player, died Thursday at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa. He was 87.

Mr. Cuccinello played with five major-league clubs, finishing up with the White Sox in 1945 when he lost the American League batting championship by .0008 points to Snuffy Stirnweiss of the New York Yankees in the closest duel in baseball history. Stirnweiss batted .30854, Mr. Cuccinello .30846.

On the last day of the season, Stirnweiss had three hits in three at-bats, one of which originally was scored as an error but changed to a hit in mid-game. The White Sox, meanwhile, were rained out of a double-header against the Cleveland Indians.

"He had a great sense of humor and was a better second baseman and a better hitter than anyone gave him credit for," said Ray Berres, whose playing career coincided with that of Mr. Cuccinello. Berres and Mr. Cuccinello were coaches with the White Sox during the managerial era of Al Lopez.

Mr. Cuccinello and Lopez were the best of friends, roommates as players and for the last 35 years lived across the street from each other. He was Lopez's third-base coach for five years in Cleveland and 12 years with the White Sox.

Mr. Cuccinello retired with a .280 batting average and five times hit over .300. He broke in with the Cincinnati Reds in 1930. The following season, he and shortstop Leo Durocher and set a National League record, since broken, for the most double plays with 194.

Mr. Cuccinello participated in the first All-Star Game, which was played at Comiskey Park in 1933, and struck out pinch-hitting for the final out.

Survivors include his wife, Clara; two sons, Anthony and Alan; a daughter, Darlene; two brothers; and three grandchildren.

Mass will be said Monday in Tampa.

Anthony Cuccinello