Benny Frey
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| Benny Frey | |
|---|---|
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| Pitcher | |
| Born: April 6, 1906 Dexter, Michigan, U.S. | |
| Died: November 1, 1937 (aged 31) Spring Arbor Township, Michigan, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| September 18, 1929, for the Cincinnati Reds | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| September 22, 1936, for the Cincinnati Reds | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 57–82 |
| Earned run average | 4.50 |
| Strikeouts | 179 |
| Stats at Baseball Reference | |
| Teams | |
Benjamin Rudolph Frey (April 6, 1906 – November 1, 1937) was a right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball from 1929 to 1936, playing primarily with the Cincinnati Reds. He was a sidearm pitcher with a sweeping motion that was effective against right-handed hitters. Frey suffered an arm injury which ultimately led to his retirement and subsequent suicide.
After spending time with the Toledo Mud Hens, Frey entered the major leagues in 1929 with the Cincinnati Reds.[1] In 1930, Frey lost 18 games, most in the National League. During the 1932 season, he was traded to the Cardinals, along with Harvey Hendrick for Chick Hafey. The Cardinal's general manager, Branch Rickey, would send Frey back to the Reds for cash.[2]
His best season was 1934 when he was 11–16 for the Reds with a 3.52 ERA (adjusted ERA+ of 116), finishing sixteenth in the 1934 National League Most Valuable Player voting. Frey suffered an arm injury and was sent down to a minor league team in Nashville for the 1937 season. Frey refused to report to Nashville and asked to be put on the voluntarily retired list.[3]
Career statistics
Frey appeared in 256 major league baseball games (127 as a starter) and had a lifetime record of 57–82 in 1160 innings pitched. His lifetime earned run average of 4.50 was good for an adjusted ERA+ of 90.