Books and articles about Frankie Baumholtz

Baumholtz's career had a promising start when he finished fifth in the inaugural 1947 Rookie of the Year voting. He hit .283 with 32 doubles and a career-high 96 runs scored as the Reds' everyday right fielder and had 18 assists. His average rose to .296 in 1948, but his production fell off in all other categories. He was traded to the Cubs with Hank Sauer for Harry Walker and Peanuts Lowery in 1949 while batting .235. Baumholtz hit just .226 for Chicago and was out of the league the next year.

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He made it back as the Cubs' centerfielder in 1951, and although he never equaled the production of his rookie season, he hit for a good average. His highest-average year, 1952, was interrupted by a broken hand; he finished at .325 while mostly playing right field. Back in centerfield in 1953, he had the arduous responsibility of covering most of the outfield between sluggardly sluggers Sauer and Ralph Kiner. Years later, Kiner would remember that all the centerfielder ever heard was, "you take it!"

In 1954 Baumholtz played part-time and began pinch hitting, although with little success (2-for-17). He grew into the role in 1954, leading the league in pinch hits (15-for-37). Sold to the Phillies after the season, he again led in pinch hits (14-for-52) in 1956, and played only 15 games in the outfield. He was out of the majors after only two at-bats in 1957.

Before breaking into the majors, Baumholtz played professional basketball for two seasons in the NBL and the BAA. (JFC)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » June 18, 1947: Ewell Blackwell of the Cincinnati Reds no-hits the Boston Braves at Crosley Field 6-0. Rookie Frankie Baumholtz, who played in the NBA the previous winter, collects with four hits. » May 2, 1952: After allowing no hits through eight innings, the Cubs Turk Lown cracks under the strain and gives up three hits and loses to the Dodgers, 3–1. Billy Loes is the winner in relief. The Cubs score in the first on a double steal by Bob Addis and Frankie Baumholtz. » December 9, 1955: The Phils purchase veteran Frankie Baumholtz from the Cubs. Frankie will play in 76 games next year without an extra base hit, a National League record that will be topped. Red Sox Mike McNally, in 1916, played in 87 games without an long hit, a record Luis Gomez will break in 1989 (as noted by Lee Sinins).