Frank Sullivan
From SoSH
| Born: | January 23, 1930 |
| Birthplace: | Hollywood, California |
| Hometown: | |
| Height: | 6' 6" |
| Weight: | 215 lbs |
| Bats: | Right |
| Throws: | Right |
| Drafted: | 1948: Amateur Free Agent by the Boston Red Sox |
| College: | |
| High School: | |
| Other Teams: | Philadelphia Phillies 1961-62 Minnesota Twins 1962-63 |
| Years with Boston: | 1953-1960 |
Frank Sullivan (born January 23, 1930 in Hollywood, California) was a tall right-handed top of the rotation starter for the Boston Red Sox from 1953 to 1960. Sullivan finished his career with two seasons in Philadelphia and two with the Twins.
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Overall Career
Signed as a free agent by Boston in 1948, Sullivan began his Red Sox career as a reliever in 1953. He made his first appearance as a starter on May 21, 1954 at Yankee Stadium beating the New York Yankees 6-3, including three strikeouts of Mickey Mantle. Sullivan finished the season with a 15-12 record and 3.14 ERA in 206.1 innings pitched.
Sullivan's best season came in 1955 when he set career highs in wins (18), innings pitched (260), complete games (16) and strikeouts (129). He would go on to lead the Red Sox staff in ERA for four consecutive seasons from 1954 to 1957.
The Red Sox traded Sullivan to the Philadelphia Phillies on December 15, 1960 in exchange for 6' 9" righty Gene Conley. Splitting time between the bullpen and starting rotation, Sullivan ended with a 3-16 record and a career-high six saves for the futile 1961 Phillies. He returned to the American League with the Twins in 1962 posting a 4-1 record out of the pen with a 3.24 ERA before retiring after the 1963 season.
For his career, Sullivan compiled a 97-100 record in 351 appearances, with 18 saves, a 4.15 ERA and 959 strikeouts in 1732 innings pitched.
Sullivan's Moments in the Sun
- July 12, 1955: In the 1955 All Star Game at Milwaukee County Stadium, Sullivan gave up a 12th inning first pitch walk off home run to future Hall of Famer Stan Musial. It is only the second walk-off home run in All Star Game history.
Awards
- 2-time American League All-Star (1955-1956).
Trivia
- In 1955, Sullivan, a workhorse pitcher, led the American League in wins (18), innings pitched (260), batters faced (1100), and games started (35).
- In 1960, Sullivan (6' 6-1/2"), the AL's tallest pitcher, was traded to the Phillies for the NL's tallest pitcher, 6' 9" Gene Conley.
Transactions
- Before 1948 Season: Signed by the Boston Red Sox as an amateur free agent.
- December 15, 1960: Traded by the Boston Red Sox to the Philadelphia Phillies for Gene Conley.
- July 14, 1962: Released by the Philadelphia Phillies.
- July 14, 1962: Signed as a Free Agent with the Minnesota Twins.
- June 19, 1963: Released by the Minnesota Twins.
External Links
- Baseball-Reference.com - Career Statistics and Analysis
