George Frazier – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

George Frazier wrapped up his professional baseball career in about the best way you could imagine, pitching for the Minnesota Twins in the 1987 World Series as they clinched their first championship. He spent ten years in the majors, moving between six teams and making a name for himself as a steady setup man at a time when bullpen specialists were starting to matter more.

Frazier’s big league run stretched from 1978 to 1987. He pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, and Minnesota Twins, then called it a career at 32 after that World Series win. His journey started on Oklahoma sandlots and ended on baseball’s biggest stage, with his last appearance coming in Game 4 of the 1987 World Series against the Cardinals.

Born in Oklahoma City and raised in Missouri, Frazier took a unique path, staying a reliever both in college and the pros. Not many players do that. His story is full of early challenges, some unforgettable postseason moments, and a long stretch in broadcasting that kept him close to the game for nearly twenty years.

Early Life and Amateur Career

George Allen Frazier was born October 13, 1954, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. His family moved to Missouri while he was still a kid.

He became a standout athlete at Hillcrest High School in Springfield, Missouri, where he played basketball and baseball. Frazier later went to the University of Oklahoma, turning into a key reliever and helping the Sooners reach the College World Series.

Family Background and Childhood in Oklahoma City and Missouri

George Allen Frazier came into the world on October 13, 1954, in Oklahoma City. He spent his early years there before his family made a move that would change the course of his athletic life.

His dad, Lynn, decided to move everyone to Springfield, Missouri, where he started an electrical company. That move turned out to be pretty important for George’s sports career.

The family settled in Springfield, and George grew up there. By high school, he stood 6’4″, which gave him a real edge in sports at Hillcrest High.

High School Achievements in Basketball and Baseball

At Hillcrest, Frazier dominated on the basketball court as the team’s center. His height made him a force, both against opponents and sometimes even among teammates.

In his junior year, 1970, he averaged 10.2 points per game for the Hornets. But his competitive streak sometimes got him into trouble, and he was known for picking up fouls.

By 1971, Frazier was co-captain of the team with Keith Drumright, a 5’11” guard who would later join him in pro baseball. Drumright went on to play in the majors with the Houston Astros and Oakland Athletics.

Frazier didn’t actually play high school baseball until his senior year. Before that, he did track and field, focusing on the pole vault, and played American Legion baseball during the summers.

He racked up 13 wins as a senior pitcher for Hillcrest. That caught the eye of scouts, and the Texas Rangers picked him in the 13th round of the 1972 June Amateur Draft.

Collegiate Career at University of Oklahoma

Instead of signing with the Rangers, Frazier chose to play college ball at Oklahoma. Baseball coach Enos Semore had originally gone to Hillcrest to scout Keith Drumright, but he ended up discovering Frazier and some other Missouri talent.

At Oklahoma, Frazier became the ace reliever for the Sooners. One of his best outings came in relief against the University of Missouri, when he threw 6-1/3 perfect innings and helped Oklahoma win 5-3.

That game meant a lot to him. Missouri had once said he couldn’t pitch for them. “I wanted to beat them. I wanted to prove something,” Frazier said. “They came and looked at me one time and said I couldn’t pitch for them. That made me feel good out there today.”

As a senior, Frazier set a school record with 23 appearances. He finished 6-2 with 5 saves, leading Oklahoma to the College World Series in 1976.

The Sooners’ World Series run was cut short by a loss to Arizona, who ended up winning it all. Still, Frazier’s performance impressed scouts, and the Milwaukee Brewers picked him in the fourth round of the 1976 Amateur Draft.

Transition to Professional Baseball

George Frazier’s pro journey kicked off when the Brewers drafted him and he started grinding through the minors. Everything shifted when the Milwaukee Brewers traded him to the St. Louis Cardinals in December 1977. That move set him up for his MLB debut the next year.

MLB Draft and Minor League Development

After his strong run at Oklahoma, Frazier entered the pro baseball world. He’d helped the Sooners get to the College World Series in ’75 and ’76, so scouts already saw him as a real prospect.

The Milwaukee Brewers drafted him and started him off in their system. He focused on sharpening his relief skills, both mechanically and mentally.

His college experience definitely helped him handle the pressure of the minors. Playing in big college games gave him a taste of what he’d face as a pro.

Trade to St. Louis Cardinals

On December 8, 1977, during the Winter Meetings, the Milwaukee Brewers sent Frazier to the St. Louis Cardinals for catcher Buck Martinez. That trade really opened the door for his big league career.

The Cardinals liked what they saw in the young righty. They thought he’d fit right into their bullpen.

Just under six months later, Frazier made his MLB debut on May 25, 1978, for St. Louis. That trade gave him the shot he needed.

He stuck with the Cardinals from 1978 to 1980, and those years laid the groundwork for his ten-year run in the majors.

Major League Career Overview

George Frazier pitched in the majors for ten seasons, from 1978 to 1987. He put up a 35-43 record with a 4.20 ERA in 415 games. Five teams used him, and he built a reputation as a setup man, picking up 29 saves along the way.

Career Timeline and Teams Played For

Frazier started his MLB journey on May 25, 1978, with the St. Louis Cardinals. He’d just been traded from the Brewers. He spent three seasons in St. Louis, from 1978 to 1980, and quickly became a trusted bullpen arm.

The New York Yankees picked him up in 1981, and he stayed with them through 1983. His time in New York had its ups and downs. He helped the Yankees reach the 1981 World Series, but unfortunately, he became the first pitcher ever to lose three games in a single Series.

After that, Frazier bounced to three more teams. He pitched briefly for the Cleveland Indians in 1984, then joined the Chicago Cubs from 1984 to 1986.

He finished his career with the Minnesota Twins from 1986 to 1987. Frazier ended on a high, winning a World Series ring with Minnesota in 1987. His last MLB appearance came on October 4, 1987.

Key Career Stats and Pitching Style

Frazier put up solid numbers in his ten years as a righty reliever. He struck out 449 batters over 415 games, showing he could get hitters out consistently.

His 4.20 ERA made sense for a middle reliever. He wasn’t a closer, but he still earned 29 saves when teams needed him in late innings.

That 35-43 win-loss record? It kind of shows the tough spot relievers are in. He often came in during tough situations, so wins weren’t always in the cards.

Frazier threw and batted right-handed, and he almost always came out of the bullpen. Starting games wasn’t his thing. He specialized in multi-inning relief, which called for endurance and flexibility.

His best seasons probably came with the Yankees, where he handled a lot of high-pressure playoff innings. Even after the rough 1981 World Series, Frazier bounced back and kept pitching well.

Significant Seasons and Trades

George Frazier’s career took a few twists, thanks to some key trades that landed him on five major league teams. The 1981 season with the Yankees stands out—mostly because of the World Series—while he finished his career on a high note with the 1987 champion Minnesota Twins.

Tenure with St. Louis Cardinals

Frazier broke into the majors with the Cardinals after they got him from the Brewers in December 1977 for Buck Martinez. He made his big league debut on May 25, 1978, at age 23.

The Cardinals gave him his first real shot from 1978 to 1980. In those three years, he became a reliable relief option in the National League.

Those early seasons were all about learning the ropes. Frazier figured out how to pitch at the highest level, mostly as a setup guy.

The Cardinals put him in 86 games during his time there. That experience got him ready for what came next.

New York Yankees Years and the 1981 World Series

On June 7, 1981, the Cardinals traded Frazier to the Yankees as part of an earlier deal. That move ended up being a big turning point.

Frazier pitched well in the 1981 American League Championship Series against Oakland. In Game 2, he tossed 5⅔ shutout innings, giving up five hits and a walk, and struck out five in a 13-3 Yankees win.

The 1981 World Series against the Dodgers was rough. The Yankees took the first two games, but Frazier ended up losing Games 3, 4, and 6.

In Game 3, he came in with a 4-3 lead but took the loss in a 5-4 game. Game 4 was another tough one—he lost again in an 8-7 heartbreaker. Game 6 saw Ron Cey and Pedro Guerrero drive in runs off Frazier in a 9-2 Dodgers win.

Those three losses tied a record that had stood since Lefty Williams in 1919. Even after that, Frazier stuck with the Yankees through 1983, still providing good relief work.

Trades to Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs

The Yankees shipped Frazier to the Cleveland Indians before the 1984 season. He didn’t stay long in Cleveland—just part of that year—before they traded him to the Chicago Cubs.

With the Cubs, Frazier found some stability. He pitched from 1984 through 1986 and even got to appear in the 1984 National League Championship Series, where he allowed two runs in 1⅔ innings in Game 3.

The Cubs leaned on Frazier as a key bullpen piece during their contending years in the mid-80s. He worked with other relievers to help the club chase the playoffs.

His experience across different teams made him a valuable veteran. Frazier’s knack for handling pressure situations kept him in demand.

Minnesota Twins and the 1987 World Series Champion Run

The Minnesota Twins picked up Frazier in 1986, giving him a shot to close out his career in the American League. Manager Tom Kelly built a team that could win it all.

The 1987 World Series gave Frazier a chance at redemption after 1981. The Twins beat the St. Louis Cardinals to win the World Series title, and Frazier became a world series champion.

He made one postseason appearance that year, pitching the seventh and eighth innings of a 7-2 Game 4 loss. That would be his last big league outing, on October 4, 1987.

Winning the championship ring was a storybook ending for his ten-year career. Frazier walked away after playing for five teams, with a 35-43 record, 29 saves, and a 4.20 ERA over 415 games.

Notable Achievements and Legacy

George Frazier made his mark in baseball with his World Series appearances for both the New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins. He built his reputation as a steady setup reliever for several teams. The highlight of his career came in 1987, when he finally earned a World Series ring with the Twins.

World Series Performances

Frazier’s time in the World Series had its ups and downs. With the New York Yankees in the 1981 World Series, he went through one of the roughest postseason stretches in baseball history.

The Yankees started the series on a high note, thanks in part to Frazier’s strong showing in the ALCS against Oakland. In Game 2, he threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings, giving up just five hits and a walk, and struck out five.

But things turned sour against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Frazier took the loss in three of the last four games. In Game 3, he entered with a 4-3 lead, but the Yankees lost 5-4, and he got tagged with the loss.

Game 4 didn’t go much better. He allowed some crucial hits in the seventh inning, and the Dodgers pulled out an 8-7 win. In Game 6, with the Yankees facing elimination, Frazier surrendered the go-ahead run to Ron Cey and later gave up a bases-clearing triple to Pedro Guerrero in a 9-2 defeat.

He tied Lefty Williams’ record from the 1919 World Series with three losses in the same series. Redemption finally came when Frazier became a World Series champion with the Minnesota Twins in 1987. He only made one playoff appearance that year, but he got his ring.

Role as a Reliable Reliever

Over his ten-year career, Frazier carved out a role as a dependable setup man. He pitched in 415 games and notched 29 saves, finishing with a 4.20 ERA and 35 wins.

Teams mostly used him to bridge the gap to their closers. Frazier played for six different clubs, showing that managers valued his steady hand in the middle innings.

His durability really stood out. Frazier averaged over 40 games a season during his best years. He struck out 449 batters in his career, often getting key outs when it mattered.

He spent the most time with the Chicago Cubs from 1984 to 1986. Frazier also made an impact with the New York Yankees from 1981 to 1983, where he drew national attention despite his World Series troubles.

Teammates and Managers Impact

Frazier played under several respected managers and with plenty of talented teammates. With the Minnesota Twins, he pitched for manager Tom Kelly, who led the team to the 1987 title.

The Twins’ bullpen included closer Jeff Reardon, and Frazier often handled the seventh and eighth innings before Reardon came in to finish games. That combination worked well during the Twins’ championship run.

His teammates respected him for his professionalism and experience. Frazier handled pressure situations, and his World Series experience with the Yankees helped guide the Twins during their playoff push.

Managers liked his work ethic. Frazier took on whatever role was needed and became a reliable option for every team he played on. He consistently helped bridge the gap between starters and closers.

Broadcasting and Post-Retirement Activities

After hanging up his spikes in 1987, George Frazier moved into broadcasting. He spent almost thirty years calling games and sharing his baseball insights. Frazier worked as a color analyst for the Colorado Rockies for 18 seasons, then went back to his alma mater to cover University of Oklahoma baseball games.

Colorado Rockies Broadcasting Career

Frazier joined the Rockies’ TV broadcast crew in 1998 as a color analyst. He teamed up with play-by-play announcers and brought his experience to the booth.

He stayed with the Rockies for 18 seasons, from 1998 to 2015. Fans got to know him for his sharp, sometimes witty commentary.

Frazier called games during some of the biggest moments in Rockies history. He was on air during their wild 2007 run to the World Series.

During “Rocktober” in 2007, Frazier’s voice told the story of the team’s first trip to the World Series. His own World Series experience gave him a unique perspective on the pressure and excitement of playoff baseball.

Before the Rockies, Frazier worked in broadcasting for other teams. He did color commentary for Minnesota Twins regional games in 1993 and covered baseball for ESPN and The Baseball Network.

Work with Oklahoma Baseball

After leaving the Rockies in 2015, Frazier went back to the University of Oklahoma, where he played college ball in the ’70s. He became a TV color analyst for Oklahoma Sooners baseball broadcasts.

He spent nine seasons calling OU baseball, from 2015 through 2023. Frazier brought his pro experience back to his old stomping grounds, where he had played on College World Series teams in 1975 and 1976.

At Oklahoma, Frazier posted a 12-4 record with eight saves and a 2.62 ERA in 43 games. He still ranks among the top 16 in school history for career ERA and saves.

Sometimes, he joined radio play-by-play announcer Toby Rowland for games in Tulsa and Stillwater. Frazier also covered Big 12 tournament games in Oklahoma City.

His broadcasting helped connect current OU baseball with the program’s rich history from the 1970s, when the Sooners made five straight College World Series trips.

Personal Life and Family

Frazier was born in Oklahoma City on October 13, 1954, and stayed connected to Oklahoma all his life. He lived in Tulsa when he passed away on June 19, 2023.

He married his wife Kay. They had four children: sons Matt, Brian, and Parker, and a daughter named Georgia.

Family achievements:

• Parker Frazier was picked in the eighth round of the 2007 MLB Draft by the Colorado Rockies
• Parker pitched 12 seasons in the minor leagues
• Georgia Frazier became Miss Oklahoma in 2015

Parker followed in his dad’s footsteps as a pitcher, keeping the family’s baseball legacy alive. The Fraziers kept strong ties to Colorado and Oklahoma through George’s broadcasting career.

He attended Hillcrest High School in Springfield, Missouri, then played at the University of Oklahoma from 1973 to 1976. Right after his playing days, Frazier started broadcasting, beginning with college basketball and University of Tulsa football sideline reporting.

Career Statistics and Impact

George Frazier finished his career with a 35-43 record, a 4.20 ERA, and 29 saves over 10 MLB seasons. His advanced stats show he provided solid middle relief, especially during his best years with the Yankees.

MLB Career Totals

Frazier pitched in 415 games from 1978 to 1987. He never started a game, sticking to the bullpen as a reliever.

His career numbers include 35 wins, 43 losses, and 29 saves. He struck out 449 batters and walked 313 over 675.2 innings.

He posted a 4.20 ERA for his career. His best year was 1981 with the Yankees, when he had a 1.63 ERA in 27.2 innings.

Frazier’s most productive stretch came with the Yankees from 1981 to 1983. Over those three seasons, he put up a 3.25 ERA, 12 saves, and 164 strikeouts in 254.2 innings.

After 1984, his numbers dropped off. From 1985 to 1987, Frazier struggled with control and higher ERAs, including a rough 6.39 ERA in 1985 with the Cubs.

Pitching Metrics and Advanced Stats

Frazier’s advanced stats give a clearer picture of his role as a reliever. His career WAR of 3.1 shows he provided modest value above replacement.

His WHIP of 1.430 means he let too many runners reach base. Frazier’s walk rate was 4.2 per nine innings, which didn’t help.

His ERA+ of 96 says he pitched just a bit below league average. But during his Yankees years, he improved to a 120 ERA+.

Frazier struck out 6.0 batters per nine innings, which was decent for his era. In 1984 with the Cubs, he hit his best strikeout rate at 8.2 per nine.

He kept his home run rate low at 0.7 per nine innings. That helped him stay effective, even when he struggled with control, especially in his final seasons with Minnesota.

Net Worth and Off-Field Contributions

George Frazier built his wealth during his MLB career from 1978 to 1987, then added to it through broadcasting work with the Colorado Rockies. He also got involved in community work in Colorado, becoming a familiar voice in baseball circles.

Earnings from MLB and Broadcasting

Frazier earned most of his income as a relief pitcher over nine MLB seasons. He played for six different teams.

His teams included the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, and Minnesota Twins. Relief pitchers in the ’80s usually made between $100,000 and $500,000 a year.

His contract details aren’t public, but his years with the Yankees from 1981 to 1983 probably paid the most.

After his playing days, Frazier found a second career in broadcasting. He worked for the Colorado Rockies from 1998 to 2015. That 17-year run in the booth gave him steady income well into his later years.

Former players in broadcasting typically earn anywhere from $75,000 to $300,000 a year. Frazier’s long stay with the Rockies suggests he did well in that role.

Charity and Community Involvement

You won’t find much public info about Frazier’s specific charitable work. It’s actually pretty common for former MLB players from his era to get involved with youth baseball programs or show up at community events.

When Frazier worked as a broadcaster for the Rockies, he probably joined in on some community appearances and fan events. Team broadcasters usually pick up those kinds of duties.

Frazier has ties to Springfield, Missouri, since he went to Hillcrest High School there. Maybe he participated in some local activities, but honestly, people haven’t widely reported any details about his charitable efforts.

His broadcasting career helped him stay close to Colorado’s baseball fans. In that role, he likely supported team charity projects and joined in on community outreach now and then.