Frank Malzone – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Frank Malzone built a remarkable 12-year career in Major League Baseball. He became one of the best defensive third basemen of his era before he finally hung up his cleats in 1966.

Malzone grew up in the Bronx, just a few blocks from Yankee Stadium. Ironically, he became a key part of the Boston Red Sox, spending 11 seasons in Boston before finishing up with the California Angels.

Malzone’s defensive skills won him three Gold Glove Awards and six All-Star selections. He still stands as the only Red Sox third baseman to ever win a Gold Glove. He posted a career batting average of .274, which paired nicely with his fielding. In 1957, he pulled off a rare feat—leading American League third basemen in games played, putouts, assists, double plays, and fielding average all in the same season.

Malzone’s impact stretched well beyond his playing days. He stayed connected to the Red Sox for nearly seven decades, right up until his passing in 2015.

His journey started with a $175-per-month minor league contract in 1948. By 1995, he’d made it into the Red Sox Hall of Fame. Along the way, he served in the military, earned a reputation for defensive excellence, and left a legacy that inspired generations of players.

Frank Malzone’s Baseball Career Overview

Frank Malzone played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1955 to 1966. He spent 11 years with the Boston Red Sox and wrapped up his career with the California Angels.

He became one of the top third basemen of his era. Malzone won three Gold Gloves, made six All-Star teams, and finished with a .274 average, 133 home runs, and 728 RBI.

Early MLB Years With the Boston Red Sox

Frank Malzone made his MLB debut on September 17, 1955, for the Red Sox, pinch-running for Grady Hatton. He only got into six games that first season, but by 1956, he played in 27.

The 1957 season changed everything for Malzone. He took over as the Red Sox’s everyday third baseman and made an immediate impact with both his bat and his glove.

That rookie year, Malzone drove in a career-high 103 RBI and made history on defense. He became the first modern player to lead his position in games played, putouts, assists, errors, double plays, and fielding percentage.

Key 1957 Achievements:

• Selected as American League All-Star by manager Casey Stengel
• Won first Gold Glove Award (when it covered all major leaguers)
• Led AL third basemen in multiple defensive stats

From 1957 to 1964, Malzone averaged over 152 games and 83 RBI each season. He anchored the Red Sox infield during those years.

Malzone grabbed Gold Gloves in 1957, 1958, and 1959. No other Red Sox third baseman has matched that.

His best years at the plate came in the early 1960s. In 1962, he hit a career-high 21 home runs and continued to drive in runs.

Final Season With the California Angels

After 11 seasons in Boston, the Red Sox released Malzone following 1965 as they looked to get younger. The California Angels picked him up for the 1966 season.

Malzone played 82 games for the Angels that year, mostly as a part-timer. That was a big shift from his everyday role in Boston.

The adjustment wasn’t easy for him. He admitted it felt strange to wear an Angels uniform, especially when he returned to Boston and had to use the visitors’ locker room.

His numbers dipped that year as age and less playing time took a toll. The Angels released him at the end of the season.

Malzone retired from pro baseball after the 1966 campaign, closing the book on his 12-year MLB run.

Career Statistics and Milestones

Frank Malzone put up solid numbers in his 1,441-game career. He racked up 1,486 hits and kept his average at .274 over 12 seasons.

Career Offensive Statistics:

• Games Played: 1,441
• Hits: 1,486
• Home Runs: 133
• RBI: 728
• Runs Scored: 647
• Batting Average: .274

He made six American League All-Star teams (1957-1960, 1962-1963). That put him among the best third basemen of his time.

His defense really set him apart. Those three Gold Gloves from 1957-1959 built his reputation as one of the game’s best fielders.

Malzone’s 103 RBI in 1957 stood as his personal best. He also tied an American League record for third basemen that year.

Teammates and opponents respected his steady play. Pitcher Frank Sullivan once said that catcher Sammy White used to joke, “Just throw 27 ground balls to Frank Malzone and we’ll be fine.”

The Red Sox honored Malzone by putting him in their Hall of Fame in 1995, right in the first group of inductees.

Defensive Excellence and Awards

Frank Malzone earned his reputation as one of baseball’s top defensive third basemen during his 12-year career. His fielding skills won him multiple Gold Gloves and regular All-Star nods in the late ’50s and early ’60s.

Achievements as a Third Baseman

Malzone anchored Boston’s defense at third base. His glove and quick hands made him a standout in the American League.

He handled tough grounders and fired accurate throws to first. That became his trademark.

Malzone’s defense helped keep Boston’s infield steady for more than a decade. His presence at third became the backbone of the team’s defense during his time with the Red Sox.

Gold Glove Award Wins

Malzone picked up three Gold Glove Awards in his career, earning recognition as the American League’s best defensive third baseman. He won those during his peak defensive years.

The Gold Glove Award started in 1957, and Malzone quickly proved he belonged among the game’s top fielders. His winning years showed how he kept up that high level with the glove.

Those Gold Gloves put him at the top among third basemen of his era. The awards backed up his reputation as one of the most reliable fielders in baseball in the late ’50s and early ’60s.

All-Star Team Selections

Malzone made six All-Star teams, a nod to both his defensive skills and his hitting. Most of those came during his best years with the Red Sox.

His All-Star run stretched from 1957 to 1964. That’s a pretty long stretch at the top.

The regular All-Star nods showed he ranked among the American League’s elite third basemen. Fans and fellow players saw his value.

Record-Setting Defensive Accomplishments

Malzone set several defensive records at third base. He often finished among the league leaders in fielding percentage, showing off his steady hands.

He set Red Sox franchise records for third basemen in home runs and RBIs. His 131 home runs and 716 RBIs at third for Boston stood as team records for decades.

Malzone’s steady glove kept him from the wild swings that tripped up other players. He became a cornerstone for Boston’s defense throughout the late ’50s and early ’60s.

Boston Red Sox Legacy and Hall of Fame Honors

Frank Malzone became the franchise’s all-time leader among third basemen in home runs and RBIs. He also earned a reputation as one of the best defensive players of his era.

His 70-year connection to the Red Sox and his spot in the first Hall of Fame induction class locked in his place as a key figure in team history.

Franchise Records and Contributions

Malzone set the mark for third base excellence in Boston. He led all Red Sox third basemen in home runs and RBIs during his 11 years with the club.

His defense changed how people saw the position. Malzone won three straight Gold Gloves from 1957 to 1959, including the very first one ever given to a third baseman in the big leagues.

Key Franchise Achievements:

• All-time Red Sox third baseman leader in home runs
• All-time Red Sox third baseman leader in RBIs
• First third baseman to win a Gold Glove Award (1957)
• Eight-time All-Star selection in six seasons

Malzone’s steady play made him a fixture in the Red Sox infield. His quick throws and accurate arm turned a lot of double plays.

Red Sox Hall of Fame Induction

The Red Sox put Malzone into their Hall of Fame in the very first class, back in 1995. That move honored both his playing career and his decades of service to the team.

The ceremony celebrated his dedication to the franchise. Malzone’s selection with other Red Sox legends in that first group showed just how important he was.

His Hall of Fame plaque highlights his work as both a player and a mentor. Getting that honor 29 years after retiring says a lot about his lasting impact.

Malzone even took part in the 2004 World Championship parade, riding in the “legends” duck boat. That moment connected him to a whole new generation of Red Sox fans.

Influence on Team and Teammates

Malzone’s influence didn’t end when he stopped playing. He worked as a scout and instructor for the Red Sox, staying on the payroll as a player development consultant through 2011.

He mentored younger players all over the organization. Teammates respected his work ethic and his defensive smarts, often asking him for fielding tips.

The Red Sox named a field after Malzone to honor him. That tribute showed how much the organization valued him.

Former teammates remembered his leadership. His locker was close to others in Winter Haven, which helped him form bonds that lasted long after he stopped playing.

Minor League Development and Military Service

Frank Malzone’s road to the big leagues took years in the minors and included military service during the Korean War. His journey from Samuel Gompers High School in the Bronx to the Boston Red Sox organization shaped his career in the early 1950s.

Early Life and Samuel Gompers High School

Frank James Malzone was born on February 28, 1930, in the Bronx, New York. He went to Samuel Gompers High School, where he sharpened his baseball skills.

After graduation, Malzone caught the eye of pro scouts. The Red Sox signed him as an amateur free agent in 1947.

That signing kicked off his nearly 70-year run with the Red Sox. At just 17, Malzone jumped into pro baseball, dreaming of the majors.

Minor League Journey

Malzone started his pro career in the Boston Red Sox minor league system in 1948. The early years weren’t easy, as he worked to improve at third base.

He struggled during his first few minor league seasons. Adjusting to pro ball meant facing tougher competition and higher expectations.

Even with those bumps, Malzone kept grinding through the Red Sox farm system. He stayed focused on getting better, though military service interrupted his progress.

Time With the Louisville Colonels

Before he reached the majors, Malzone played for several teams in the Red Sox system. He moved up through different levels as he honed his game.

The Louisville Colonels became a key stop in his development. Playing at that higher level helped him get ready for the jump to the majors.

His time with the Colonels let him sharpen his defensive skills at third. Those experiences turned out to be crucial when he later won Gold Gloves in the American League.

Impact of Military Service

Malzone’s time in the military really threw a wrench into his baseball development. He had to step away from the game for both the 1952 and 1953 seasons because of his service during the Korean War.

He started out stationed in Hawaii, even though he’d hoped to stay stateside. At first, he was supposed to go to Korea, but a colonel who learned about his minor league baseball days stepped in and changed Malzone’s orders.

That two-year gap hit right when he was trying to make a name for himself in baseball. Missing those seasons forced him to push even harder to get back into shape and keep chasing his shot at the majors.

When his military service ended, Malzone jumped right back into baseball and picked up where he left off with the Red Sox system. He finally made his major league debut on September 17, 1955, with the Boston Red Sox, kicking off an 11-season run with the team.

Post-Retirement Involvement in Baseball

After hanging up his glove in 1966, Frank Malzone stayed close to the game. He spent more than 30 years working in player development and scouting for the Boston Red Sox.

He stuck around for a total of 35 years as a scout and later as a consultant, making Malzone a familiar face in the organization for over 60 years.

Scouting Career

Malzone jumped right into scouting for the Red Sox after retiring. He put in 35 years traveling all over to check out amateur and pro talent.

He scouted high school and college players for the Red Sox farm system. The job kept him on the move and always watching for the next big thing.

The Red Sox trusted his eye for talent and deep knowledge of the game. As a former All-Star third baseman, he earned instant respect from prospects and their families.

Malzone’s work in scouting shaped the way the Red Sox developed players. He played a key role in identifying future Red Sox talent during his long career.

Role as Player Development Consultant

After decades on the road as a scout, Malzone shifted into a player development consultant role with the Red Sox. He got to pass on his experience to younger players in the system.

He focused especially on helping infielders, drawing from his Gold Glove days at third base. Malzone’s advice came from real experience, not just theory.

The Red Sox saw him as a valuable mentor. All those years in baseball made him a natural teacher for up-and-coming players.

Even as he got older, Malzone stayed involved with the team. He never really stopped helping shape new talent, even after his official scouting days were over.

Contributions to MLB and the Red Sox Organization

Malzone’s impact on the Boston Red Sox went way beyond what most former players do. His 60-year run with the team made him one of the longest-serving figures in Red Sox history.

The Red Sox leaned on his deep knowledge and baseball smarts. He connected different generations of Red Sox baseball, bridging old and new.

Young players learned a lot from his experience and perspective. Malzone’s loyalty to the organization stood out in a business where people come and go.

His post-playing career actually lasted longer than his time on the field. Not many can say that.

Personal Life and Legacy

Frank Malzone left a real mark, not just on the Red Sox but also on his family and community in Massachusetts. He spent decades mentoring young players and giving back long after his playing days ended.

Life Beyond Baseball

Frank met Amy Gennerino back in 1949 while he played for the Red Sox farm club in Oneonta, New York. They got married in 1951 and stayed together for 55 years, until Amy passed away in 2006.

When Frank joined the Red Sox full-time, they settled in Needham, Massachusetts. They raised four boys and a daughter, making their home there.

After his playing career ended in 1966, Malzone came back as an advance scout in 1967. His scouting reports played a part in the Red Sox winning the American League pennant during the “Impossible Dream” season.

He kept working for the Red Sox for over five decades, taking on roles as a scout, spring training instructor, and later as a player development consultant. Malzone’s know-how helped shape generations of Red Sox players.

Community Impact and Recognition

The Red Sox honored Malzone’s contributions in 1995, inducting him into the Red Sox Hall of Fame with the very first group. Fans picked him as the top third baseman on the Red Sox All-Time Team back in 1969.

Malzone mentored a ton of players after his playing days ended. Hall of Famer Wade Boggs said Frank helped shape his defensive skills at third base.

Kevin Youkilis also praised Malzone’s influence, which is pretty impressive considering their 50-year age gap.

His quiet leadership style earned him a lot of respect during spring training. Rico Petrocelli even called Malzone his mentor when he moved from shortstop to third base in 1971.

Frank stayed close with Red Sox legends like Luis Tiant and Carl Yastrzemski. Yastrzemski once said Frank “took me under his wing” during his rookie year in 1961.