Dave Freisleben – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Dave Freisleben built a solid career as a professional baseball pitcher in the 1970s, competing at the top level before he finally hung up his cleats in 1979. He navigated Major League Baseball with determination and skill, showing what it really takes to make it in America’s pastime during a time when the sport was shifting in so many ways.

Freisleben spent several seasons in the major leagues, showing off his talent as a right-handed pitcher for a few different teams. He had some memorable moments that ended up defining his legacy and what he brought to each club he joined.

If you look at Freisleben’s life, you see the story of a dedicated athlete who made the leap from humble beginnings to the big leagues, leaving his mark on the game before moving on to whatever came next.

Early Life and Background

Dave Freisleben grew up in a baseball-loving family in Minnesota, and he caught the baseball bug early. His natural talent really showed during high school, when people started noticing him as one of Minnesota’s top pitching prospects.

Childhood and Family

Freisleben was born on October 31, 1951, in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. His family relocated to Minnesota when he was still a kid, and he grew up surrounded by the state’s love for baseball.

His dad worked in manufacturing, and his mom stayed home to take care of Dave and his siblings. Sports and education mattered a lot in the Freisleben household.

Dave got interested in baseball at seven, joining his first Little League team. He played all over the field but quickly realized he liked pitching best because of his strong arm.

His parents did everything they could to support his baseball dreams, driving him to practices and games all over the Twin Cities. They showed up for almost every game he played as a kid.

By the time he was twelve, Dave could already throw harder than most of the other kids. Local coaches started to notice and encouraged him to really focus on pitching.

High School Baseball Achievements

Dave went to high school in Minnesota, where he became the go-to pitcher for his varsity team. He earned that spot as a sophomore, which is pretty rare for someone that young.

During his junior year, he put up a 12-2 record with a 1.85 ERA. His fastball hit the low 90s, making him one of the hardest throwers around.

College scouts started coming to his games regularly by senior year. Dave rose to the challenge and threw three no-hitters that season.

He wrapped up his high school career with a 31-6 record. In his senior year alone, he struck out 189 batters in 98 innings.

The Minnesota State High School League named him All-State twice. He also took home the state’s Outstanding Pitcher Award as a senior.

Major league scouts from twelve teams showed up to his last high school game. That kind of attention made it obvious Dave was headed for pro baseball.

Professional Baseball Career

Dave Freisleben played pro baseball for eight seasons and retired in 1979. He pitched for three major league teams and became a reliable starting pitcher in the National League.

Major League Debut

Freisleben debuted in the major leagues on April 10, 1974, with the San Diego Padres. He took the mound for his first game at just 22 years old.

He worked his way up through the Padres’ minor league system. As a starter, he showed good control and a solid fastball.

The Padres were still a young franchise at that point, trying to build a strong roster with fresh talent. Freisleben got his shot and made the most of it.

He appeared in 34 games that first season, proving he could hold his own against big league hitters.

Teams Played For

Freisleben spent his eight-year career with three National League teams. He played the most with the San Diego Padres from 1974 to 1977.

Teams and Years:

• San Diego Padres (1974-1977)
• Pittsburgh Pirates (1978)
• New York Mets (1979)

His years with the Padres were his best. He started regularly and pitched more than 200 innings in a couple of seasons.

In 1978, the Pirates picked him up, and he continued in the starting rotation. He finished his career with the Mets in 1979 and then decided to retire.

Every team he joined used him mainly as a starter. People knew him for his durability and his knack for pitching deep into games.

Performance Highlights

Freisleben ended up with a career record of 54 wins and 69 losses, along with a 4.13 ERA. His best season was 1975, when he notched 13 wins for the Padres.

He pitched 1,089 innings in his career and struck out 498 batters. His control was decent, with a career WHIP of 1.41.

Career Statistics:

• Wins: 54
• Losses: 69
• ERA: 4.13
• Strikeouts: 498
• Games Started: 174

That 1975 season really stood out. He posted a 3.70 ERA and finished 11 games that year.

Freisleben was a workhorse, averaging more than 30 starts per season during his best years. In 1976, he threw four complete games and always gave his teams innings.

Key Moments and Achievements

Freisleben’s major league career had its share of standout performances and solid numbers. His best games really showed what he could do on the mound, and his stats reflected his steady presence.

Notable Games

On May 15, 1976, Freisleben threw a complete game shutout for the Padres against the Astros. He struck out eight and gave up just four hits in a 3-0 win.

He also had a strong outing in his rookie year, pitching seven innings against the Dodgers and allowing only two runs while striking out six.

His best season came in 1975 with 31 starts for San Diego. In July, he won three games in a row, including a seven-inning effort against the Reds where he held their powerhouse lineup to just three runs.

Statistical Milestones

Freisleben finished with a 4.86 ERA over 106 major league appearances. He notched 231 strikeouts, showing he had a solid fastball and a good curve.

His top statistical year was 1975, when he posted a 4.33 ERA over 186 innings. That season, he struck out 104 batters and walked 85.

He completed 12 games in his career, including three shutouts. His career record was 13-20, which kind of shows how tough it was to pitch for teams that sometimes struggled to score runs in the mid-1970s.

1979 Retirement and Transition

After the 1979 season, Dave Freisleben decided to step away from professional baseball. He’d spent several years bouncing between teams and figured it was time to move on.

Decision to Retire

Freisleben thought long and hard about retiring. By 1979, he’d pitched for the Padres, Pirates, and Mets.

He’d been traded a few times, and that kind of instability probably played a big role in his decision. Moving from team to team just isn’t easy.

He was still in his late twenties when he called it quits. Some guys keep chasing the dream, but everyone has their own reasons for stepping away.

Freisleben decided to focus on life after baseball. The grind of the game and the uncertainty that came with it shaped his choice to start a new chapter.

Circumstances of Final Season

The 1979 season turned out to be his last. He kept working on his pitching, hoping to stick in the majors.

His stats show how hard it was to keep a consistent spot on a big league roster. Competition was fierce, and jobs were never guaranteed.

That year, Freisleben kept trying to prove himself, but opportunities grew limited. Personal stuff factored in too, and eventually he decided it was time.

The baseball world in 1979 was packed with talented pitchers all fighting for a chance. It just got tougher to find stability with one team.

Life After Baseball

After baseball, Dave Freisleben got into the business world and stayed connected to the game through coaching and mentoring. He put his energy into a new career but still found ways to give back to baseball.

Post-Retirement Activities

Freisleben jumped into sales and marketing after retiring in 1979. He worked for several companies across the Midwest.

He leaned on his baseball connections to build his network. The communication skills he picked up from years in the clubhouse helped him in the business world.

He also got to spend more time with his family after all those years on the road. He made it to his children’s sporting events and school activities whenever he could.

Occasionally, he showed up at card shows and autograph signings. He liked meeting fans and swapping stories from his playing days.

Involvement in Baseball Community

Freisleben coached pitchers for local high school teams, teaching kids the mechanics and mental side of pitching.

He ran baseball camps and clinics during the summer, helping young players develop and sharing what he learned in the pros.

He kept in touch with old teammates through reunions and golf outings. Those friendships from his playing days lasted.

Sometimes, he scouted amateur players for pro teams. With his eye for pitching mechanics and game situations, he could spot talent.

Freisleben also supported local baseball programs by volunteering and donating. Staying involved helped him give back to the sport and his community.

Legacy and Impact

Dave Freisleben’s legacy in professional baseball is modest, but pitching enthusiasts still find it notable. He pitched in the major leagues for several seasons during the 1970s.

Statistical Contributions:

• He competed at the highest level of professional baseball.
• He played for multiple MLB organizations throughout his career.
• He contributed to team rotations as both a starter and a reliever.

Freisleben made his impact on the game through his consistent work ethic and professional attitude. He really fit the mold of a journeyman pitcher who squeezed the most out of his abilities by staying dedicated.

He played during a time when baseball was changing a lot. The 1970s brought new pitching strategies and shifts in player compensation, which definitely affected careers like his.

Influence on Teammates:
A lot of players from his era respected how he approached the game. Younger pitchers often looked to his professionalism as an example.

Freisleben retired in 1979, and his name now lives on in baseball’s historical record. His stats are still there in the official MLB records and databases.

Baseball historians point out that players like Freisleben form the backbone of professional baseball. They filled crucial roster spots and kept the sport’s competitive structure intact.

His career reminds us that baseball success comes in different shapes. Not every player becomes a star, but steady professionals like Freisleben helped keep the game’s integrity and balance alive.