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

Dave Frost put together a solid five-year run in Major League Baseball before he called it quits in 1982. The 6-foot-6 righty from Long Beach, California, suited up for three teams: the Chicago White Sox, California Angels, and Kansas City Royals.

Frost really hit his stride in 1979, winning 16 games for the Angels and helping them clinch the American League West Division title.

Born Carl David Frost on November 17, 1952, he jumped into pro baseball after the Chicago White Sox picked him in the 18th round of the 1974 draft. He worked his way through the minors and finally made his MLB debut on September 11, 1977, against the California Angels at Anaheim Stadium.

His career had its bright spots but also showed just how tough professional baseball can be.

Let’s take a look at Frost’s path—from a tall prospect in the White Sox system to his breakout season with the Angels, the injuries that slowed him down, and his eventual retirement after the 1982 season.

We’ll dig into his stats, check out his impact on the teams he played for, and see where he fits in the wider baseball world of the late ’70s and early ’80s.

Who Is Dave Frost? Early Life and Background

Carl David Frost entered the world on November 17, 1952, in Long Beach, California, growing up in a family where sports meant a lot even when challenges got in the way. His journey from a tall basketball player to a Major League Baseball pitcher started with strong family backing and took shape through standout performances in both high school and college.

Family and Athletic Heritage

Dave Frost’s love for sports came straight from his father, Wally Frost, who showed a ton of grit in athletics. Wally Frost played at Wheaton College in Illinois, but polio left him without the use of his legs.

Still, Wally didn’t let that stop him. He joined the Flying Wheels, Long Beach’s wheelchair basketball team, and stayed active. At home, he found ways to play catch with his kids and even hit baseballs to them using a sawed-off bat in the backyard.

The Frost family’s approach to sports was all about persistence and finding ways around obstacles. For them, athletics wasn’t just a hobby—it was part of daily life, and Dave’s siblings got in on it too.

High School and College Years

At Millikan High School in Long Beach, Dave Frost’s height—6’6″—made him a natural for basketball. He played center and was a key part of the team.

Baseball wasn’t really his main sport in high school. Even though Millikan had a top baseball program, coaches mostly used Frost as a reliever instead of a starter.

After high school, Frost went to Long Beach City College and kept playing both sports. He was named Most Outstanding Player at the 33rd Modesto Basketball Tournament in December 1970. That success led to a transfer to Stanford University.

At Stanford, Frost became one of the top athletes on campus. Basketball still took priority, so he often missed the start of baseball season to finish basketball commitments.

Path to Professional Baseball

Even with basketball in the spotlight, Frost impressed on the baseball diamond at Stanford. He put up a combined 10-0 record in 1972 and 1973, pitching both as a starter and reliever.

But basketball started wearing him down physically. Back spasms and an injured ankle forced him to quit the team in February 1974, which let him give baseball his full attention.

Baseball wasn’t exactly injury-free, either. Frost dealt with a shoulder issue that kept him off the mound for a bit, but when healthy, he caught scouts’ eyes.

The Chicago White Sox picked him in the 18th round of the 1974 MLB draft, and that kicked off his professional baseball career. It also marked the end of his days as a two-sport athlete.

MLB Debut and Team Transitions

Dave Frost’s MLB career lasted five years, from 1977 to 1982, and he played for three teams. He started with the Chicago White Sox at age 24, got traded to the California Angels where he found real success, and finished up with the Kansas City Royals.

Chicago White Sox Career Beginning

Frost made his MLB debut on September 11, 1977, for the Chicago White Sox against the California Angels at Anaheim Stadium. He pitched 6â…“ innings and allowed just two earned runs in that first appearance.

He struck out three and didn’t walk anyone. His first career strikeout came against Dave Kingman in the third inning. The White Sox ended up losing 5-4, so Frost got a no-decision.

He notched his first MLB win a week later in another start against the Angels. At Comiskey Park, he went 7â…” innings and gave up three runs as the White Sox won 7-3.

The White Sox had drafted him in 1974 out of Stanford. After working his way through the minors, Frost got his call-up in September 1977.

California Angels: Arrival and Adaptation

On December 5, 1977, the White Sox traded Frost to the California Angels along with Brian Downing and Chris Knapp. In exchange, Chicago got Bobby Bonds, Richard Dotson, and Thad Bosley.

Frost split 1978 between the Salt Lake City Gulls and the Angels. For California, he posted a 5-4 record with a 2.58 ERA in 11 games, starting ten of them.

He broke out in 1979, winning 16 games and losing 10. Frost led Angel starters in ERA (3.57), winning percentage (.615), and innings pitched (239â…“). That year, the Angels won the AL West with an 88-74 record.

California’s rotation included names like Nolan Ryan, Don Aase, Jim Barr, Chris Knapp, and Frank Tanana. Frost’s highlights included a four-hit shutout against Oakland on July 3, 1979, and an eight-strikeout complete game win over Baltimore on July 7, 1979.

Kansas City Royals and Final Years

After 1979, Frost’s elbow started giving him trouble. He struggled through two more seasons with the Angels, then landed with the Kansas City Royals in 1982.

Over his last three seasons, he went 11-22 with a 5.43 ERA. Injuries and fading performance ended his MLB career.

Frost pitched his final big-league game on October 3, 1982, for the Royals against the Oakland Athletics. He threw one inning, gave up three hits and one earned run, and struck out one.

His career totals: 99 games pitched, a 33-37 record, and a 4.10 ERA. He completed 16 games and threw three shutouts over his five years in the majors.

Career Highlights and Statistical Achievements

Dave Frost’s six-season MLB career had its high point in 1979 with the California Angels. He put up 16 wins and more than 239 innings that year, but his stats across other seasons showed both promise and plenty of challenges.

Breakout Seasons and Notable Games

Frost’s best season came in 1979 with the Angels. He finished 16-10 with a 3.57 ERA over 36 games and 33 starts, easily his peak as a major leaguer.

That 1979 season showed off his durability. He pitched 239.1 innings with 12 complete games and two shutouts. His 107 strikeouts that year were his MLB best.

In 1978, Frost had another strong stretch with the Angels, posting a 2.58 ERA over 11 games and 10 starts. He tossed two complete games and one shutout in just 80.1 innings.

He made his major league debut on September 11, 1977, for the White Sox at age 24. In four games that year, he managed a 3.04 ERA over limited innings.

Pitching Metrics: ERA, WHIP, and ERA+

Frost’s career ERA was 4.10. He struggled to keep things consistent over six seasons, but his best single-season ERA—2.58—came in 1978, showing what he could do when he was healthy.

His career WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) sat at 1.353. He gave up 571 hits and 174 walks over 550.2 innings.

Frost’s career ERA+ was 97, so he performed just a bit below league average. His best ERA+ was 137 in 1977 with the White Sox, though that was only over 23.2 innings.

He wasn’t a big strikeout guy, averaging 3.6 per nine innings. Frost struck out 222 and walked 174, so his 1.28 strikeout-to-walk ratio showed decent control but not a lot of overpowering stuff.

Wins and Consistency as a Starter

Frost ended up with a 33-37 career record in 99 games, 84 of those as a starter. His .471 winning percentage reflected some tough years, especially at the end with California and Kansas City.

His best stretch came with the Angels from 1978 to 1981. Frost went 26-30 with a 3.90 ERA in 445.1 innings for California.

1979 was his only double-digit win season. Those 16 wins made up almost half his career total, which says a lot about both his best and his inconsistent years.

His last season, with Kansas City in 1982, was rough. Frost finished 6-6 with a 5.51 ERA over 21 games, and that wrapped up his time in pro baseball.

Performance With the California Angels

Dave Frost spent four seasons with the California Angels from 1978 to 1981, and that was easily the most important stretch of his MLB career. He had his best statistical year there and also battled through some tough stretches as a regular starter.

First Impressions and Early Challenges

Frost got off to a strong start with the Angels in 1978 after coming over from the White Sox. He went 5-4 with a 2.58 ERA in 11 games, starting 10 of them. He showed good control and effectiveness, completing two games and picking up one shutout.

In 80.1 innings, he allowed just 71 hits and 23 earned runs. Frost walked only 24 and struck out 30, so his command looked solid. His ERA+ of 142 that season meant he pitched 42% better than league average.

That early success helped Frost lock down a spot in the Angels’ rotation. His 1.183 WHIP was among his best, showing he didn’t let many guys reach base.

1979 Standout Season

Frost’s 1979 season was the high point of his career. He went 16-10 with a 3.57 ERA in 36 games and 33 starts, his only year with double-digit wins.

He pitched 239.1 innings and set career highs in several categories. Frost struck out 107 and walked 77, keeping a respectable strikeout-to-walk ratio. He completed 12 games and tossed two shutouts, proving his durability.

His WAR was 4.6 that year, giving the Angels real value. An ERA+ of 114 showed above-average performance. He allowed 226 hits and 17 home runs, but kept his control steady.

Contributions Through 1981

Frost’s last two years with the Angels were tough. In 1980, he went 4-8 with a 5.29 ERA over 15 starts. He gave up 97 hits and 46 earned runs in 78.1 innings.

Things didn’t improve in 1981. Frost finished 1-8 with a 5.51 ERA in 12 games. He pitched only 47.1 innings, allowing 44 hits and 29 earned runs.

Even with those struggles, Frost’s overall numbers with the Angels were decent. He went 26-30 with a 3.90 ERA over four seasons. Those years in California made up 445.1 of his 550.2 career innings, and the Angels ended up being his longest stint with any team in the big leagues.

Retirement and Legacy after 1982

Dave Frost’s career ended abruptly at age 30. Persistent elbow problems forced him out of MLB.

He left the Kansas City Royals and stepped away from a promising career that injury had cut short. In the years that followed, he made a complete career change.

Decision to Retire and Last Season

Frost spent his last MLB season with the Kansas City Royals in 1982. Ongoing elbow pain made things tough, and he finished with a 5.51 ERA—same as the year before.

After the 1982 season, the Royals released him. Fourteen bone chips in his elbow caused him constant pain whenever he pitched.

Instead of opting for surgery like many modern players would, Frost tried to pitch through the pain. That decision didn’t work out, and it actually sped up the end of his baseball career.

He signed minor league deals with Pittsburgh and Philadelphia in 1983. Even pitching in AAA, he struggled and posted a 5.50 ERA.

In 1984, Frost officially retired from professional baseball. He left MLB with a 33-37 record and a 4.10 ERA over 99 games.

Impact on Former Teams and Teammates

The Kansas City Royals moved on quickly after Frost left. He only spent one season with them in 1982.

The California Angels saw the best of Frost from 1978 to 1981. In 1979, he pitched 239⅓ innings over 33 starts—just a huge workload.

Advanced stats pointed to Frost as the Angels’ best pitcher during their 1979 AL West Division championship run. The team made it to the ALCS that year but lost to Baltimore.

Former teammates often recalled Frost as a talented pitcher whose career just never got a fair shake because of injuries. With his 6-foot-6 frame and right-handed delivery, he brought a lot to the rotation.

After baseball, Frost dove into commodity trading in Chicago for four years. He later earned a Master’s degree in psychology from Azusa-Pacific University and became a counselor for domestic violence offenders.

Evaluating Dave Frost’s Career in Baseball History

Dave Frost’s place in baseball history mostly comes from his memorable 1979 season with the California Angels. His unique presence as a 6’6″ right-handed pitcher also set him apart.

His career statistics show both the promise he had and the hurdles so many pitchers face in the majors.

References in Baseball Literature

Baseball writers have mostly focused on Frost’s standout 1979 campaign with the California Angels. The Miami Herald even called out his surprising success, mentioning how the former Stanford basketball player turned into the team’s most effective pitcher.

People often mention Frost’s athletic versatility. He once scored 25 points against UCLA and Bill Walton while playing basketball at Stanford. That basketball background definitely gave his baseball story a different flavor.

Baseball Reference and other stats sites keep his full career record on display. They show his 33-37 win-loss record over six seasons, but that 1979 season really pops: 16-10 with 239.1 innings pitched.

The RIP Baseball obituary site highlighted his dual-sport success at Long Beach City College. He earned Most Outstanding Player at the 33rd Modesto Basketball Tournament in December 1970. Frost’s baseball skills developed more slowly than his basketball talents, but both shaped his story.

Statistics and Recognition in the Sport

Dave Frost’s MLB career stats tell the story of a pitcher who had some brilliant moments, even if his overall numbers look pretty modest. Honestly, 1979 was his year—he went 16-10 with a 3.57 ERA for the Angels.

Take a look at his career totals:

  • 99 games over six seasons
  • 33 wins, 37 losses (.471 winning percentage)
  • 4.10 career ERA
  • 222 strikeouts in 550.2 innings pitched

Frost really peaked in 1979. That year, he managed to finish 12 games and even tossed two shutouts.

He pitched 239.1 innings that season, which is almost half of everything he threw in his career.

People noticed Frost’s size, especially for his era. At 6’6″ and 235 pounds, he had the build that modern teams look for.

But after that, things got rough. In his later seasons, inconsistency took over.

His ERA shot up to 5.29 in 1980 and just never really came back down.

Kansas City saw him retire after the 1982 season, and he called it a career at age 30.

Scroll to Top