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

Frank Bolling spent twelve seasons as a steady second baseman in Major League Baseball. He played his final game on September 15, 1966, just two months before turning 35.

Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Bolling carved out a respectable career with the Detroit Tigers and Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves. People knew him as one of the more reliable defensive players at his position during the 1950s and 1960s.

Atlanta released Bolling in October 1966, ending a journey that started with his MLB debut in 1954. That journey included four All-Star selections and a Gold Glove Award.

He retired just as the Braves played their first season in Atlanta after moving from Milwaukee. Bolling had enjoyed some of his best years with the Braves.

Frank Bolling’s baseball story covers his early days in Alabama, his rise through the Detroit Tigers organization, and his successful years with the Milwaukee Braves. He left a mark on the game through his defensive skills and his contributions to baseball after he retired.

His journey from a young prospect signed as an amateur free agent to a respected veteran gives us a window into the baseball world of the mid-20th century.

Early Life and Family Background

Frank Elmore Bolling was born November 16, 1931, in Mobile, Alabama. He grew up in a baseball-loving family that produced two Major League players.

He went to McGill-Toolen Catholic High School and Spring Hill College. There, he developed the skills that eventually made him the first student from these schools to reach the major leagues.

Childhood in Mobile, Alabama

Frank grew up in Mobile during the 1930s and 1940s. Baseball was at the center of daily life in the Bolling household.

His family fostered a deep appreciation for America’s pastime. That love for baseball shaped Frank and his older brother’s futures.

Mobile’s warm climate meant kids could play ball year-round. Frank spent hours on local diamonds and sandlots, always working on his game.

His parents encouraged both athletic achievement and academic success. They wanted their sons to chase their baseball dreams but also stay focused on school.

This balance helped Frank throughout his career. He showed natural athletic ability and a strong work ethic, especially as an infielder.

Frank’s dedication to improving his game started early in his teens. He just seemed to have that drive.

Education at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School

Frank attended McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in Mobile. He stood out both academically and athletically.

The school’s baseball program gave him structured training and real competition. That helped him refine his skills.

At McGill-Toolen, Frank played several positions. He eventually found his calling as a second baseman.

His quick reflexes and reliable glove work made him a standout. Coaches helped him develop his batting skills too.

The Catholic education at McGill-Toolen built discipline and character traits that lasted through Frank’s career. The school’s focus on teamwork and dedication matched his baseball ambitions perfectly.

His high school performance caught the eye of college scouts and pro teams. Success at McGill-Toolen set the stage for his future in college and professional baseball.

Sports at Spring Hill College

After high school, Frank continued at Spring Hill College in Mobile. The college let him keep growing as a player while he pursued his studies.

At Spring Hill, Frank kept shining as a second baseman. He worked hard on his double-play execution and fielding techniques.

College ball meant facing tougher competition. That experience really prepared him for the pros.

Major league scouts started to notice his performance at Spring Hill. Frank later became the first student from the college to reach Major League Baseball.

This accomplishment brought pride to Spring Hill and inspired future student-athletes.

Relationship with Milt Bolling

Frank’s older brother, Milt Bolling, played a huge role in his baseball journey. Milt played shortstop in Major League Baseball.

The brothers shared a tight bond over their love of baseball. Milt acted as both mentor and inspiration for Frank.

Having an older brother in the majors gave Frank valuable insights and guidance. Milt’s success showed that the Bolling family had what it took to compete at the highest level.

That example pushed Frank to chase his own big-league dreams with confidence. The Bollings became one of the notable sibling pairs in baseball history.

Their shared experiences in Mobile and individual MLB successes created a lasting legacy for their family and hometown.

Major League Baseball Debut and Detroit Tigers Years

Frank Bolling made his MLB debut with the Detroit Tigers on April 13, 1954. He quickly established himself as a reliable second baseman.

During his seven seasons with Detroit, he became one of the American League’s best defensive players. He won a Gold Glove Award in 1958 and even formed a double-play combo with his brother Milt.

MLB Debut in 1954

Frank stepped onto the major league stage at age 22. In his debut against the Baltimore Orioles, he went 1-for-4 with a home run and one RBI.

The Tigers had signed him as an amateur free agent in June 1951. He spent three years in their minor league system before getting called up.

Military service interrupted his rookie season in 1955. That was pretty common for players of his generation after the Korean War.

After finishing his military duty, Frank returned and established himself as Detroit’s regular second baseman. Fans at Tiger Stadium appreciated his dedication and work ethic.

Performance as a Second Baseman

Frank locked down the second base job for Detroit and never played another position in the majors. His consistency made him a key part of the Tigers’ infield.

From 1957 to 1959, he averaged 14 home runs a season, hitting a career-high 15 in 1957. His offense, paired with his defense, made him a well-rounded player.

Career Highlights with Detroit:

• Batting average: .254
• Home runs: 106 (career total)
• RBIs: 556 (career total)
• Games played: 1,540 (career total)

His best offensive season came in 1958, when he posted career highs in hits (164), doubles (27), runs scored, and RBIs (75).

Frank’s reliability at second base gave Detroit pitchers confidence. His glove helped turn big double plays and kept runs off the board.

Gold Glove Award and Fielding Achievements

In 1958, Frank won the Gold Glove Award. He became the first Detroit Tigers infielder to receive that honor.

He led American League second basemen in fielding percentage that season. The award recognized his excellent defensive skills.

Frank finished his career with a .982 fielding percentage. That number shows his consistency and reliability over 12 years in the majors.

Teammates and coaches praised his positioning and anticipation. He just had a knack for turning double plays smoothly.

The Gold Glove validated his reputation as a top fielder. It really was the peak of his defensive achievements with Detroit.

Bolling Brothers Double Play Combination

In 1958, Milt Bolling was traded to Detroit. That move created a rare brother combo in the infield.

Frank played second base, and Milt took over at shortstop. Their chemistry as siblings showed up in their double-play execution.

Only a handful of brother pairs ever played second and short together in the majors:

• Garvin and Granny Hamner (Philadelphia Phillies, 1945)
• Eddie and Johnny O’Brien (Pittsburgh Pirates, mid-1950s)
• Cal and Billy Ripken (Baltimore Orioles, 1980s)

The Bollings brought special attention to the Tigers’ infield. Their understanding of each other’s style made their defense even smoother.

Few families get to play together at the big-league level. Their partnership stands out as a unique moment in baseball history.

Trade to Milwaukee Braves and All-Star Seasons

Frank Bolling’s career took off after he joined the Milwaukee Braves in 1961. That trade marked a turning point and led to his best seasons, including multiple All-Star selections in the National League.

Notable Trade for Bill Bruton

On December 7, 1960, the Detroit Tigers traded Frank Bolling and a player to be named later to the Milwaukee Braves. In exchange, Detroit got outfielder Bill Bruton and three other players.

The trade worked out for both teams. Bruton gave the Tigers an experienced outfielder. The Braves picked up a steady second baseman who became a key player for their infield.

The timing was good for Frank. He was 29 and entering his prime. Joining the National League gave him a fresh start after six years in Detroit.

Performance with Milwaukee Braves

Frank’s stats improved with the Milwaukee Braves. In 1961, his first year with the team, he played 148 games and hit .262. He drove in 56 runs and scored 86 times.

His defensive skills stood out in the National League. Frank led NL second basemen in fielding percentage in 1961, 1962, and 1964.

The 1961 season was especially strong for him. He posted a 4.2 WAR (Wins Above Replacement), one of his best career marks.

Frank’s steady play anchored the Braves’ middle infield during his time with the team.

All-Star Selections in National League

Frank earned All-Star recognition in both 1961 and 1962 with the Milwaukee Braves. Those were the only All-Star appearances of his 12-year MLB career.

In 1961, MLB held two All-Star Games each season. Frank started both games as the National League’s second baseman.

His 1962 All-Star selection came as a substitute. He appeared in both games that year, though he didn’t start either one.

The recognition highlighted his consistent defense and steady offense for the Braves.

Final Playing Years and Retirement in 1966

Frank Bolling wrapped up his career during the 1966 season with the Atlanta Braves. That year, he struggled with poor performance and saw limited playing time.

His last Major League Baseball appearance came in September 1966, ending a 12-year run in the big leagues.

Role with Atlanta Braves

Frank played a limited role with the Atlanta Braves in 1966. He appeared in just 75 games, a big drop from his earlier seasons where he usually played over 120.

He struggled at the plate, hitting only .211 with 1 home run and 18 RBIs all season. That’s a tough way to go out.

He did start in the first major league game played in Atlanta, a historic moment as the franchise moved from Milwaukee.

As the season went on, his poor performance led to less playing time. Denis Menke took over second base during the Braves’ late-season push.

The 1966 season marked a dramatic decline for Frank. Not long before, he’d been a reliable defender and Gold Glove winner with Detroit.

Last MLB Appearance

Frank Bolling played his final Major League Baseball game on September 15, 1966. That day marked the close of his professional career after 12 seasons in MLB.

By mid-September, Denis Menke had taken over second base for the Braves. The team made this switch as they chased a playoff spot.

The Braves released Bolling just a day after the regular season ended. Atlanta chose not to keep him for the next year.

No team offered him a contract for 1967, and that pretty much wrapped up his time in professional baseball.

End of Career Statistics

Frank Bolling played in the Major Leagues from 1954 to 1966. He spent 12 seasons at second base with three different teams.

He suited up for the Detroit Tigers (1954-1960), Milwaukee Braves (1961-1965), and Atlanta Braves (1966). Most people remember him for his defense, not his bat.

Bolling debuted in MLB on April 13, 1954, at age 22. Facing Baltimore, he went 1-for-4 with a home run and an RBI in his first game.

He made the All-Star team during his first two years with the Milwaukee Braves. In 1965, he hit a grand slam off Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax, and that moment really stood out in his offensive career.

Defensive Legacy and Career Achievements

Frank Bolling made his name as one of the best defensive second basemen in the 1950s and 1960s. He earned a Gold Glove Award and led the league in fielding percentage several times.

Fielding Excellence and Awards

Bolling’s glove work peaked with the Detroit Tigers in 1958. That season, he put up career highs at the plate and led AL second basemen in fielding percentage. The Gold Glove Award went to him for being the top second baseman in the league defensively.

After he joined the Milwaukee Braves in 1961, Bolling kept up his elite defense in the National League. He led NL second basemen in fielding percentage in 1961, 1962, and 1964. Switching leagues didn’t seem to faze him at all.

Bolling played every inning of his career at second base. He finished with a .982 career fielding percentage, which says a lot about his steadiness on the field.

Recognition Among Second Basemen

People recognized Bolling as one of the top second basemen of his era, mostly because of his defense. His All-Star nods in 1961 and 1962 came thanks to his fielding with the Milwaukee Braves. The Sporting News also picked him for their National League All-Star Team in 1961.

He built his reputation on solid fundamentals and steady play, not showy highlights. Bolling could turn double plays and handle routine grounders with real precision, making him a steady presence for his teams. His fielding percentage ranked near the top in Major League Baseball during his years on the field.

His defense, paired with decent hitting, made Bolling a well-rounded second baseman for all 12 seasons he played.

Life After Baseball and Community Contributions

After baseball, Frank Bolling went back to his hometown, Mobile, Alabama. There, he poured his energy into charity work and started the first adaptive baseball league for kids with physical and mental challenges. He graduated from Spring Hill College in 1953 and turned his love for baseball into something that truly changed lives.

Return to Mobile, Alabama

Once his MLB career ended in 1966, Bolling moved back to Mobile. That city meant a lot to him—it was where he grew up and began his baseball journey at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School.

He settled into the community and looked for ways to help out. The switch from pro baseball to local service came pretty naturally for him. Bolling leaned on his background as a former major leaguer to get involved with groups around town.

As a Gold Glove winner and two-time All-Star, Bolling found it easier to connect with people and organizations in Mobile. He mentored young players and supported causes that mattered to him.

Adaptive Baseball League Initiatives

Bolling made his biggest mark by creating the Frank Bolling Adaptive Baseball League. This league was the first in the country for physically and mentally challenged youth. It started in Mobile and set a new standard.

He worked with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and got a grant from Major League Baseball to help fund the league. That partnership gave him the resources to get things going. Kids with disabilities finally had a chance to play baseball and feel included.

Bolling’s work inspired similar leagues in other cities. His efforts in adaptive sports became a model for others to follow. The league’s impact stretched far beyond Mobile, leaving a real legacy in youth sports.

Personal Life and Family

Bolling always kept his family close, even after his baseball career ended.

His older brother, Milt Bolling, played shortstop in the majors too. The brothers actually shared the field as Detroit Tigers teammates for a bit in 1958.

Baseball ran deep in the Bolling family. Their uncle Jack played professionally as well.

Frank went to Spring Hill College in 1953, and that education set him up for his later work in the community. College gave him the tools to handle the nitty-gritty of running charitable programs.

He stayed involved in Mobile’s community right up until he passed away on July 11, 2020, at 88.

Frank really did spend his life helping others, especially through baseball.