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

Frank House wrapped up his baseball journey quietly on September 25, 1961, when he played his last major league game for the Detroit Tigers against the Kansas City Athletics. Folks called him “Pig,” and for over a decade, he crouched behind the plate, working with some of the best pitchers the 1950s had to offer.

House retired from Major League Baseball in 1961 after an 11-season career. He played for the Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Athletics, and Cincinnati Reds. Born Henry Franklin House in Bessemer, Alabama, he became one of the era’s most reliable catchers, finishing with a .248 batting average, 47 home runs, and 235 RBIs in 653 games.

But honestly, there’s more to his story than just stats. As an 18-year-old, he landed one of the biggest signing bonuses in baseball history. Later, he helped create the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, so his influence stretched far beyond his playing days.

His career gives us a glimpse into the 1950s, a time when baseball was changing fast and players like House held teams together.

Early Life and Background

Henry Franklin House was born on February 18, 1930, in Bessemer, Alabama. He signed one of the largest bonus contracts in baseball history as a teenager.

His path from Alabama high school standout to professional catcher started with a natural athleticism that major league scouts couldn’t ignore.

Birth and Family Origins

Henry Franklin House came into the world on February 18, 1930, in Bessemer, Alabama. This industrial city, just outside Birmingham, set the stage for his early years.

He grew up during the Great Depression, in a region where baseball was catching on as America’s pastime.

As a kid, House built his athletic skills right there in Alabama. His knack for catching earned him the nickname “Pig” later in his career.

Bessemer sits in Jefferson County, an area with a strong sports tradition. Being close to Birmingham meant House saw organized baseball from a young age.

High School Years

House attended high school in Alabama, and that’s where his baseball skills really started to shine. He played catcher and quickly became one of the state’s top prospects.

Scouts from colleges and pro teams noticed his defensive skills behind the plate. His left-handed swing and strong arm made him stand out.

During high school, House showed off the abilities that would carry him into the pros. He mixed defensive talent with offensive promise—something teams always look for.

Word about this young catcher spread beyond Alabama. Major league scouts kept tabs on him as he finished high school.

Signing with the Detroit Tigers

At just 18, House signed with the Detroit Tigers straight out of high school in 1948. He got a bonus of about $75,000, which was a huge amount back then.

That kind of money showed the Tigers believed in House’s potential. For the late 1940s, it was almost unheard of.

Detroit’s front office saw him as a key piece for their future behind the plate. The contract kicked off his pro baseball journey.

From Alabama high school baseball to the Detroit Tigers organization, House’s life took a major turn.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Frank House played as a catcher in Major League Baseball from 1950 to 1961, covering 10 seasons. He spent most of his career with the Detroit Tigers, had short stints with the Kansas City Athletics and Cincinnati Reds, and then finished up back in Detroit.

Debut and Early Years with the Detroit Tigers

Frank House made his MLB debut on July 21, 1950, with the Detroit Tigers at age 20. He’d signed with Detroit in 1948 for that massive $75,000 bonus and even got two cars thrown in.

He quickly became known as a reliable defensive catcher. House batted lefty, threw righty, stood 6’1″, and weighed 190 pounds. His defensive skills included a strong arm and a quick release.

House’s career got interrupted by military service, which kept him out for the 1952 and 1953 seasons. When he came back in 1954, he stepped back in as the Tigers’ primary catcher.

His best year came in 1955, when he hit .259 with 15 homers and 53 RBIs in 102 games. That was his peak offensively, but his defense and game-calling kept him valuable to the Tigers’ pitching staff.

Kansas City Athletics Tenure

In 1958, House moved to the Kansas City Athletics for two seasons. It was his first time leaving Detroit, the team that had signed him out of high school.

While in Kansas City, House kept his spot as a primary catcher. On April 21, 1958, he pulled off a rare feat by scoring two runs as a pinch-hitter in an eight-run eighth inning, helping the Athletics beat the Cleveland Indians 9-4.

That was only the sixth time in major league history a player had done that. House’s defensive skills and veteran presence helped Kansas City’s roster during those two years.

Cincinnati Reds Season

House played the 1960 season with the Cincinnati Reds. It was his only year in the National League before heading back to Detroit.

The Reds wanted House for his veteran presence and defensive chops. He brought experience in handling pitching staffs, which Cincinnati needed.

Even in that one season, House showed the same defensive skills that made him valuable everywhere he played. His steady hand behind the plate helped the Reds’ pitchers.

Retirement in 1961

House returned to the Detroit Tigers for his last season in 1961. He got to finish his career right where he started, which feels kind of fitting.

He played his final MLB game on September 25, 1961, wearing a Tigers uniform. At 31, House wrapped up a 10-season career with solid numbers for a defense-first catcher.

Career Statistics:

• Batting Average: .248
• Home Runs: 47
• RBIs: 235
• Games Played: 653
• Fielding Percentage: .988

He put up these stats in 580 games as a catcher. Defensively, he had 2,934 putouts, 258 assists, and just 34 errors in 3,226 chances. After hanging up his gear, House stayed in Alabama and later served in the state legislature.

Playing Style and Skills

Frank House built his name as a skilled defensive catcher who could also contribute at the plate. His knack for controlling the running game and steady presence behind the plate made him valuable to every team he played for.

Defensive Strengths as a Catcher

House’s defense really set him apart. His 47 percent caught-stealing ratio was better than what most Hall of Fame catchers could manage, showing off his arm and quick release.

He stood 6’1½” and weighed 190 pounds, giving him the build to handle the tough demands of catching. Pitchers trusted him behind the plate.

Back then, stolen bases were a big part of the game, so having a catcher who could throw out nearly half the base stealers was a huge asset.

The Tigers saw his defensive potential early and signed him out of high school for about $75,000. That was a lot of faith in a teenager.

Offensive Contributions and Notable Games

House finished with a .248 batting average, 494 hits, and 47 home runs. He batted left-handed, which gave him an edge against right-handed pitchers.

He drove in 235 RBIs in 653 games and scored 201 runs. House wasn’t a big power hitter, but he made steady contact and chipped in with the occasional home run.

He played for the Tigers, Athletics, and Reds, and his consistent approach at the plate kept him in the lineup.

Baserunning Abilities

House ran the bases about as well as most catchers did in the 1950s. He scored 201 runs in his career, showing decent speed for his position, though baserunning wasn’t his main thing.

His solid build and defensive workload meant he didn’t focus much on stealing bases. He concentrated on making contact and moving runners along.

House based his baserunning on smart decisions, not speed. Most catchers back then tried to avoid injuries that could mess up their defense.

His career lasted from 1950 to 1961, with military service breaking things up in 1951 and 1952. That time away definitely affected his baserunning stats.

Career Achievements and Notable Statistics

Frank House put up solid defensive numbers and stayed steady on offense through his ten-year career. His best season was 1955, when he hit career-high marks in several offensive categories.

Batting and Fielding Records

House ended his 10-season career with a .248 average, 47 home runs, and 235 RBIs in 653 games. In 1955, he had his best year, batting .259 with 15 home runs and 53 RBIs in 102 games.

Behind the plate, he showed excellent defensive skills. In 580 games as a catcher, he posted a .988 fielding percentage, 2,934 putouts, 258 assists, and just 34 errors.

Pitchers liked working with him because he called a good game and was tough at blocking the plate.

Memorable Performances and Awards

On April 21, 1958, House scored two runs as a pinch-hitter in an eight-run eighth inning for the Athletics, helping beat Cleveland 9-4. That was only the sixth time in major league history that had happened.

After his playing days, House made a difference off the field too. He served in the Alabama Legislature and played a big part in starting the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1967.

They inducted him into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1975. In 2004, the Hall created the Frank “Pig” House Award to honor people who contributed to sports in the state.

Life After Baseball

Frank House shifted from professional baseball to public service, becoming a big name in Alabama politics and sports history. He served in the Alabama State Legislature and helped establish the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.

Service in the Alabama Legislature

After his baseball career ended in 1961, Frank House jumped into politics. He served in the Alabama State Legislature, focusing on sports initiatives and community projects.

While in the legislature, House worked on different bills and policies. His time as a pro athlete gave him a unique perspective on sports programs and their impact.

He pushed for youth sports across Alabama. House believed athletics could help young people build character and leadership.

His work in the legislature went beyond sports. He represented his community with the same dedication he showed as a catcher in the big leagues.

Role in Founding the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame

House really took the lead in creating the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame back in 1967. He jumped right into planning and helped establish this important institution.

They built the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame to celebrate athletes from the state who excelled in their sports. House worked on developing the criteria and figured out how they’d pick inductees.

Once they got the hall of fame up and running, House stepped in as its first chairman of the Board of Directors. That role let him steer the organization through its early days.

His leadership gave the hall of fame credibility. The group began preserving Alabama’s rich sports history and, honestly, inspired a lot of young athletes.

Honors and Awards Beyond Playing

Frank House joined the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 1975. That honor recognized not just his playing days but also everything he did for Alabama sports.

He got inducted about eight years after helping start the hall. That recognition highlighted his double impact as both a player and someone working behind the scenes.

People saw House as one of Alabama’s standout baseball players. With a Major League career across three teams, he really became a key figure in the state’s sports story.

The timing of his induction really showed how quickly folks noticed his contributions after his playing days. His work setting up the hall earned him a lot of respect in Alabama’s sports circles.

Community and Legacy

House always stayed close to his Alabama roots. Born in Bessemer in 1930, he came back to serve his home state after baseball.

He worked in the legislature and with the sports hall of fame, and those efforts left a real mark on Alabama athletics. What he did went way beyond just his stats or career highlights.

House passed away on March 13, 2005, in Birmingham, Alabama. His death closed the chapter on a life dedicated to pro baseball and public service.

His legacy lives on through both his Major League career and his push to preserve Alabama sports history. The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame stands as proof of his vision and his drive to honor athletic achievement.

Personal Life and Legacy

Frank House picked up the nickname “Pig” during his playing days and never really lost his connection to Alabama. He died in Birmingham in 2005 at 75 and was buried at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Nickname and Personality

Henry Franklin House became known as “Pig” during his Major League Baseball career. That nickname stuck from his early days and followed him through his time with the Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Athletics, and Cincinnati Reds.

House hit left-handed but threw right-handed. He stood 6’1″ and weighed in at 190 pounds while playing. Most teammates and fans called him by his nickname instead of his given name.

He signed with the Detroit Tigers right out of high school at just 18. In 1948, the Tigers handed him the biggest signing bonus of any player at the time, which says a lot about how much they wanted him behind the plate.

Final Years and Passing

After leaving baseball in 1961, House stayed active in Alabama public service. He served in the Alabama State Legislature and played a big part in creating the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1967.

House took on the role of first chairman for the hall’s Board of Directors. Later, he joined the hall himself as part of the Class of 1975, honoring both his playing days and his leadership in Alabama sports.

Frank House died on March 13, 2005, in Birmingham, Alabama. He was 75 when he passed. He spent most of his post-baseball life in Alabama.

Resting Place at Cedar Hill Cemetery

Frank House rests at Cedar Hill Cemetery after he passed away in 2005. He found his final resting place in his home state of Alabama.

Locals know Cedar Hill Cemetery as the site where this former Major League catcher lies. House was born in Bessemer, Alabama, on February 18, 1930.

Burying him in Alabama brought him back to his roots. His grave marks the end of a journey for a player who hit .248, with 47 home runs and 235 RBIs over 653 games in a 12-year MLB career.