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

Frank Enrico Pastore built a solid eight-season career in Major League Baseball before he called it quits in 1986. He threw right-handed and spent the bulk of his pro years with the Cincinnati Reds from 1979 to 1985, then wrapped things up with the Minnesota Twins. Pastore put together a career record of 48 wins and 58 losses, a 4.29 ERA, and 541 strikeouts over 220 games.

What really makes Pastore’s story stand out is how baseball ended up just being the opening act. After a rough elbow injury in 1984, this California native had to accept that his pitching days were nearly over. He went from the mound to a totally different life, showing the kind of resilience that a lot of athletes need once their playing days are behind them.

Looking at Pastore’s baseball years, you see a guy who tasted the highs of the majors but also had to wrestle with the tough breaks that come with injuries. From his first days in Cincinnati to his last outings in a Twins uniform, his journey really echoes what so many pro athletes face—unexpected twists and the constant challenge of staying at the top.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Frank Enrico Pastore was born August 21, 1957, in Alhambra, California. That’s where he laid the groundwork for what would become a pretty successful MLB career.

He stood out at Damien High School, both in the classroom and on the baseball diamond. The Cincinnati Reds noticed his pitching talent during the 1975 amateur draft.

Family Background and Childhood

Frank Pastore spent his childhood in Alhambra, California, back in the ’60s and early ’70s. His full name shows off his Italian-American roots, and he carried it proudly throughout his career.

His family really cared about both sports and school. That focus on balance played a big role in shaping who Frank became, both on and off the field.

Growing up in Southern California meant he had baseball weather all year. That gave him a real shot to sharpen his pitching skills as a kid.

Getting into competitive baseball early on taught him just how much dedication it takes to make it. That early start definitely helped when he went pro.

Time at Damien High School

Pastore went to Damien High School in La Verne, California, and he didn’t just coast through. He nailed his classes and ended up valedictorian in 1975.

On the baseball team, he already showed the kind of control and skill that would catch the eye of big league scouts. Balancing school and sports impressed not just colleges but also pro teams.

Graduating in 1975 turned out to be a huge moment for him. Being valedictorian proved he had brains, while his pitching drew serious attention.

Scouts started watching him closely during his senior year. That mix of academics and athletic ability made him a hot prospect for teams looking for well-rounded players.

College Years and Draft Selection

Instead of heading down the usual college path, Pastore jumped straight into pro baseball after high school. The Cincinnati Reds picked him in the second round of the 1975 amateur draft, betting on his right arm.

The Reds clearly believed in his potential. A second-round pick usually means a player has real upside.

Other teams must have rated him highly too. The draft allowed the Reds to grab him early and get him started in their system.

That 1975 draft was the starting line for Pastore’s run with Cincinnati. Moving from high school valedictorian to pro athlete took some guts and adaptability.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Frank Pastore pitched in Major League Baseball for eight seasons, from 1979 to 1986. He mostly played for the Cincinnati Reds, then finished his career with the Minnesota Twins.

He racked up 541 strikeouts and ended with a 48-58 record and a 4.29 ERA in 185 games.

Debut with Cincinnati Reds

Pastore made his MLB debut on April 4, 1979, at Riverfront Stadium against the San Francisco Giants. He threw three scoreless innings in a loss, showing why the Reds took him in the second round.

During his rookie year, Pastore showed up in 30 games and notched 6 wins. The Cincinnati Reds tried him out as both a starter and a reliever to see where he fit best.

In 1980, he moved into the starting rotation full-time. That year turned out to be his best, with a 13-7 record and a 3.27 ERA in 27 games.

He stayed with the Reds through 1985, but things got rough after an elbow injury in 1984. A line drive hit him on June 4, 1984, and that limited him to just 41 games over the next two seasons.

After spring training in 1986, Cincinnati let him go, ending his seven-year run with the team.

Highlights with the Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins picked up Pastore right after the Reds let him go in 1986. He spent that season working out of the bullpen, which was a big shift from starting.

That year with Minnesota ended up being his last in the majors. Pastore’s final big league appearance came on September 5, 1986, wearing a Twins uniform.

Switching to relief pitching let him hang on for one more season. Still, his numbers with the Twins were pretty average as he adjusted to a new role.

Career MLB Statistics and Milestones

Pastore’s 541 strikeouts stand out as his top stat. His best year was 1980, when he grabbed 13 wins.

He piled up most of his numbers while pitching for Cincinnati. That 1980 season really was the highlight—he stayed healthy and effective.

Pitching Style and Strikeouts

Pastore threw and batted right-handed, stood 6’2″, and weighed in at 188 pounds. Over eight seasons, he averaged about 68 strikeouts a year.

He did well in the minors too, with a 3.28 ERA before moving up. Throughout his career, he collected strikeouts as both a starter and reliever.

After leaving the majors, Pastore gave it one last go with the Texas Rangers in 1987. He pitched in four games for the AAA Oklahoma City 89ers, finishing with a 1-3 record and a rough 8.46 ERA.

Key Seasons and Notable Moments

Frank Pastore’s baseball journey had some key moments that really shaped his career. His 1980 season with the Reds was a high point, but a tough injury in 1984 changed everything.

Breakout Year: 1980 Season Performance

Pastore’s best season came in 1980, when he took on a full-time starter role for the Reds. He put up a 13-7 record and a 3.27 ERA over 27 games, proving he could anchor the rotation.

It was a big step up from his rookie year. He went from bouncing between the bullpen and starting to locking down a spot in the rotation.

That year, he helped stabilize the Reds’ pitching staff during a pretty competitive stretch. His 3.27 ERA showed he could keep hitters in check.

His strikeout numbers in 1980 added a nice boost to his career total. His right-handed style seemed to give National League hitters plenty of trouble that season.

1979 NLCS Postseason Appearance

The Reds made it to the National League Championship Series in Pastore’s rookie season, 1979. He got a taste of playoff baseball right away.

Pastore’s debut came on April 4, 1979, at Riverfront Stadium against the Giants. He tossed three shutout innings in that game, which was impressive for a rookie.

That first year, the Reds used him in both relief and starting roles. His flexibility helped out their staff, especially during the playoff push.

Getting postseason experience so early definitely helped him grow. Those high-pressure moments shaped how he approached pitching later on.

Line Drive Injury and Career Impact

On June 4, 1984, Pastore took a hard-hit ball to the elbow. That injury, honestly, changed the whole course of his career.

He barely played after that, showing up in just 41 games total in 1984 and 1985. The injury really sapped his effectiveness.

The Reds eventually released him in spring training of 1986 because of those ongoing problems. He did sign with the Twins for one last shot.

That injury in 1984 didn’t just end his best years on the field—it also sparked a big change in his life. During his recovery, Pastore became a born-again Christian, and that shift would shape his later work as a radio host.

Transition and Retirement in 1986

Frank Pastore wrapped up his baseball career in 1986 after a season with the Minnesota Twins, moving from starter to reliever. He decided to retire after a tough stint with the Texas Rangers organization in 1987.

Final Season with the Minnesota Twins

The Reds cut Pastore loose after spring training in 1986, following two injury-plagued seasons.

The Minnesota Twins signed him as a free agent, and he spent the whole 1986 season in the bullpen. That was a big switch from his earlier days as a starter.

He appeared in 33 games for the Twins that year. Even with his injury history, he still managed to contribute at the big league level.

That move to relief pitching was his way of trying to keep his career alive. A lot of older starters try the same thing when injuries or age start catching up.

His last MLB game came on September 5, 1986. That closed the book on an eight-year major league career that started back in 1979.

Decision to Retire from Professional Baseball

After the 1986 season, Pastore signed with the Texas Rangers organization. They sent him to AAA with the Oklahoma City 89ers in 1987.

Things didn’t go well there. He started four games and finished with a 1-3 record and a rough 8.46 ERA.

After that, he realized it was time to step away from pro baseball. That high ERA made it clear he just didn’t have it anymore.

He finished his career with 48 wins, 58 losses, and 541 strikeouts over 220 games. His ERA sat at 4.29 across his time with the Reds and Twins.

Retiring gave him the chance to chase some new dreams. He went on to earn several degrees and became a well-known radio host in Los Angeles.

Post-Baseball Career and Personal Transformation

When baseball ended for him in 1986, Frank Pastore dove into a new chapter, one that took him from pro athlete to one of the country’s most influential Christian radio hosts. He picked up multiple advanced degrees and developed a strong Christian worldview that shaped his later career.

Academic Pursuits and Higher Education

After hanging up his cleats, Pastore took education seriously. At 30, he started college as a freshman, bringing the same drive he’d had on the mound.

He racked up degrees in a bunch of areas, including:

• Business Administration
• Philosophy of Religion and Ethics
• Political Philosophy
• American Government
• Theology

He earned two master’s degrees along the way. Pastore also taught at Biola University, sharing what he’d learned with students before moving into radio.

That academic background came in handy later. Studying religion and philosophy gave him the tools for the deep conversations he’d have on his show.

Embrace of Christian Worldview

Pastore went through a dramatic spiritual transformation. Back when he played baseball, he called himself a “self-described atheist,” but everything changed after his career-ending injury.

The 1982 line drive off Steve Sax’s bat shattered his elbow. That moment forced Pastore to face bigger questions about purpose and meaning outside of baseball.

His Christian worldview became the core of who he was. In his memoir “Shattered: Struck Down, But Not Destroyed,” Pastore shared how God took the broken pieces of his life and turned them into something meaningful.

He talked a lot about trusting God’s character and track record, not just relying on wishful thinking. This down-to-earth take on faith really connected with his radio audience later on.

Radio Broadcasting Career and Public Influence

In 2004, Pastore started the Frank Pastore Radio Show on KKLA 95.5 FM in Los Angeles. The show grew into the largest Christian talk show in America, reaching thousands of listeners every day.

His show aired from 2004 until his death in December 2012. Pastore brought his experience as a former pro athlete into Christian radio, connecting with all kinds of people.

On KKLA, the program tackled faith, politics, and culture. Pastore’s education helped him dive into deep philosophical and theological topics, but he always kept things accessible for everyone.

He reached people beyond radio through his book and speaking events. After he died in a motorcycle accident in 2012, more than 3,000 people came to his funeral, showing just how much his ministry work mattered.

Legacy and Recognition

Frank Pastore left a mark that went way beyond his baseball statistics. His legacy covered both his sports career and his spiritual leadership.

His career included some impressive records and contributions that still resonate with people today.

Contributions to Sports and Faith Communities

After baseball, Frank Pastore blended his athletic background with Christian ministry. He earned a master’s in philosophy of religion from Biola University, which showed his dedication to learning.

In January 2004, Pastore kicked off The Frank Pastore Show on a Los Angeles station. The show quickly became one of the biggest Christian talk programs in the country.

His background as a former pro athlete gave him a way to connect with listeners who might not usually tune in to religious programming.

Pastore also worked with Campus Crusade for Christ, strengthening his place in the faith community. He used his platform to talk about where sports and spirituality meet.

His radio show reached thousands every day, and he left a lasting mark on Christian broadcasting.

The Frank Pastore Legacy Facebook page still celebrates his memory, honoring both his time with the Reds and Twins and his Christian radio work.

Memorable Records and Achievements

Baseball Career Statistics:

• Record: 48-58 career wins-losses
• Teams: Cincinnati Reds (1979-1985), Minnesota Twins (1986)
• Best Season: 1980 with 13-7 record and 3.27 ERA

Pastore also pulled off an unusual feat in competitive eating. He set the record for fastest time eating a 72-ounce steak, finishing it in 9 minutes and 30 seconds. That record held for 21 years until Joey Chestnut broke it in 2008.

His 1980 season was really the highlight of his pitching career. He threw 184 innings that year, more than in any of his other major league seasons. That performance helped him become a key part of the rotation with Hall of Famer Tom Seaver.

In the minors, Pastore showed early promise. He threw a 95-mph fastball and had great command, which definitely caught the eye of scouts and team management.

Lasting Impact and Remembrance

Pastore’s legacy sticks around, thanks to the influence his radio show still has on Christian broadcasting. He managed to blend his sports background with faith-based talk, and honestly, that set the bar for a lot of similar shows that came after.

When he died in 2012 after a motorcycle accident, people started talking more about road safety. Strangely enough, he’d actually talked about the risks of driving on California freeways on his show earlier that very day.

The baseball world still thinks of him as a talented pitcher, though injuries—especially that elbow injury—really changed the course of his career. Guys like Hal McCoy and Greg Hoard, along with some former teammates, have shared all sorts of stories about his personality and how he played.

His work with Campus Crusade for Christ keeps motivating people to use their platforms for ministry. Shifting from pro athlete to religious broadcaster wasn’t exactly easy, but he showed real versatility and a commitment to serving others after his time on the field.