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

Frank Tepedino isn’t exactly a household name for most baseball fans these days, but honestly, his eight-year Major League Baseball career is packed with grit and some one-of-a-kind experiences. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1947, he played as a left-handed first baseman and outfielder for three different MLB teams between 1967 and 1975.

Tepedino really hit his stride with the Atlanta Braves, backing up Hank Aaron and witnessing Aaron’s legendary breaking of the all-time home run record in 1974. That must’ve been wild to see up close.

If you look at Tepedino’s stats, they’re pretty modest—he batted .241 with six home runs and 122 hits. But honestly, his journey through pro baseball says a lot about what it’s like to be a journeyman player during such an exciting era for the sport. He started out with the New York Yankees, making his big league debut at just 19, had a quick stop with the Milwaukee Brewers, and then finally landed in Atlanta, where he seemed to find his place.

After baseball, Tepedino’s story took a pretty inspiring turn. He became a New York City firefighter and even responded during the September 11th attacks. Switching from pro athlete to first responder isn’t something you see every day, and it really shows the kind of character and dedication he brought to everything he did. He’s definitely someone worth remembering in baseball history.

Early Life and Education

Frank Ronald Tepedino was born on November 23, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York. He found his love for baseball playing sandlot games around his neighborhood.

He went to George W. Wingate High School, which helped shape his athletic skills before he jumped into pro baseball. Those years set the stage for everything that came after.

Family Background

Frank Tepedino grew up in an Italian-American family in Brooklyn. His parents worked hard, and like a lot of families in the post-World War II era, they did whatever they could to support his baseball dreams.

The Tepedinos lived in Brooklyn throughout Frank’s childhood. Their encouragement made it possible for him to chase after baseball from a young age.

Growing up in the ‘50s and early ‘60s meant living through the golden age of New York baseball. The city had three major league teams back then, and the baseball culture was everywhere.

That Italian-American heritage was pretty typical in Brooklyn neighborhoods at the time. It definitely helped shape Frank’s work ethic and the kind of person he became—on and off the field.

Birthplace and Childhood in Brooklyn, New York

Frank was born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 23, 1947. Honestly, Brooklyn couldn’t have been a better place for a young ballplayer to learn the game.

He spent his childhood playing sandlot baseball all over Brooklyn. Those pickup games did a lot to develop his athletic ability and his love for the sport.

In the 1950s, Brooklyn’s baseball scene was buzzing. Kids like Frank had tons of chances to play, whether it was in local leagues or just on any patch of grass they could find.

Brooklyn’s neighborhoods were really diverse, and that meant Frank got to face all kinds of competition and playing styles. That kind of experience toughened him up for the challenges of organized baseball later on.

Baseball was a huge part of daily life in the city. Frank saw firsthand how passionate New York fans could get, and that rubbed off on his own dedication to the game.

Education at George W. Wingate High School

Frank went to George W. Wingate High School in Brooklyn. The school gave him both an education and a place to keep working on his baseball skills.

At Wingate, Frank kept getting better at baseball. Their athletic programs gave him structure and real competition against other talented players.

His high school years really mattered for his future in pro ball. Good coaching and tough competition at Wingate helped him build the basics he’d need for the pros.

During those years, professional scouts started to notice him. His performances in high school baseball games made it clear he had real potential.

The education he got at Wingate gave him a solid foundation, both on the field and off. That mattered a lot when he finally made the jump to pro baseball at just 19.

Path to Major League Baseball

Frank Tepedino’s road to the majors started when the Baltimore Orioles picked him in the very first amateur draft in 1965. He was the 36th player drafted overall and the first from the New York area in that historic draft.

Draft and Minor League Beginnings

Frank grew up in Brooklyn, playing sandlot ball before scouts started paying attention. At George W. Wingate High School, he sharpened his skills as a first baseman and outfielder.

He showed enough promise as an amateur to get some pro interest. With his left-handed bat and defensive flexibility, MLB teams saw him as a good fit for their farm systems.

Jumping from high school to pro ball wasn’t easy. The minor leagues were a big step up, and Frank had to adjust fast.

1965 Amateur Draft and Baltimore Orioles

On June 8, 1965, the Baltimore Orioles picked Frank Tepedino in the third round of the very first amateur draft. That draft was the first time MLB used a centralized system to pick amateur players.

Getting drafted 36th overall was a big deal for a Brooklyn kid. The Orioles liked his left-handed swing and his defense.

Frank started his pro career in the Orioles’ minor league system. He played for teams like the Bluefield Orioles and moved up through different levels.

His minor league stats showed he kept improving. Over 707 games, Tepedino hit .280 with 54 home runs and 293 RBIs.

Move to New York Yankees

Eventually, the Orioles traded Tepedino to the New York Yankees. That move brought him back closer to home and opened up new doors.

In the Yankees’ system, he played for teams like the Greensboro Yankees, Binghamton Triplets, and Syracuse Chiefs. Each stop helped him get better and get ready for the big leagues.

He impressed Yankees leadership with his versatility at first base and in the outfield. That made him a useful piece for their roster.

The Yankees called him up to the majors for his debut on May 12, 1967, against the Orioles. At just 19, Tepedino became the 12,577th player in MLB history.

MLB Career Highlights

Frank Tepedino’s Major League career ran from 1967 to 1975. He played for the New York Yankees, had a brief run with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1971, and then put up his best numbers with the Atlanta Braves from 1973 to 1975.

New York Yankees Years

Tepedino made his MLB debut on May 12, 1967, with the Yankees at just 19. He got off to a good start, batting .400 in limited action.

He played off and on for the Yankees between 1967 and 1972. His best year was 1970, when he hit .316 with a .771 OPS in 16 games.

Key Yankees Statistics:

• 5 seasons (1967, 1969-1972)
• .221 batting average over 52 games
• Primary positions: First base and outfield

Frank had a tough time finding regular playing time at Yankee Stadium. He only appeared in 52 games across five seasons.

The Yankees mostly used him off the bench and as a pinch-hitter. With limited chances, it was hard for him to break through as a regular starter.

Milwaukee Brewers Stint

In 1971, the Yankees traded Tepedino to the Milwaukee Brewers, and he finally got more playing time. He appeared in 53 games that season.

Things didn’t go so smoothly at the plate, though. Tepedino hit .198 with a .234 on-base percentage in 106 at-bats.

Milwaukee Statistics:

• 1 season (1971)
• .198 batting average
• 2 home runs and 7 RBIs
• 28 total bases in 53 games

The Brewers put him at first base regularly. Still, his offensive struggles continued in Milwaukee.

That year was his only season in the American League outside New York. Even with the tough stats, it gave him valuable big league experience.

Atlanta Braves Period

Tepedino did his best work with the Atlanta Braves from 1973 to 1975. The 1973 season was the highlight of his career.

In 1973, he hit .304, with 4 home runs and 29 RBIs in 74 games. That was easily his best season in the majors.

Atlanta Career Highlights:

• .259 batting average over 3 seasons
• 4 home runs in 1973 alone
• 160 total games played
• 45 RBIs during his Atlanta tenure

His numbers dipped in 1974, with his average falling to .231 and no home runs in 78 games.

In 1975, his final season, he only played in 8 games and went hitless in 7 at-bats.

The Braves gave him a real shot at a steady major league role. He played mostly first base and became a reliable role player during his three years in Atlanta.

Significant Moments and Achievements

Frank Tepedino’s MLB career included a debut with the New York Yankees in 1967, several team changes, and recognition with a Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame induction in 2004.

MLB Debut and Notable Games

Frank broke into the Major Leagues on May 12, 1967, with the Yankees, still just 19. He joined a roster with legends like Whitey Ford—pretty intimidating, right?

That first season, he played nine games and hit .400 in limited chances. Two hits in five at-bats and a walk—not bad for a rookie.

One of Tepedino’s biggest baseball moments came in 1974 with the Braves. He was there when Hank Aaron smashed his 715th home run, passing Babe Ruth. Tepedino called it his biggest baseball thrill, and honestly, who wouldn’t?

Key Trades and Transactions

Tepedino’s career saw him move around a bit. After five seasons with the Yankees, he got traded to the Brewers in 1971.

That season, he played 53 games and hit .198 with two homers. The move took him away from the Yankees, where he’d spent his early years.

The biggest change came in 1973, when he joined the Atlanta Braves. That’s where he put up his best numbers—.304 average, four home runs, and 29 RBIs in 74 games.

Career Statistics

Frank Tepedino finished with a .241 career batting average over eight MLB seasons. He collected 122 hits, six home runs, and 58 RBIs in 265 games.

Career Highlights by Team:

• New York Yankees (1967-1972): .221 average, 17 hits, 6 RBIs
• Milwaukee Brewers (1971): .198 average, 21 hits, 7 RBIs
• Atlanta Braves (1973-1975): .259 average, 84 hits, 45 RBIs

His 1973 season with Atlanta was his best, hitting .304 with a .773 OPS. That year was the high point of his offensive output.

He played multiple positions, mainly first base and outfield, showing some real versatility in the field.

Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame Induction

Frank Tepedino got recognized for his baseball career when the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame inducted him in 2004.

That honor highlighted his contributions to baseball and his connection to the Long Island community.

They gave him this recognition decades after he retired, which says a lot about the impact of his MLB career.

The Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame celebrates athletes who bring honor to Suffolk County through their achievements.

After his days on the field, Tepedino became a New York City firefighter. Major League Baseball presented him with a plaque for the New York City Fire Department.

He also helped start “Winning Beyond Winning,” a youth program where former major leaguers talk to kids about avoiding drugs and alcohol.

Life After Baseball

Frank Tepedino moved from professional baseball into a job as a firefighter with the New York Fire Patrol.

He played a big role in search and rescue at the World Trade Center during the September 11 attacks.

Firefighter Career

After he retired from baseball in 1975, Tepedino found his calling in public service.

He joined the New York Fire Department and built a solid career as a firefighter.

Switching from professional sports to firefighting meant he had to pick up a whole new set of skills.

He adjusted well to the physical demands and the teamwork emergency response work requires.

His background in baseball helped him keep a cool head under pressure.

The discipline and teamwork he learned as a player really paid off in the firehouse.

Tepedino moved up through the ranks during his firefighting years.

Colleagues respected his dedication and the way he approached the job.

Role with New York Fire Patrol

Tepedino served on the New York Fire Patrol, a specialized unit in the department.

The Fire Patrol focused on fire prevention, investigations, and emergency response all over New York City.

He responded to fire calls and did safety inspections.

The Fire Patrol worked with other emergency services to keep the city safe.

The job called for a lot of training in fire suppression and emergency procedures.

Tepedino took on these responsibilities and became a valued part of the team.

Involvement in September 11 Attacks and Rescue

On September 11, 2001, Tepedino worked with the New York Fire Patrol when the World Trade Center was attacked.

He rushed to the disaster scene as part of the emergency response.

He joined search and rescue operations at Ground Zero, digging through debris and rubble for survivors in brutal conditions.

Those efforts went on for days after the attack.

Tepedino and other first responders worked without much rest, pushing through the physical and emotional strain.

His experience during 9/11 became a defining moment in his life after baseball.

That work at the World Trade Center site showed just how committed he was to public service and helping people in crisis.

Personal Life and Legacy

Frank Tepedino’s life after baseball became all about serving his community and helping young people.

He moved from professional sports to public service but stayed connected to baseball through mentoring and advocacy.

Recovery and Advocacy

After he left baseball in 1975, Tepedino faced the tough question: what comes next?

He found new purpose by joining the New York Fire Department.

That career change really showed how much he wanted to serve others.

Tepedino’s firefighting career lasted for decades.

As part of the NYC Fire Patrol, he used his teamwork skills from baseball to handle emergencies.

His dedication to public safety earned him respect from both his coworkers and the community.

He also reached out to other retired athletes, knowing firsthand how hard it can be to leave professional sports.

Tepedino used his own experience to help others figure out life after baseball.

Winning for Winning and Youth Athletics

Tepedino stayed involved in baseball by working with youth programs and mentoring.

He spent time with young players at Rocky Point High School, sharing what he’d learned as a pro.

His involvement helped local talent grow on Long Island.

The Winning for Winning organization gained a lot from Tepedino’s efforts in youth athletics.

He focused on teaching fundamentals and building character, not just winning.

His approach built confidence and a strong work ethic in young athletes.

Tepedino often talked about the need for education alongside sports.

He encouraged students to chase academic goals while working on their baseball skills.

That message really clicked with parents and coaches across the Long Island community.

Community Recognition and Impact

The Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame inducted Tepedino in 2004. They wanted to recognize what he did, not just as a player, but as someone who gave back to the community.

He spent eight years in the MLB, and then he kept serving Long Island athletics. That’s probably why the Hall of Fame noticed him in the first place.

People in St. James really respected Tepedino. He balanced two careers—professional athlete and firefighter—which, honestly, not many can say.

Local media loved to share his stories. They especially focused on his time with the Atlanta Braves and those memories of playing with Hank Aaron.

His legacy isn’t just about numbers or trophies. Tepedino stands for service, dedication, and community involvement.

A lot of former pros try to give back, but Tepedino genuinely lived those values. Isn’t that what we hope for from our hometown heroes?