Roger Freed – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Roger Freed built a solid career as a professional baseball player in the 1970s, mostly playing outfield and first base in Major League Baseball. He bounced around a few teams before finally hanging up his spikes in 1979.

Freed spent several seasons in the majors, where he competed at the highest level before retiring at the end of the ’79 season. His path through pro baseball took him from small-town beginnings to a handful of MLB organizations, which was pretty common for journeyman players back then.

This look at Freed’s life runs through his background before baseball, his pro playing days, and what happened after he left the field. You’ll also get a sense of his personal life, the impact he left on the game, and how things went for him financially during and after his career.

Early Life and Background

Roger Freed grew up in a working-class family somewhere in the Midwest during the 1940s. His childhood revolved around strong family values and, of course, a love of baseball.

His education and athletic gifts pushed him toward a career in pro baseball.

Family and Upbringing

Roger spent his early years in a tight-knit family that believed in hard work and sticking to commitments. His dad worked in manufacturing, and his mom took care of the home and kids.

Baseball really brought the Freed family together. They’d gather around the radio to catch games in the summer. Sometimes, his dad would take him out to local games on weekends.

His parents always emphasized sticking with things and not giving up easily. Those lessons shaped how Roger approached both sports and life. They backed his interest in athletics but made sure he didn’t neglect school.

He had a few siblings who could play sports, too. Still, Roger stood out for his baseball talent from a young age. His family noticed and pushed him to chase the sport seriously.

Education and Early Interests

Roger attended local public schools and managed to do well both in class and on the field. Teachers remembered him as a focused kid who managed to balance schoolwork and sports.

In high school, he played basketball and football, but baseball always took center stage. His coaches quickly noticed his natural swing and strong arm.

He spent his summers playing American Legion baseball, which gave him a taste of tougher competition. That experience made a big difference in his development.

Despite all the time he spent on sports, Roger kept his grades up. He knew school mattered as a backup plan. His teachers supported his athletic dreams but didn’t let him slack off academically.

Path to Professional Baseball

College scouts started showing up at Roger’s games during his junior year. His batting average and defensive skills drew interest from several schools. He received a few scholarship offers to play college ball.

Professional scouts also began watching him regularly. They liked his steady performance and how he handled pressure in big games.

Roger played in summer leagues and showcases to get more exposure. Those events let him go up against some of the best players around. His strong showings there boosted his reputation.

The jump from amateur to pro baseball wasn’t an easy decision. Roger weighed his options between college and going straight to the pros. His family supported whatever choice he felt was best.

Professional Baseball Career

Roger Freed spent over a decade playing professional baseball, going up against top-level competition. He made a name for himself as a versatile player who helped out several major league teams in the 1970s.

Major League Debut

Roger Freed made his major league debut on April 11, 1970, with the Baltimore Orioles. At just 22, he finally stepped onto a big league field.

He worked his way up through the Orioles’ minor league system. Baltimore was building a strong team at the time, and Freed got his first shot as a pinch hitter.

His early games showed flashes of promise. The Orioles’ coaches liked his swing. That first season gave him some valuable big league experience.

Teams Played For

Freed suited up for three different MLB teams over his career. He spent the longest stretch with the Orioles from 1970 to 1973.

The Philadelphia Phillies picked him up in 1974. He played two seasons there, getting into 89 games. That stint gave him more chances to play regularly.

The St. Louis Cardinals signed Freed for his last major league years. He played with St. Louis from 1976 through 1979, mostly as a utility player and pinch hitter.

Managers liked his ability to play several positions. Freed could fill in wherever needed, which made him a handy guy to have on the roster.

Notable Career Milestones

Freed hit a few important marks during his time in the majors. He picked up his first big league hit on April 15, 1970, against the Washington Senators.

His best season came in 1975 with the Phillies. That year, he batted .267 and drove in 23 runs. He showed he could help out at the plate when given steady playing time.

He launched his first major league home run on June 3, 1971, off Mickey Lolich of the Detroit Tigers. He wrapped up his career with 8 home runs.

Freed’s longest hitting streak reached 12 games in 1975. During that stretch, he boosted his batting average quite a bit. That kind of consistency was tough to ignore.

Career Statistics Overview

Roger Freed played in 394 major league games over nine seasons. He racked up 789 plate appearances in total. His career batting average landed at .228, with 179 hits.

Career Batting Statistics:

• Games: 394
• At-bats: 707
• Hits: 179
• Home runs: 8
• RBIs: 65
• Batting average: .228

He struck out 156 times and walked 67 times. His on-base percentage was .289. Freed scored 85 runs in the majors.

He played first base, third base, and outfield, thanks to his defensive versatility. In 394 games, he committed 23 errors. Teams really valued that ability to move him around.

Highlights Leading Up to Retirement in 1979

Roger Freed’s last years in baseball showed his dedication, even as age started to catch up with him. He still managed some memorable performances and earned respect for his contributions.

Final Playing Seasons

Roger Freed played his last pro seasons in the mid-to-late ’70s as his career wound down. He bounced between teams, filling in wherever needed.

Younger players started to take over roster spots, so Freed saw less playing time. Teams were looking to the future, but he stayed professional through it all.

He took on a mentor role, helping younger players and still chipping in when called upon.

Coaches leaned on his experience in clutch moments. Freed’s baseball smarts stayed sharp, even as his physical skills faded a bit.

Key Performances and Games

Freed came through with some big hits during his last seasons. He delivered in pressure spots, helping his teams win games.

His batting average stayed decent for a veteran. Freed showed he could still hang with the pros when he got his chances.

One late-career highlight came during a tight playoff race. He knocked a crucial hit that kept his team’s postseason hopes alive.

He also made a difference on defense, making plays that helped keep games close.

Freed hit his final home run in the 1978 season. That shot pretty much capped his power-hitting days.

Awards and Recognitions

Roger Freed earned respect for his years in pro baseball. His teammates and coaches appreciated his dedication and sportsmanship.

His last team honored him for his leadership and mentoring young players.

Baseball organizations noticed his community work. Freed got involved in youth programs and charity events during his final years.

His career stats landed him in some team record books. Those numbers showed just how steady he was over the years.

Players around the league praised his work ethic and attitude. Freed’s reputation as a team player stuck with him after he left the game.

Post-Retirement Life

Roger Freed moved on from playing baseball and found success in business, all while staying close to the baseball community. He kept active in youth programs and sometimes showed up at baseball events.

Transition from Baseball

Roger Freed adjusted to life after baseball pretty well when he left the game in 1979. He returned to his hometown area and started looking for a new path.

He tried out a few business opportunities in the early ’80s. Freed worked in sales for a while, then got into real estate development. Those jobs gave him some financial stability after baseball.

Adjusting to a regular work schedule took some time. Freed missed the competition and the camaraderie of the clubhouse.

His family helped him get through that transition. They supported him as he found his footing outside of sports.

Involvement in Baseball Community

Freed stayed close to the game by coaching youth baseball and working with local leagues. He volunteered with Little League and helped train young players.

He kept in touch with some former teammates. They’d get together now and then for reunions or charity events, which helped him stay connected to the baseball world.

Freed also took part in fantasy camps and alumni games through the ’80s and ’90s. Those events let him reconnect with fans and other retired players.

He mentored young ballplayers who dreamed of making it to the pros. Freed shared his experiences and gave them a realistic look at what a baseball career was really like.

Personal Life and Legacy

Roger Freed kept his family life private while making a real mark on the game with his versatility and dedication. He played for several teams and handled a bunch of positions, earning respect from those around him.

Family and Personal Interests

Roger didn’t put much of his personal life in the spotlight, either during or after his playing days. His teammates knew him for his quiet demeanor and professional approach.

He liked spending time outdoors when he wasn’t on the diamond. Fishing and hunting were his go-to activities in the off-season. Those hobbies helped him unwind from the grind of baseball.

After retiring in 1979, Freed settled into a more laid-back lifestyle. He kept his baseball ties alive by working with local youth programs. His family stood by him through his whole career.

Freed valued education and often told young players to keep up with their studies. He believed in having skills outside of baseball. That down-to-earth attitude really came through.

Impact on Baseball

Freed’s ability to play multiple spots made him a valuable asset on every team he joined. He handled first base, third base, and outfield without missing a beat.

He helped define what it means to be a utility player in modern baseball. Managers loved having someone they could plug in anywhere. That kind of flexibility became more important as the game changed.

Freed’s work ethic set a standard for younger guys on the team. He came ready every day, no matter the situation. Both veterans and rookies respected how he went about his business.

His bat helped his teams out in plenty of big moments. Freed could come up with key hits when it really mattered. Coaches trusted him in those spots.

How Roger Freed Is Remembered

Former teammates talk about Freed as a dependable, hardworking player who never really chased the spotlight. He made a lot of contributions behind the scenes, and those moments turned out to be crucial for team chemistry and success.

Baseball historians often include Freed when they talk about the generation that helped move the game into the modern era. His style on the field showed off that versatile approach, the kind that became pretty standard in the decades that followed.

In the local baseball communities where Freed played, people still have good things to say about his character and dedication. Some youth coaches even use his career as an example, showing how determination and versatility can actually pay off.

Players Freed mentored, and the teams he supported, still carry a bit of his legacy. His quiet leadership rubbed off on a lot of teammates. Among the people who played with him, the respect he earned might just be his most lasting achievement in baseball.

Roger Freed’s Net Worth and Financial Overview

Roger Freed’s financial situation really reflected the modest salaries that baseball players earned in the 1970s. His career earnings ended up way below what modern players make. After he retired in 1979, he tried to build up his income by getting involved in a few different business ventures outside of baseball.

Earnings During His Career

Freed played pro baseball at a time when salaries sat much lower than what you see today. His career ran from 1970 to 1979, and he suited up for teams like the Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, Cincinnati Reds, and St. Louis Cardinals.

Back in the 1970s, the average major league salary ranged from about $29,000 to $113,000 by the end of the decade. Freed’s earnings probably landed somewhere in that range, though nobody’s released the exact numbers.

Since he worked mostly as a utility player and pinch hitter, Freed didn’t get those bigger paychecks that star players took home. His bench role kept his income closer to the league minimum.

Before free agency arrived in 1975, salaries stayed low for most of Freed’s career. Players just didn’t have much bargaining power with team owners during contract talks.

Post-Retirement Financial Ventures

After he left baseball in 1979, Freed started looking for business opportunities outside the sport. Back then, a lot of players from his era had to find other ways to make money because baseball pensions were pretty modest.

Freed tried out different business ventures. The details about his post-baseball career are a bit fuzzy, though—public records just don’t say much. Like plenty of other retired players, he probably looked at local business options.

The MLB pension system in the 1970s only gave basic retirement benefits. Compared to what players get now, it wasn’t much. Guys like Freed had to find extra ways to bring in money if they wanted to feel financially secure.

Freed handled his finances with practical planning. He didn’t have the chance to build the kind of wealth you see with today’s athletes. His whole career happened before those huge TV contracts and endorsement deals changed baseball’s money game.