#315 Frank Malzone

Hey, we've got back-to-back Red Sox stars this week. When I'm just posting these cards in the order I receive them, it's interesting to see what sort of patterns emerge. As for this card, Frank Malzone is a giant, lording over his tiny Boston teammates out on the horizon. Flee, flee from the Mighty Malzone!

Fun Facts about Frank Malzone:

-Missed the 1952 and 1953 seasons due to military service.

-Debuted as a pinch runner against the Yankees. Got his first two starts in a doubleheader against the Orioles on September 20, 1955, and went a combined 6-for-10 with a double!

-Was an All-Star in 1957, his first full year: .292, 15 HR (the first of eight straight years in double digits), and a career-high 103 RBI.

-Despite his superior numbers to fellow '57 rookie Tony Kubek, Malzone received only one Rookie of the Year vote. Kubek received the other 23, because the BBWAA changed the eligibility rules in midseason and declared Frank ineligible. Seems totally fair, doesn't it?

-Was a eight-time All-Star in total: 1957-1960 (twice each in 1959 and 1960) and 1963-1964.

-In 1958, Frank became the first third baseman to lead the league in games played, putouts, assists, double plays, and fielding percentage.

-Tied an American League record by leading the junior circuit in double plays for five straight seasons (1957-1961).

-Won three consecutive Gold Gloves (1957-1959), until that Brooks Robinson guy came along and spoiled his fun.

-Was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 1995.

-After spending time as a scout and front-office assistant to Dan Duquette, Frank currently works as a consultant for the BoSox.