Fred Valentine, baseball player, 1959-1968

Fred Valentine

Born: 1/19/1935 in Clarksdale, MS, USA

Died: 12/26/2022 in Washington, DC, USA

MLB Debut: 1959-09-07 | Final Game: 1968-09-24

Bats: B | Throws: R | Height: 6'1" | Weight: 190 lbs

Full name: Fred Lee Valentine

Biography

Fred Valentine was a professional baseball player who made his mark in Major League Baseball during the late 1950s through the 1960s. Born in 1935, Valentine played primarily as a position player throughout his career, which spanned from 1959 until his final game on September 24, 1968. Over the course of 533 games, he recorded 360 hits, including 36 home runs, and drove in 138 runs, while maintaining a batting average of .247. His speed on the basepaths was notable, as he successfully stole 47 bases during his time in the league. Valentine's playing style reflected the dynamic nature of baseball in the post-war era, a time when the game was evolving with an increased focus on power hitting and speed. He brought versatility to the field and contributed to several teams, showcasing his ability to adapt as baseball entered a new generation of talent. Though his career may not have placed him among the most celebrated players of his time, Valentine remains a significant figure in the history of the game, exemplifying the dedication and skill of players from that era.

Career Batting Statistics

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO AVG OBP SLG OPS PIV
533 1458 180 360 56 10 36 138 47 156 228 0.247 0.330 0.373 0.703 1622.1

Season-by-Season Batting

Fielding Statistics

Career Fielding Totals by Position

Position G GS PO A E DP
1B 2 2 14 1 1 1
OF 413 346 746 20 13 5

Season-by-Season Fielding

Career Games by Position

Position Games
First Base 2
Left Field 100
Center Field 159
Right Field 206

College History

School Name City State Years Attended
Tennessee State University Nashville TN 1954, 1955, 1956

Award Voting History

Year Award League Finish Points Won Points Max Votes First
1966 Most Valuable Player AL 21th 4.0 280 0