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
| Year | Team | Lg | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | AVG | PIV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 | BAL | AL | 12 | 19 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 0.316 | 0.0 |
| 1963 | BAL | AL | 26 | 41 | 5 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 5 | 0.268 | 0.0 |
| 1964 | WS2 | AL | 102 | 212 | 20 | 48 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 20 | 4 | 21 | 44 | 0.226 | -379.9 |
| 1965 | WS2 | AL | 12 | 29 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 0.241 | 0.0 |
| 1966 | WS2 | AL | 146 | 508 | 77 | 140 | 29 | 7 | 16 | 59 | 22 | 51 | 63 | 0.276 | 1761.8 |
| 1967 | WS2 | AL | 151 | 457 | 52 | 107 | 16 | 1 | 11 | 44 | 17 | 56 | 76 | 0.234 | 390.9 |
| 1968 | BAL | AL | 47 | 91 | 9 | 17 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 7 | 20 | 0.187 | -144.9 |
| 1968 | WS2 | AL | 37 | 101 | 11 | 24 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 11 | 0.238 | -144.9 |
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
| Year | Team | Pos | G | GS | PO | A | E | DP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 | BAL | OF | 8 | 6 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 1963 | BAL | OF | 10 | 8 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1964 | WS2 | OF | 57 | 46 | 86 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| 1965 | WS2 | OF | 11 | 7 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1966 | WS2 | 1B | 2 | 2 | 14 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 1966 | WS2 | OF | 138 | 127 | 290 | 6 | 6 | 2 |
| 1967 | WS2 | OF | 136 | 111 | 258 | 7 | 3 | 0 |
| 1968 | BAL | OF | 26 | 17 | 33 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 1968 | WS2 | OF | 27 | 24 | 34 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
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 |