Al Forthmann

From BR Bullpen

John Albert Forthmann

BR minors page

Biographical Information[edit]

Infielder Al Forthmann played in the minor leagues from 1954 to 1958, hitting .256 with about six home runs in 425 games.

He split his first summer between the Wellsville Braves (.240/.343/.297 in 75 G) and Eau Claire Braves (.228/.313/.246 in 21 G). He fielded .964 at second base for Wellsville, third-best among the 12 PONY League second basemen with 20+ games. In 1955, the Californian batted .231/.348/.292 for the Boise Braves. That year, he backed up player-manager Lou Stringer, a former major leaguer, at 2B. Perhaps his best season was 1956, when he hit .287 and slugged .369 with 16 doubles and two triples in 67 games for Boise.

Forthmann split 1957 between the Lewiston Broncs (8 for 35) and Salinas Packers (.264/.362/.346 in 85 G). With Salinas, his .966 fielding percentage was second among California League second basemen, trailing Damon Phillips by .003. He managed the Packers for the latter part of the 1958 season, replacing Vic Marasco. He also hit .267 and slugged .331 for them, ending his playing career.

Starting in the 1970s, he served as a scout for the Atlanta Braves.

Year-By-Year Managerial Record[edit]

Year Team League Record Finish Organization Playoffs Notes
1958 Salinas Packers California League 8th Milwaukee Braves Replaced Victor Marasco

Sources include 1955, 1956 and 1958 Baseball Guides