Dutch Wetzel

Franklin Burton Wetzel
(Dutch)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 9½", Weight 177 lb.

• Debut September 15, 1920
• Final Game October 2, 1921
• Born July 7, 1893 in Columbus, IN USA
• Died March 5, 1942 in Hollywood, CA USA

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Biographical Information

Dutch Wetzel was an outfielder who played for the St. Louis Browns of the American League from September 15, 1920 through October 2, 1921. Facing the Boston Red Sox in his first game, he appeared as a replacement player for Baby Doll Jacobson, going 0 for 2 at the plate. Two days later, on September 17, he collected his first career hit. Through the month of April, 1921 his average was .364, however it steadily declined to .210 from that point.

He spent spent 13 seasons in the minor leagues, hitting .324 with 1,503 hits. With the Flint Halligans of the Class B Michigan-Ontario League in 1920, he led the league in four categories, Hitting .387, Hits 164, RBI 72 and Home Runs 12. He hit .319 with 30 doubles, 17 triples and 12 home runs in 1924, and in 1925 with the Des Moines Demons he hit .353 with 214 hits, 40 doubles, 9 triples and 32 home runs. He had a successful 1926 as well, hitting .352 with 206 hits, 58 doubles, 15 triples and 18 home runs for the Demons. After playing in only seven games in 1927, he hit .345 with 201 hits, 61 doubles, six triples and 20 home runs for the Omaha Crickets in 1928.