Frank Monroe

Frank C. Monroe
born Frank Metcalf; also known as Monte Monroe

• Bats Unknown, Throws Unknown

• Debut July 18, 1884
• Final Game July 20, 1884
• Born 1855 in Hamilton, OH USA
• Died July 2, 1908 in Great Falls, MT USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Frank Monroe played two games for the Indianapolis Hoosiers of the American Association in 1884. He was the catcher in one game and an outfielder in the other and went 0 for 8 overall.

It appears that he was from Fresno, CA, according to the 1884 Reach Guide. From a well-offf family - his father was in the fruit exporting business - he opened a cigar store in the city in 1883 called the "Star Headquarters", which was frequented by local ballplayers. In 1885, he was catcher and manager for the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Southern League but was released in May. He moved back to California. He seemed to have fallen upon less prosperous times after that, as he is listed as a pants seller in San Francisco, CA in 1896 and as a shampooer for the "New Hammam Baths" in 1899. His name is alternatively spelled Monroe and Munroe.

His whereabouts after the end of the 19th century remained unknown for a long time. The mystery was solved when it was found that he had been born under the name Frank Metcalf, and later moved from California to Great Falls, MT under yet another name, Monte Monroe. His obituary published in the Great Falls Tribune confirmed that he was originally from Ohio, had moved from California where he had been in the cigar business, and had been born Frank Metcalf but had changed his name. Thus every detail fit with what was known about the ballplayer, confirming his identity. Knowing his true name also helped locate the family in census records and provide a year of birth.

Further Reading

• "Frank Monroe", in Bill Carle, ed.: Biographical Research Committee Report, SABR, November/December 2009, p. 2.
• "Frank Monroe", in Bill Carle, ed.: Biographical Research Committee Report, SABR, November/December 2019, pp. 4-5.