Frank Verdi
Frank Michael Verdi
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 10½", Weight 170 lb.
- High School Boys High School (Brooklyn)
- Debut May 10, 1953
- Final Game May 10, 1953
- Born June 2, 1926 in Brooklyn, NY USA
- Died July 9, 2010 in New Port Richey, FL USA
Biographical Information[edit]
Infielder Frank Verdi played nearly two decades in the minors but appeared in just one big league game. Following his playing days, he was a longtime minor league manager.
Signed by the New York Yankees prior to the 1946 season, Verdi played parts of four seasons with the Binghamton Triplets from 1949 to 1952. He hit .303 for the club in 1950 and batted .313 in 1952, third best in the Eastern League that season.
Playing for the Yankees, Verdi made his only major league appearance in a game against the Boston Red Sox on May 10, 1953. He entered the game playing shortstop in the bottom of the 6th inning. With two outs and the bases loaded in the top of the 7th, the Yankees were up 5 to 3. Red Sox pitcher Ken Holcombe entered the game to relieve Ellis Kinder, and Yankees manager Casey Stengel replaced Verdi with Bill Renna. He never appeared in a big league game again.
Following his big league appearance, Verdi played for another decade in the minors, including three years with the Rochester Red Wings. He ended his minor league playing career with 1,832 hits in 1,923 games over 18 seasons.
After retiring, Verdi went on to a long minor league managing career. He won two International League crowns with the Syracuse Chiefs in 1969 and 1970 and led the Columbus Clippers to another IL title in 1981. In 2008, he was elected to the International League Hall of Fame.
Verdi's son, Mike Verdi, also managed several years in the minors.
He passed away in 2010 at the age of 84 in New Port Richey, FL.
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