Johnny Frederick

John Henry Frederick

• Bats Left, Throws Left
• Height 5' 11", Weight 165 lb.
• Debut April 18, 1929
• Final Game September 25, 1934
• Born January 26, 1902 in Denver, CO USA
• Died June 18, 1977 in Tigard, OR USA

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Biographical Information

Johnny Frederick was a great rookie whose career declined because of an injury that would not go away.

Frederick, who broke into the majors at age 27, led the league with 52 doubles as a rookie with the Brooklyn Robins in 1929. His doubles total remains the all-time major league rookie record by a wide margin (the American League record is 47). It was also the Dodger all-time franchise record until 2023, when it was eclipsed by Freddie Freeman. Thereafter his doubles and home runs tended to decline each year, although his slugging percentage in 1932 (in 118 games) was among the league leaders.

His fielding range, great as a rookie, also declined as he got older, and he moved from being a center fielder to being a right fielder.

The Dodgers Encyclopedia indicates that Frederick started in professional ball in the Western Canada League in 1922. He suffered a leg injury in 1930 that worsened as time went on, eventually relegating him largely to pinch-hitting duties. After major league ball, he continued to hit .300 in minor league ball for six more seasons.

During his last year as a player, 1940, Frederick also served as manager of the Portland Beavers. The team finished with a 56-122 record in 8th place in the Pacific Coast League.

In 2005 he was elected to the Pacific Coast League Hall of Fame.

Notable Achievements

• NL Doubles Leader (1929)
• 20-Home Run Seasons: 1 (1929)
• 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 2 (1929 & 1930)
• 200 Hits Seasons: 2 (1929 & 1930)