Monday, May 17, 2010

#49 Frank Leja

1954 Topps Archives
Frank John Leja
First Baseman
Bats: Left, Throws: Left
Height: 6' 4", Weight: 205 lb.
Born: February 7, 1936 in Holyoke, MA.
Died: May 3, 1991 in Boston, MA.
ML Debut: May 1, 1954 New York Yankees
Final Game: April 29, 1962 Los Angeles Angels

Purchased by the Los Angeles Angels from the St. Louis Cardinals on March 30, 1962.

ANGELS DEBUT:
Started at First Base against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday, April 12, 1962 (D) at Comiskey Park I. In his first at bat in the 4th inning flied out to left. Went 0-4 with 2 strikeouts.

ANGELS RECORD:
1962
In 16 at bats in 7 games, had no hits, one walk and 6 strikeouts for a .000 average. At first base made 38 putouts and committed 2 errors.

INTERSTING FACTS:
Projected as another Lou Gehrig, the Yankees made him their first bonus baby by signing him at age 17 for $100,000 in 1953. No one expected at the time that his entire ML career would consist of only one hit in 23 at-bats, a single to right against the Philadelphia Athletics on September 19, 1954.
After eight seasons in the minors the Angels gave him a shot in 1962, but again he went hitless in 16 at-bats. His career was over in 1963. After baseball Leja entered the insurance business, and later was in the wholesale lobster business. He died of a heart attack on May 3, 1991, at age 55 in Boston.

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