Fred Green (baseball)

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Fred Allen Green (September 14, 1933 – December 22, 1996) was an American professional baseball player. He was a left-handed pitcher who played in 88 games in Major League Baseball. Most of these games were as a relief pitcher.

Fred Allen Green (September 14, 1933 – December 22, 1996) was an American professional baseball player. He was a left-handed pitcher who played in 88 games in Major League Baseball. Most of these games were as a relief pitcher. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Washington Senators during parts of five seasons (1959–62; 1964). He was born and lived most of his life in Titusville, Hopewell Township, Mercer County, New Jersey. He was 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 190 pounds. His son, Gary, played as a shortstop for three Major League Baseball teams from 1986 to 1992. Gary also worked as a manager in the minor leagues for many years.

Fred Green signed with the Pirates in 1952 and played for their minor league teams. He missed the 1957 season because he was serving in the U.S. Army. He began the 1959 season with the Pirates' major league team and made one appearance in July. In August 1959, he was called up from Triple-A Columbus for a longer stay in the majors. He was effective in 13 late-season relief games. He also made his only major league start on September 11 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, who won the 1959 World Series.

In 1960, Green played the entire season with the Pirates. He set personal bests in games pitched (45), innings pitched (70), wins (8), winning percentage (.667), and saves (3). Pittsburgh won the National League pennant that year. He had a strong earned run average of 3.21. However, during the 1960 World Series, he faced challenges against the New York Yankees. In three games, he allowed 11 hits and 10 earned runs in only four innings, resulting in an earned run average of 22.50. Two of the hits he gave up were home runs to Mickey Mantle. Despite this, Pittsburgh won the remaining games to become world champions.

In 1961, Green struggled and was sent back to Triple-A Columbus for part of the season. He was later released to the Washington Senators. In 1962, the Senators used him in five games before sending him to the minor leagues. He returned to the Pirates in 1964 and was effective in eight relief games, allowing only one run in 7 1/3 innings for an earned run average of 1.23. He was sent back to Columbus after June 14 and finished his professional career there in 1965.

As a major leaguer, Green had a 9–7 win-loss record, 4 saves, and a 3.48 earned run average. He struck out 77 batters in 142 1/3 innings. He allowed 142 hits and 63 walks. As a hitter, he batted .176 (3-for-17), but two of his major league hits were home runs, both hit during the 1960 season.

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