TTM Stats
- Sent: 5/14/2022 | Received: 5/26/2022 | 12 Days
- ’76 Topps, ’77 Topps, ’78 Topps, ’79 Topps (kept one card)
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Frank Duffy may not have been the flashiest player in Major League Baseball (MLB), but his solid defense and steady presence made him a valuable infielder during his nine-year career. Known for his sure-handed glove and versatility, Duffy left his mark as a reliable shortstop during the 1970s.
Frank Thomas Duffy was born on October 14, 1946, in Oakland, California. He attended Stanford University, where he excelled as a student-athlete. At Stanford, Duffy’s baseball skills flourished, and he established himself as a promising prospect. In 1967, the Cincinnati Reds selected Duffy in the first round of the MLB Amateur Draft with the sixth overall pick. He began his professional career in the Reds’ minor league system, where his defense quickly earned him recognition.
Duffy made his MLB debut with the Reds on September 4, 1970, appearing in 6 games during the final stretch of the season. Despite limited playing time, his defensive prowess caught the eye of scouts across the league. In 1971, Duffy was traded to the San Francisco Giants as part of a package deal that brought George Foster to the Reds. Later that season, the Giants traded Duffy to the Cleveland Indians, where he would find a more consistent role.
With the Indians, Duffy became the team’s starting shortstop from 1972 to 1977. He was known for his slick fielding, double-play ability, and leadership on the infield. Though his offensive numbers were modest—he finished his career with a .232 batting average, 26 home runs, and 240 RBIs—his glove work made him an asset.
Duffy’s best season came in 1974, when he hit .233 with a career-high tying eight home runs and 48 RBI while anchoring the Indians’ defense. His reliability at shortstop provided stability during a challenging era for the team. After his time in Cleveland, Duffy spent the 1978 and ’79 season withs the Boston Red Sox before retiring from professional baseball. Over his nine-year career, he appeared in 915 games and left a legacy as a dependable defensive player.
Following his retirement, Duffy transitioned into private life and focused on his family and business interests. He remained connected to baseball through coaching and community involvement, occasionally mentoring young players who aspired to follow in his footsteps. Duffy’s education at Stanford gave him a strong foundation for life after baseball, and he used his skills to build a successful post-playing career.
Frank Duffy’s career is a reminder that not every contribution in baseball is measured by offensive statistics. His defensive skills and steady presence made him an invaluable teammate and a respected figure in the game.
For fans of the Cleveland Indians, Duffy’s name evokes memories of a reliable shortstop who brought professionalism and effort to the field every day. His story is one of dedication, hard work, and a love for the game that carried him through nearly a decade in the majors.
Frank Duffy’s legacy remains one of a player who gave his all on the diamond and set an example of what it means to be a true professional in the sport.
The Score on Frank Duffy – 6.5
These are some great cards from Frank. I’m not sure you can really go wrong when you see those red Cleveland uniforms from that 70’s era… plus those sideburns. This is a good return though. You can see that Frank tries to find the best place to sign the cards. I think my favorite both because of the card and the autograph is the 1976 Topps card.
Thanks Mr. Duffy! I’m giving this return a 6.5 overall.
This is my second successful return from him. To see the first successful return, check out my post from September 2022.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.