For three seasons Fred Frankhouse and Grover Cleveland Alexander both pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals. Frankhouse was just beginning a 13-year career that saw him win over 100 games. Alexander was finishing his Hall of Fame career in which he earned 373 victories.
Frankhouse’s best season came in 1934 when he went 17-9 and finished in the Top 10 in both wins and ERA. He received consideration in MVP balloting for his efforts.
Three years later it was Franhouse who beat Carl Hubbell to snap The Meal Ticket’s MLB record 24-game win streak.
After leaving baseball, Frankhouse enlisted in the Army during World War II. He rose to the rank of captain before leaving the military.
Frankhouse passed away in 1989 at the age of 85.
Featured here is a handwritten letter from Frankhouse about his former teammate, Alexander. He writes in part, “He was a man of ability who was hampered some what (sic) by the fact that he was an epileptic. This was a well-guarded secret for many years.”
Frankhouse reveals how the team worked with the limitations imposed by Alexander’s disease. “If any symptom of this ailment was manifested before a game he wasn’t used; if a symptom threatened during a game, he was relieved before a seizure occurred.”
In summing up Alexander’s career, Frankhouse wrote, “It is my opinion this man was one of the greatest pitchers of all time. His control was almost perfect. Sincerely, Fred M. Frankhouse”.