#357 Woodie Fryman

Most often spelled with an “ie” than “y”....late comer to MLB debut at age 26....Just a year before, Kentucky native was content with weekend semi-pro ball.... actually lied about his age by three years when signed with Pirates...got away with it and after a short minor stint made Pirates starting roster 1966....Solid rookie season at 12-9....Sophomore slump with 3 wins 1967...Trade to Philly resulted in a rebound and possibly his best full season as a starter (also came clean about his age)...three more years in City of Brotherly Love yielded 12, 8, and 11 wins respectively....Started 1972 as did most Phillies hurlers (except for one Steve Carlton) mightily struggling...With a 4-10 record was put on the waiver wire...scooped by Detroit...On a contender, Instant turnaround, with 10 wins, 3 losses, supercharging the Tiger’s to the AL East crown, breaking the Oriole’s stranglehold on the pennant....Subsequently did not repeat his terrific half season...eventually landed Montreal...had a decent 13-13 record in 1977 and named to the All Star team for a second time....took detours to Reds, Cubs, before becoming the prodigal Expo in 1978....on reinstated in Quebec started a new role, closer at age 39....Top Expo relief man 1980-81....turn over closer reigns to Jeff Reardon in 1982 but firmly as #2 man...Ran out of steam 1983 at age 43 and retired....died 2011 and was declared “Kentucky Gentleman” by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky,