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32. Bill Freehan

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32.  Bill Freehan
  1. General
  2. Awards
  3. Career Stats
  • Born: November 29, 1941 in Detroit, MI USA
  • Weight: 203 lbs.
  • Height: 6'3"
  • Bats: R
  • Throws: R
  • Debut: September 26, 1961
  • Final Game: October 03, 1976
  • Gold Glove - 1965
  • Gold Glove - 1966
  • Gold Glove - 1967
  • TSN All-Star - 1967
  • Gold Glove - 1968
  • TSN All-Star - 1968
  • Gold Glove - 1969
  • TSN All-Star - 1969
  • TSN All-Star - 1971
  • MVP - 1964
  • MVP - 1966
  • MVP - 1967
  • MVP - 1968
  • MVP - 1969
  • MVP - 1972
 
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You would not think that an eleven-time All-Star would be forgotten among Hall of Fame consideration, but in the case of career-long Detroit Tiger, Bill Freehan that appears to be the reality.

Bill Freehan gained a lot of respect among those in the Major Leagues.  He may not have been a huge force with his bat (though he did have a few respectable seasons), but he was among the best in handling a pitching staff and the defensive roles of a professional catcher.  It was primarily through these attributes that Freehan gained as much MVP support as he did as he was a serious contender in two seasons.  Freehan may not have won the MVP, but he did win the Gold Glove five times and was an All-Star eleven times.

Bill Freehan never was a regular in any top ten offensive categories, but few catchers were when he played.  He did more than most at that position and as such a great overall ballplayer, it is curious that the respect he got in terms of post-season awards did not translate into a larger Hall of Fame vote.

Should Bill Freehan be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 84.2%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 8.2%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 6.4%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 1.2%

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.
  • Eligible In: Friday, 01 January 1982
  • Position: Catcher, First Base
  • Played For: Detroit Tigers
  • Major Accolades and Awards: World Series Rings (1) (Detroit Tigers, 1968)
    All-Star (11) (1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973 & 1975)
    Gold Glove (5) (1965, 1966, 1967, 1968 & 1969)
    Most Intentional Walks (1) (AL)  (1967)
    Most Times Hit By Pitch (3) (AL) (1964, 1967 & 1968)
    Most Putouts by a Catcher (6) (AL) (1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969 & 1971)
    Most Double Plays Turned by a Catcher (1) (AL) (1968)
    Most Runners Caught Stealing (1) (AL) (1968)
    Highest Caught Stealing Percentage (1) (AL) (1964)
    Highest Range Factor per Game by a Catcher (3) (AL) (1965, 1966 & 1969)
    Highest Fielding Percentage by a Catcher (3) (AL) (1966, 1970 & 1973)
  • Other Points of Note: Top Ten MVP Finishes:
    (AL: 1964, 7th), (AL: 1967, 3rd) & (AL: 1968, 2nd)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (bWAR for Position Players)
    2 Top Ten Finishes (Offensive bWAR)
    2 Top Ten Finishes (Batting Average)
    2 Top Ten Finishes (On Base Percentage)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (Slugging Percentages)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (OPS)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (OPS+)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Total Bases)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Doubles)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Triples)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Home Runs)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Runs Batted In)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Walks)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Win Probability Added)
    2 Top Ten Finishes (Championship Win Probability Added)
  • Notable All Time Rankings: 17. Putouts by a Catcher: 9,941 
    42. Fielding Percentage by a Catcher: .993
    62. Total Zone Runs by a Catcher: 26
    63. Times Hit By Pitch: 114
    64. Double Plays Turned by a Catcher: 98
    69. Range Factor Per Game by a Catcher: 6.74
    88. Runners Caught Stealing: 433
    97. Assists by a Catcher: 721
  • Vote Percentage Received for the Hall of Fame: 1982: 0.5
  • Should be Inducted As A: Detroit Tiger

Should Bill Freehan be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 84.2%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 8.2%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 6.4%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 1.2%

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