Fred Brickell

Born in Saffordville in 1906, Fred Brickell went directly from playing with the Wichita Izzies in 1926 to the major leagues.

Brickell hit .345 for the Izzies – so named for Frank Isbel – that he signed with Pittsburgh and made his debut with the Pirates in August.  The Pirates’ outfield had Kiki Cuyler and Hall of Famers Max Carey and Paul Waner so playing time was in short supply.  

He stayed with the Pirates through 1930 and was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies.  In 1931, he was a regular, hitting .253 in 130 games.  Brickell played two more seasons with the Phillies and retired after the 1933 season.  He hit .281 in his eight major league seasons.

Brickell died in Wichita in 1961 of a heart attack at age of 54.  He was the father of Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame member Fritz Brickell.