Fritz Brickell

The son of Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame member Fred Brickell, son Fritz had a career – and life – that was cut short.

Born in 1935 in Wichita, he graduated from East High School and was signed by legendary New York Yankees scout Tom Greenwade in 1953.  Despite his 5’5” stature, Brickell was a Western Association All-Star shortstop in 1954 when he hit .306 with 11 homers for the Class C St. Joseph (MO) Saints.

Brickell graduated a level each year, landing in AAA Denver in 1957.  The next year, he made his major league debt with the Yankees.  He played in only 20 games with the Yankees over two seasons.

Just prior to his debut in 1958, Brickell appeared on To Tell the Truth.  Actor Jim Backus was the only celebrity panelist who correctly identified Brickell.

Just before opening day in 1961, the Yankees traded Brickell to the new Los Angeles Angels franchise.  He was their inaugural shortstop, but made the first two errors in Angels history, in the second inning of their opener against Baltimore.

Brickell started 13 of the Angels’ first 20 games but went into a slump.  He made his last appearance in May and went back to the minor leagues in 1962.  He retired after the season and went into the sporting goods business in Wichita.

In 1965, Brickell died of cancer of the jaw.  He was only 30 years old.  Yankee teammate Mickey Mantle held a hitting exhibition during the NBC World Series as part of “Fritz Brickell Appreciation Night.”

For more, read Fritz Brickell’s Society for American Baseball Research bio.