Frank Smykal
From BR Bullpen
Frank John Smykal born Frank John Smejkal
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 7", Weight 150 lb.
- School University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Debut August 30, 1916
- Final Game September 10, 1916
- Born October 13, 1889 in Chicago, IL USA
- Died August 11, 1950 in Chicago, IL USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Frank Smykal played 6 games in the major leagues in 1916. Hitting .300 and getting three walks, his batting performance was well above average. As a shortstop, he made 3 errors in 5 games, and that may have ended his major league career. Honus Wagner at age 42 was in his last year as the regular shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and his fielding percentage was well above that of Smykal. It's hard to make the team when you're being compared to Honus Wagner . . . In 1917 rookie Chuck Ward became the Pirates shortstop.
Smykal had attended the University of Illinois from 1908-1914.
