Frank Viola
From BR Bullpen
Frank John Viola, Jr. (Sweet Music)
- Bats Left, Throws Left
- Height 6' 4", Weight 209 lb.
- School St. John's University, NY
- Debut June 6, 1982
- Final Game May 28, 1996
- Born April 19, 1960 in Hempstead, NY USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Roger Angell wrote an account of a famous 1981 college game involving Ron Darling of Yale University and Frank Viola of St. John's University. "Smoky" Joe Wood, former star pitcher and outfielder in the 1910's and 1920's and also long-time Yale University baseball coach, watched with Angell. Both pitchers threw shut-out ball for 11 innings. St. John's won the game in the 12th inning.
Viola pitched for Team USA in the 1980 Amateur World Series; the US finished 4th in the event. He was signed as a 2nd round pick in the 1981 amateur draft by the Minnesota Twins and scout Herb Stein.
Son Frank Viola III was drafted by the White Sox in 2004 and spent two seasons in rookie ball.
Daughter Brittany is a diver who competed at the United States Olympic Trials in 2004 and 2008. .
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 3-time All-Star (1988, 1990 & 1991)
- AL Cy Young Award Winner (1988)
- 1987 World Series MVP
- AL Wins Leader (1988)
- AL Winning Percentage Leader (1988)
- NL Innings Pitched Leader (1990)
- 15 Wins Seasons: 6 (1984-1988 & 1990)
- 20 Wins Seasons: 2 (1988 & 1990)
- 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 10 (1983-1992)
- 200 Strikeouts Seasons: 1 (1989)
- Won a World Series with the Minnesota Twins in 1987
| AL Cy Young Award | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | 1988 | 1989 |
| Roger Clemens | Frank Viola | Bret Saberhagen |
