1976 Topps #188 - Fred Scherman

• Fred Scherman pitched for three teams from 1969-1976. His best years were for the Detroit Tigers in the early 70s. He was mostly a reliever -- he pitched in 346 career games and made 11 starts.

• Scherman originally signed with the Minnesota Twins as an amateur free agent in 1964. He pitched one year in the Twins' system then was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in something called a "first year draft" (I've never heard of it). Fred then spend 1965-1969 in the Tigers' system. Fred pitched in four games for the Tigers in 1969.

• In 1970 Scherman made the Tigers for good and was 4-4 with one save and a 3.23 ERA in 48 relief appearances. Fred's best year was 1971. He was 11-6 with 20 saves and a 2.71 ERA in 69 appearances (1 start). He didn't fare quite as well in 1972, but he still had 12 saves and was 7-3 with a 3.64 ERA in 57 games (3 starts). Fred pitched 2/3 of an inning in game 2 of the American League Championship Series and held the Oakland A's scoreless.

• He wasn't used as much in 1973, and it looks like he had at least one stint on the DL. Fred was 2-2 with one save and an ERA of 4.23 in 34 games. His wikipedia article says he didn't pitch in 1973, but his baseball reference entry disagrees. In 1973 Fred was ordered to put vaseline on his fingers before pitching in retaliation for the greaseballs being thrown by Gaylord Perry of the Indians. This incident led to a suspension by AL President Joe Cronin and Martin's eventual dismissal from the Tigers. This incident probably happened on August 30.

• After the 1973 season he was traded to the Houson Astros. In 1974 Scherman was 2-5 with four saves and an ERA of 4.11 in 53 games. Fred started the 1975 season with the Astros and was sold to the Montreal Expos in June after making 16 appearances. The Expos used him as a reliever and a spot starter--he pitched in 34 games for the Expos and made seven starts. In all, Scherman was 4-4 with a 3.79 ERA in 50 games.

• In 1976 Fred returned to the bullpen and was 2-2 with one save and a 4.95 ERA in 31 appearances. He was released on July 8, 1976. In 1977 Fred pitched in 49 games for AAA Columbus (Pittsburgh Pirates organization) but didn't make it back to the big leauges. He retired after the 1977 season.

• Fred gave up Frank Robinson's 500th home run on September 13, 1971.
• It looks like Fred is now running a lab consultant job in Tipp City, Ohio.