Rest In Peace Danny Frisella

On New Year’s Day, we remember Danny Frisella, a former Milwaukee Brewers pitcher whose life and Major League Baseball career were tragically cut short on January 1, 1977. Frisella was killed in a dune buggy accident, a loss that stunned the baseball world and ended a career that still deserves recognition today.

Frisella spent 10 seasons in Major League Baseball and quietly put together an impressive résumé. He finished his career with a 3.32 ERA across five MLB teams. In his final season with the Brewers in 1976, Frisella went 5–2 with a 2.74 ERA, and reports at the time indicated Milwaukee was counting on him for the 1977 season.

One of the most fascinating moments of Frisella’s career came through notable trades, as he was dealt for Cito Gaston, Félix Millán, and Sam Mejías in separate trades.

Though I was young when Frisella passed away, his connection to the Milwaukee Brewers and his 1977 Topps baseball card led me to learn more about his career years later. Because of this, Danny Frisella will always be a baseball card memory. Rest in peace, Danny.