St. Louis Browns right-handed pitcher, Frank Biscan, was born on March 13, 1920 in Mount Olive, Illinois. Standing 5'11 and weighing 190 pounds, he was unjustly given the nickname of "Porky" that stuck throughout his playing days. He would enjoy a 14-year professional baseball career, where he tallied 107 wins and 554 strikeouts across 33
St. Louis Browns right-handed pitcher, Frank Biscan, was born on March 13, 1920 in Mount Olive, Illinois. Standing 5'11 and weighing 190 pounds, he was unjustly given the nickname of "Porky" that stuck throughout his playing days. He would enjoy a 14-year professional baseball career, where he tallied 107 wins and 554 strikeouts across 330 games. He would spend his entire MLB career with the Browns.
"Porky" Biscan began his career at the age of 18 when he signed with the Browns organization in 1938. Over the next few years he moved throughout the minors playing for the Mayfield Clothiers (1938), Findlay Browns (1938), Lima Panda (1939-40), and the Toledo Mud Hens (1941).
After a strong spring training, Buscan began the 1942 season with the St. Louis Browns. He would make his MLB debut on May 3, in relief of Denny Galehouse, against the Washington Nationals.He would issue three hits, four walks, one run, and two strikeouts in 4.1 innings of relief. He would be a solid member of the Browns bull pen through June, earning his first save on June 3 against the Nationals.
In July of 1942, Frank Biscan stepped away from baseball and joined the US Navy during World War II. He would reach the status of Chief Petty Officer, and proudly served from 1942-45.
After serving his country, Biscan rejoined the Browns in 1946 to continue to work mostly out of the bull pen. He would appear in 22.2 innings over 16 games, finishing five games and earning a save (September 11). Arm issues forced Biscan to work with the San Antonio Missions in 1947, but he made his second return to the Browns the following year.
The 1948 season was the best MLB season in the career of Frank Biscan. He pitched in a career-high 47 games, making four starts, and closing out 22 games. His first MLB start came on July 8, going 6.1 innings against the Detroit Tigers. His only complete game was against the New York Yankees on July 17.
In three seasons with the Browns, Frank Biscan would record 64 strikeouts, while issuing 104 walks and 148 hits. His 5.28 ERA extended over 148 innings, and earned him a 7-9 record.
He returned to San Antonio in 1949, and would spend the rest of his playing days in the minors. He would play for the Missions (1949-51), Memphis Chickasaws (1951-53), Charleston Senatrs (1953), and Nashville Volunteers (1955).
Frank "Porky" Biscan retired from baseball following the 1955 season, and settled down in St. Louis to raise a family. He passed away at the age of 39 from an apparent heart attack. He is honored with a resting place in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.
Today's Browns Quote
"I get a sore arm every year, but I always work it out."
~ Frank Biscan, Browns pitcher 1942, 46, 48
BROWNS' BIRTHDAYS ON THIS DAY
1918 - SS Eddie Pellagrini (1948-49)
1920 - RHP Frank Biscan (1942, 46, 48)
1889 - 2B Otis Brannan (1928-29)
TRANSACTIONS
1952 - After 4 years with the Browns, St. Louis sends left-handed pitc
Today's Browns Quote
"I get a sore arm every year, but I always work it out."
~ Frank Biscan, Browns pitcher 1942, 46, 48
BROWNS' BIRTHDAYS ON THIS DAY
1918 - SS Eddie Pellagrini (1948-49)
1920 - RHP Frank Biscan (1942, 46, 48)
1889 - 2B Otis Brannan (1928-29)
TRANSACTIONS
1952 - After 4 years with the Browns, St. Louis sends left-handed pitcher, Bill Kennedy, to the Chicago White Sox. Kennedy had become a stable figure in the Browns pitching staff since coming to the Browns in 1948. In June of 1948 the Browns sent LHP Sam Zoldak to the Cleveland Indians for Kennedy. Over the next 4 seasons, he would take on any pitching role the Browns asked of him. He appeared in 94 games, with 41 starts and 21 finished games. He would accumulate a 12-24 record with a 4.84 ERA . Pitching out of the bullpen for the White Sox, Kennedy would lead the American League in 1952 by appearing in 47 games. He would continue to play professional baseball until 1960 when he would finish with the Portland Beavers. Bill Kennedy does have a legendary status in the minors, for he put together one of the best seasons in history. Pitching for the Rocky Mountain Rocks of the Coastal Plains League in 1946, Kennedy would compile a season that included a 28-3 record, a 1.03 ERA, and would strikeout 456 batters in only 280 innings.
The impact of the 1928 St. Louis Browns would be felt over the next few seasons. This team was transitioning away from its older players that brought them success in the early 1920s, to a younger group of players for the upcoming 1930s.
George Sisler, Ken Williams, and Harry Rice had all been traded away, which opened up opportunities for
The impact of the 1928 St. Louis Browns would be felt over the next few seasons. This team was transitioning away from its older players that brought them success in the early 1920s, to a younger group of players for the upcoming 1930s.
George Sisler, Ken Williams, and Harry Rice had all been traded away, which opened up opportunities for players like Lu Blue, Heinie Manush, and Earl McNeely. The pitching improved across the staff. The emergence of Sam Gray leading a younger staff moved the Browns up to the middle of the American League.
Everything was trending upward. The team won 23 more games in 1928 than they did the previous season. They would enjoy another winning season in 1929 before falling victim to the national Depression of the 1930s. The Browns would not enjoy a two-year winning era until the early 1940s.
The 1928 team could easily be considered the team that defied the critics, and turned the fate of the Browns into winners.