Former Boston Red Sox third baseman Frank Malzone has passed away of natural causes at the age of 85.
Malzone played with the Red Sox from 1955 through 1965 before ending his playing career with the California Angels. Although not a superstar, Malzone was a solid hitter and the best defensive third baseman in the AL before the arrival of Brooks Robinson. Malzone was named to 8 AL All-Star Teams and won three Gold Gloves. In all, Malzone had a lifetime batting average of .274, collected 1,486 hits, slugged 133 HR and drove in 728 runs.
After his playing career, Malzone returned to the Red Sox and remained there for the rest of his life mostly as a scout.
Malzone’s passing comes only two days after the sudden death of Dave Henderson, the hero of the 1986 ALCS.
