1974 Profile: Fred Beene

"Fred Beene really came into his own last season. He had a perfect 6-0 record and a fabulous 1.68 earned run average, serving the Yankees as both a starter and reliever. It was one of the pleasant surprises of the year ... even though his season was cut short because of a tender shoulder.
Although Fred has now been in the big leagues for only two seasons, he has none of the inexperience of a rookie ... Fred is a 31-year-old pro who spent eight seasons in the minor leagues learning his craft. Only 5'9" and 150 pounds, he is nevertheless one of the most complete athletes on the club, and probably could have excelled as an infielder if he had chosen to go that way.
Despite its reputation for making everything king size, Texas is the state that claims Fred, and he received his degree from Sam Houston State College. Originally signed by the Orioles, Fred moved to the Yankees for spring training in 1972, won a job and has become an important part of the team. It was worth waiting for!"

-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook

"This little man with the big heart came into his own last season. Although he saw limited action, he had a perfect won-loss mark of 6-0 and had the lowest ERA on the Yankee staff - 1.68.
A three sport letterman at Brazoport High School, he was twice named to the College Baseball All-American Team. His pro career was not as easy. He played eight seasons in the minor leagues in the Baltimore organization, never quite making the parent club.
His break came when the Yankees acquired him prior to the '72 season. He still didn't have it made, however. He reported to spring training without a major league contract and had to pitch his way onto the club; since then he has pitched his way into the hearts of many Yankee fans. One of his many assets is that he is almost equally effective as a starter, middle relief man or end relief man. He was sorely missed in the 1973 stretch run when the Yanks fell out of the race. A tender arm rendered Freddie hors de combat late in '73.
An all-around athlete, he's an excellent fielding pitcher. Very fast afoot, he could probably beat anyone on the club in a long distance race."

-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide