Fred Scherman

Who is Fred Scherman?

Frederick John Scherman, Jr. was a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for eight years with the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, and Montreal Expos. Born in Dayton, Ohio, Scherman was a left-handed pitcher who attended Ohio State University before making his major league debut for the Tigers on April 26, 1969. Scherman pitched in only 4 games in 1969, but became one of the Tigers' main relief pitchers for the next four years. Between 1970 and 1973, Scherman appeared in 208 games for the Tigers, with all but four appearances as a reliever.

Scherman's best year was 1971, when he appeared in 69 games, compiled a record of 11-6, and had 20 saves and 40 games finished. His ERA in 1971 was a career low 2.71—well below the league average ERA of 3.61. Scherman's performance in 1971 ranked him among the American League leaders in winning percentage, games, saves, and games finished.

Scherman had another strong year in 1972, appearing in 57 games, and finishing 7-3. Scherman played in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series in 1972, holding the Oakland A's scoreless in 2/3 of an inning. That proved to be Scherman's last game for the Tigers.