In the minors, a steady hand makes things run smoothly. And Travis Fryman, a Gold Glove winner, has always been as solid as they come. After playing third base for the Indians from 1998 to 2002, Fryman managed the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, the Indians short season single-A affiliate, from 2008 to 10. This year, he's taking the helm at Eastwood Field in Niles once again, shaping some of the organization's newest players.
Three Strikes: All of Fryman's three sons, ranging from seventh grade through junior college, play baseball. Trifectas, it turns out, run in the family. "I was one of three sons, my father was one of three sons, and I have three sons, which is pretty neat," he says.
Proud Poppa: Fryman coached current Indians stars in his first stint with the Scrappers, including third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall and second baseman Jason Kipnis. "Jason was the first player I coached that made it to the big leagues," Fryman says. "That was a wonderful day for Jason, but it was a happy day for me too. It was, Hey I played a little part in that."
Bad Taste: Fryman has an aversion to Yankees apparel, a loathing leftover from confronting the New York team in a 1998 American League Championship Series loss during his first season with the Indians. "It's very well known among all my friends and all my sons' friends, if you come to my house with any New York paraphernalia there's two options. One, I take it and throw it away or two, I call your parents and they come take you home," he says. "It's a joke, but I've done it."
