Former Frederick Keys' Players in Major League Baseball

From High -A Minor Leagues to the Major Leagues

By John Edmond, published Oct 11, 2007
Published Content: 10  Total Views: 2,115  Favorited By: 1 CPs
Contact  Subscribe   Add to Favorites
Rating: 4.0 of 5
 
Font
 
Font
The Frederick Keys were established as the Baltimore Orioles' high-level A minor league baseball team in 1989. As a middle rung in the Orioles' farm system, each year some of the Frederick Keys' former players break into major league baseball. There are two minor league steps between the Keys and the Orioles (the AA Bowie Baysox and the AAA Norfolk Tides), and many Keys' players will be cut before making a major league team. One of the joys of minor league baseball, though, is tracking players from a local minor league team as they try to break into the majors.

Since the Keys were founded in 1989, 24 position players have played at least 50 games for the Frederick Keys and at least 50 in major league baseball. Another 40 pitchers have played in at least 10 Keys' games and at least 10 major league games.

Many other former Keys' players have made it to the major leagues for fewer games, some major league players have had brief stops in Frederick during their minor league careers, and other major league players have played one or a few games in Frederick as an injury rehabilitation assignment. These players with limited experience as a Frederick Key or in the major leagues are not included in this review, with the exception of Brian Roberts who played 48 games with the Keys in 2000.

Because the Frederick Keys are part of the Orioles' farm system, most (51 of 64) of the Frederick Keys alumni who made it to the majors spent at least part of their major league careers with the Orioles. However, every major league team with the exception of the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago White Sox has had a former Keys' player.

 
Share
 
Save For Later
 
Publish Yours
 
Print
More by John Edmond
View all »
You may also like...
Other topics: 
Takeaways
  • Since 1989, 24 former Frederick Keys' position players and 40 former pitchers have made the majors
  • In most years, at least five Keys' players will go on to play more than a few games in the majors
  • All but two major league baseball teams have had former Frederick Keys players
Did You Know?
The Frederick Keys won the Carolina League championship in 2007, leading for anticipation that more Keys' players will be in the pipeline to the major leagues.
Resources
Comments
Type in Your Comments Below
Your name:

Submit your own content on this or any topic. Get started »
Most Commented On