Frank Joseph Torre

Frank was born December 30, 1931, in Brooklyn, New York to mother Margaret and father Joseph Torre Sr., a New York City police detective and baseball scout for the Milwaukee Braves from 1955-1961 as well as the Baltimore Orioles in 1962.

Frank began his historical baseball career as an amateur free agent, signing with the Boston Braves in 1951. In the summer of 1951, he played in the minor leagues before devoting two years of his life to the military. A Korean War veteran, Frank returned to baseball with the Atlanta Crackers in 1954, followed by the Toledo Mud Hens in 1955. With a reputation as a top defensive first baseman, Frank made his debut as a first baseman for the Milwaukee Braves in 1956. Frank played 111 games for the Braves, which included his two best seasons, 1957 and 1958. In 1957, he tied a National League record by scoring six runs in one game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Highlighting his career, Frank hit two homeruns in the 1957 World Series assisting the Braves with their victory against the Yankees. In 1958, Frank established career highs as the Braves repeated as National League Champions that year. He then made his mark playing for the Philadelphia Phillies (1962-1963) in which he hit his career best. Frank completed his outstanding baseball career on September 29,1963 in which he played his last game with the Phillies.

Following his baseball career, Frank became an extremely successful executive as the President of Licensing for the Rawlings Sporting Goods Company.As his younger brother Joe was managing the New York Yankees in 1996, Frank was fighting a battle with heart disease. Still grieving the sudden loss of his older brother Rocco, Frank received a lifesaving heart transplant on October 25th. His surgery was successfully completed one day before his brother led the New York Yankees to a historical World Series win over the Atlanta Braves. Regaining his strength, Frank was able to watch his younger brother lead the Yankees to the World Series title, a dream of his for some time. This World Series victory was Joe Torre’s first as a player or manager, 39 years after his brother Frank’s win against the Atlanta Braves.

Serving as the vice president of the Baseball Assistance Team (BAT) in 2007, Frank was informed that he would require another transplant, this time for his failing kidneys. Defying the odds yet again, he successfully received a kidney from his daughter Elizabeth. Proving his ability to fight courageous battles, he continued as a role model for transplant patients across the United States. Frank Torre was loved and admired by everyone he knew. He had an uncanny sense of business and never settled for anything less than the best. He will always be remembered as a figure of strength and confidence as well as a kind hearted and generous man. He loved his family unconditionally, and was an amazing father and grandfather. He will remain in our hearts forever.

Frank is survived by his siblings, Rae Torre, Sister Marguerite Torre, and Joseph Torre Jr.(Alice). Preceded in death by his brother, Rocco Torre (Rose).

Survived by his five children, Janet Torre, Kathryn Stewart (Shawn), Elizabeth Torre, Margaret Torre (Alex), and Frank Torre Jr. (Kelly), along with his beloved grandchildren, Caroline Torre, Katarina Lauderback, Nicholas Lauderback, Matthew Plotkin, Michael Plotkin, Alexander Morales, William Morales, Samuel Stewart, Mae Stewart, Gavin Torre, Joseph Sykes, and Rowen Torre.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to:

SACSN

Student Athlete Community Service Network

9204 Villa Palma

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.

“Life is just a bowl of cherries.”-Frank Torre

Arrangements under the direction of Aycock Funeral Home, Jupiter, FL.