Southeastern Oklahoma State University Athletics

Baseball (1987-88)

Jeff Frye’s story is one of a young boy who graduated from a small Eastern Oklahoma high school and realized his dream of becoming a major league baseball player.

Born in Oakland, California on August 31, 1966, he moved to Panama, Oklahoma after his sophomore year in high school. He participated in baseball, basketball, and football at Panama High School.

He played junior college baseball his first two college years at Carl Albert State College in Poteau, Oklahoma under Coach Mark Pollard, a Southeastern baseball alumnus. Following a successful junior college career, he transferred to Southeastern and became an outstanding second baseman for Coach Mike Metheny.

Frye set a Savage record by hitting .455 in 1988. His .420 career batting average at Southeastern was the second highest in Savage history. He was twice an All-Conference selection and in his senior year was named the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference Most Valuable Player and an NAIA All-American.

Following completion of his collegiate career, Jeff was drafted by the Texas Rangers and began his climb to the top of the profession. He played well at all levels and was recognized early as the best prospect at second base in the Rangers’ organization. He was promoted to the major league club in 1992 and was named Ranger Rookie of the Year.

After three injury plagued years in Texas, Frye signed as a free agent with the Boston Red Sox and became their starting second baseman. He hit .299 his first two years with Boston.

Jeff Frye was one of the most outstanding players in the rich Southeastern baseball history. He established himself as a solid major leaguer with his play as both a Texas Ranger and a Boston Red Sox infielder. The university honored Jeff Frye with membership in the Southeastern Athletic Hall of Fame on February 7, 1998.