William Edward Friel (April 1, 1876 – December 24, 1959) was an American professional baseball player.

Friel began his career in the minor leagues in 1895.

In 1901, he played for the Milwaukee Brewers, and remained with the franchise in 1902-03 after it moved to St. Louis and became the Browns.

[1] He continued playing in the minor leagues until 1912, becoming the player-manager of the Columbus Senators of the American Association in 1910.

His last job in baseball was as the manager for the 1940 St. Augustine Saints of the Florida State League.