Frank Andrew Burrell (December 22, 1866 – May 8, 1962), was an American professional baseball player who played catcher from 1891 to 1897 for the New York Giants and Brooklyn Grooms/Bridegrooms.
Frank grew up with an older sister Alice, from Andrew's first marriage, and two younger brothers, Albert and Fred.
Growing up in the suburbs of baseball mad Boston, it was easy for the athletic Burrell to gravitate towards the game.
The New York Giants of the National League, were in need of a replacement catcher for the oft-injured starter Dick Buckley.
Frank “Buster” Burrell played his first game for the Giants on August 1, 1891, against Tom Lovett and the Brooklyn Grooms.
Not scheduled to catch on August 13, a strange turn of events placed Burrell behind the bat with future Hall of Famer Mickey Welch in the box.
The ball was retrieved by a New York City policeman and heaved back onto the field striking Barr in the head and rendering him unconscious.
In the 5th inning, Dick Buckley injured his finger, resulting in Buster being subbed in to catch “Smiling Mickey”.
Starter Ewing injured his ankle running the bases in the second forcing manager Mutrie to bring in Rusie.
After attempting to handle the “Hoosier Thunderbolt” for 2 innings and giving up 4 passed balls, second string catcher Artie Clarke traded positions with the intrepid Burrell.
Having shown that he wasn't ready for “fast company”, Burrell returned home to play for the Woonsocket (RI) team of the New England League.
The following season while playing for Fall River, he batted .308 and was instrumental in securing the NENL championship for the Massachusetts club.
After his hometown team the Boston Beaneaters showed some interest in acquiring Burrell for the 1894 season, he took his talents to the Midwest and signed with the Minneapolis Minnies of the Western League.
On May 13, he went deep 3 times off of the future hall of famer, Kansas City Cowboys pitcher, Joe McGinnity.
By the end of the year, Charlie Bryne, president of the Brooklyn Grooms signed Buster Burrell to play for the 1895 season.
On June 14 he hit his first MLB home run off St. Louis Brown's pitcher Harry Staley in a 12-7 Brooklyn victory.
With his improved defense and his ability to hit National League pitches, Burrell's baseball future looked bright.
With injuries to Grim and back-up Aleck Smith, Frank started to appear in the line-up as catcher and first base.
In September facing Kid Nichols in Boston he hit a 2 run shot into the left field bleachers.
After he was released by Stars prior to the 1899 season, Burrell went back to New England and hooked up with the Taunton (MA) Herrings of the NENL.
In Matty's next start on July 24 against Brockton, Burrell was again at first base when catcher John Curtis got injured in the fourth inning.
Buster went to spring training with the Minnies but failed to make the team and was released before the start of the regular season.