Fred Norman's journey through Major League Baseball is a tale of perseverance and adaptability. Born on August 20, 1942, in San Antonio, Texas, Norman's professional career began when he was signed by the Kansas City Athletics as an amateur free agent in 1961. His early years in the majors were marked by frequent transitions, as he moved between teams and struggled to find a permanent spot in the starting rotation.

Norman made his MLB debut with the Kansas City Athletics in 1962. However, his time with the Athletics was short-lived, and he soon found himself bouncing between several teams, including the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals. Despite these challenges, Norman continued to hone his skills, particularly his pitching technique, which would later become his trademark.

The turning point in Norman's career came when he joined the San Diego Padres in 1971. It was with the Padres that he began to establish himself as a reliable pitcher. His left-handed delivery and ability to throw a variety of pitches made him a valuable asset to the team. During his tenure with the Padres, Norman developed a reputation for his curveball, which baffled many hitters and contributed to his growing success on the mound.

In 1973, Fred Norman was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, a move that would define the most successful period of his career. With the Reds, Norman became an integral part of the team's pitching staff during the mid-1970s. The Reds, known as the "Big Red Machine," were a dominant force in baseball at the time, and Norman's contributions helped solidify their success. He played a crucial role in the Reds' back-to-back World Series championships in 1975 and 1976, providing consistent performances and stability to the pitching rotation.

Norman's time with the Reds was marked by several standout seasons. In 1975, he achieved a career-high 12 wins, and his performance in the postseason further cemented his reputation as a dependable pitcher. His ability to perform under pressure was evident during the World Series, where he delivered key performances that helped the Reds secure their titles.

After his tenure with the Reds, Norman continued his career with the Montreal Expos and the Toronto Blue Jays. Although his later years in the majors did not reach the heights of his time with the Reds, he remained a respected figure in the league. Norman retired from professional baseball in 1980, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance and adaptability.

Throughout his career, Fred Norman was known for his work ethic and determination.

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