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Herman Franks Obituary
Franks died Monday of congestive heart failure at his home in Salt Lake City, said Cyndy Wright, his daughter.
The San Francisco Giants issued a statement Tuesday night, calling Franks a "true Giant" for his role in the team's history. He only played one game for the club in 1949, but went on to coach under manager Leo Durocher.
Franks managed the Giants from 1965-68, a run of four straight second-place finishes. His former players included future Hall of Famers in Cepeda, Mays, Willie McCovey, Juan Marichal and Gaylord Perry.
"When you mention his name, you immediately think of the Giants. He was a true Giant and was a part of our rich history in the 1950s and especially in the 1960s," Giants owner Bill Neukom said in a statement.
Franks was a catcher for the Cardinals, Dodgers, Athletics and Giants over six seasons, which were interrupted by World War II. He played in 188 games, hitting three home runs and 43 RBI.
Franks was 605-521 as a manager, going 367-280 with the Giants and 238-241 with the Cubs from 1977-79.
He is survived by his wife, Amneris, and three children: Dan, Herman Jr. and Cyndy Wright.
Funeral arrangements were pending.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press
26 Entries
April 1, 2009
November 10, 2019
In memory.
Marilyn Martinelli
January 2, 2010
Hello. I am a relative of sorts. My father was Emile Martinelli and my Aunt was Mary Martinelli Huber, Uncle was John Rosa. I think the connection was with Ediths family.
I lived in San Mateo during Hermans time of managing and have many many happy memories of picking him up from the airport at SFO when he would come back from a road trip.
We remained in touch until the deaths of my father and aunt.
We also are giant, Giants fans to this day.
I thought I would look him up today on Google to see how things were with him and found this death notice. My condolences. He was one of a kind.
Herman was such a hoot to know. I almost sent a Christmas card in case he was still alive and might remember us. I used to enjoy his banter with reporters so much.
God Speed, Herman ! God Bless you too.
Marilyn Martinelli 8085 A Street Windsor, Ca.95492
On occasion, I check the news for Herman and today was the day....and I was fed this page on my computer.
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Foxy Gagnon
May 7, 2009
I'm just a longtime baseball fan and an autograph collector. Mr. Franks was always nice to his fans and he answered his fan mail. I needed his autograph because he was a former Brooklyn Dodgers player. Thanks for being nice to your fans!
k c
April 7, 2009
so sorry for your loss
Thomas McKenna
April 6, 2009
I was so sorry to hear the passing of Herman. He is part of my baseball memory forever. My first big league game was at the Polo Grounds in, I think, 1941 or 42. Herman was playing for the St.L Browns and during warmups he came over and flipped a ball into the stands to me. I thought that was the nicest thing anyone ever did. I cherished his baseball cards after that and repeated that story 100 x. My condolences to the Franks family.
Greg Negard
April 6, 2009
Dan,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. He was an outstanding individual. My sincerest condolences to you, your mother and siblings.
Terry Edgington
April 5, 2009
All of my memories of the Giants in those years are good. The team was loaded with talent. I agree with Herman, Willie Mays is the greatest player ever to step on the field. My dad took me to many games in those days. We lived in Sparks, Nevada. Even though money was tight we always went to the ballpark. I wish the Giants could have won it all during the 60's. Somehow all of the pieces never came together at the right time. Even so those baseball memories of Candlestick and the Giants are the best I will ever have. Herman Franks managed the team during one of the best times in baseball. I wish his family all the best. He was part of many great memories for me.
Melanie Hardrath
April 5, 2009
Sorry to hear about your loss, Rest in peace Herman Franks.
Bob O'Brien
April 4, 2009
Dan,
I remember seeing Mr. Franks at the Giants games when I was growing up. He always waved to the kids and was very friendly. My sincerest condolences to the family. Herman was a great man and very good role model.
Bob Nydegger
April 3, 2009
Dan,
Sorry to hear about the passing of your Father. I saw the nice tribute on the local news. He is certainly someone you can be proud of for the many accomplishments he made.
I hope the sadness will be quick in passing but that the memories will be remembered forever.
April 3, 2009
Dan,
Sorry to hear about the passing of your Father. I saw the nice tribute on the local news. He is certainly someone you can be proud of for the many accomplishments he made.
I hope the sadness will be quick in passing but that the memories will be remembered forever.
Bob Nydegger
Cynthia Peterson
April 3, 2009
I never got the opertunity to meet you. However, I have been good friends with your daughter-in-law for many years and have gotten to know your son, Herm as well. Over the years, I have herd of what an amazing and dignifined person you have been and what a wonderful family man you were. Rest in peice. Your ledged and memories will cary on.
Steve Ivan
April 3, 2009
We all were so sorry to hear about Herm's death and wanted to express our sincere condolences to your family. We all enjoyed our visit with Herm and Ami several years ago. We enjoyed hearing Herm's stories and seeing all the wonderful baseball memorabilia that he had from his time in baseball. It was so kind of you to take the time to visit with us. We will always remember it! You have a wonderful family and will have wonderful memories of your husband and father. Sincerely, Steve and Pam Ivan and Family
Jason Parks
April 3, 2009
Hello,
I am Jason Parks from Martinez, CA and I am a Giants fan. I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Franks but just to wright to him. I am a collector of Giants players and my goal is to get an autograph on a card or ball from every Giants player I can. I wrote to Mr. Franks and he was very generous and gracious enough to sign a ball and a card to me personally. He also included a little note to me which I still have. His ball and card that he signed to me will always be in my family. I wish I cold have met Mr. Franks and talked Giants with him. I am sure it would have been an interesting conversation.
I know his family and friends have lost a good man but will forever live in their memories.
Sincerely,
Jason Parks
PS: If the family needs any addresses of Mr. Franks' former team mates please let me know. I can send them!
Amber Ence
April 2, 2009
I was a CNA for Herm and had the chance to see him and his family right after he left us. Herm was one of a kind. He had the mind of a thirty-year-old and just hated being stuck in his failing body. Now he is free to run as many bases as he wants! I will miss him and his family. They are wonderful people!
Brad Helsten
April 2, 2009
Herm was a great neighbor and example to us as we were growing up. Condolences on your loss.
John Alston
April 2, 2009
I didn't know Frank Herman personally but do know he was one great baseball manager. Thanks for the memories and Rest in Peace.
louis carwell
April 2, 2009
Herman Franks was a good manager,and a credit to major league Baseball. Rest in peace Herman Franks.
April 1, 2009
Hi, Frank Rest in Peace
Richsrd H. Herrick
April 1, 2009
Hi, Frank Rest in Peace
Frank Sidote
April 1, 2009
Thanks for the memories Herman Franks Rest In Peace..
D ZIMMERMAN
April 1, 2009
REST IN PEACE, HERMAN FRANKS
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