Fred was a former major league baseball player. He played for the St Louis Browns as a amateur free agent in 1939. He joined up with the forces during WWII before returning to baseball and becoming a major league pitcher. In 1943 he played for the St. Louis Browns and his pitching debut was on May 5, 1943. He was a right handed pitcher but could bat with both hands. He spent 4 seasons with the Browns. In 1949 he was traded to the New York Yankees, where he played for two seasons. In 1951 He was traded to the Washington Senators and then to the St. Louis Browns where he finished out the 51 season and then retired from major league baseball. He pitched in the minors for two more years before hanging up his hat. He was 23 years old when he became a major league player. He played for 7 years and boasted 37 wins during his career. His player stats say he was 6'1" tall and 200lbs at playing weight. His last game was on Sept 14 1951. He spent his later years in Salt Lake with his wife. He liked to make appearances and sign his baseball cards. He liked playing golf with friends until health wouldnt allow him to golf anymore. After they couldnt golf any longer he enjoyed his "coffee time" with his budies. They all met up at Little America and had coffee bs'ing the morning away. Finally Freds health wouldnt allow him to even make it to coffee anymore. He will be missed by his family and his "coffee" buddies. He was a good friend to my grandpa.
Obituary printed in Salt Lake Tribune on March 27, 2011
J. Fred Sanford 1919-2011 J. Fred Sanford, 91, died peacefully at home March 15 following complications from a stroke he suffered a year ago. Fred was born in Garfield, Utah, on August 9, 1919. He is survived by his spouse of 70 years, Bonnie Brown Sanford. Fred and Bonnie has six children: Ken(Nola), Terry (Carol), David(Pennie), Diane Thomas(Allan), Fred(Karen) and Timothy (deceased). They have 13 grandchildren. Fred served in the Army during WWII. He led an illustrious life playing professional baseball in his earlier years. He played for the St. Louis Browns, Washington Senators, ending up with the New York Yankees. He pitched in two Yankee World Series wins in 1949 and 1950. Fred and Bonnie lived in Rose Park for over 60 years. Preceded in death by sisters Lillian, virginia, Hope and brothers Wayne and Clark. He has one living sister, Lucille Donley(Ralph). There will be a viewing at 11:00 to 12:30 on Saturday April 2 at Larkin Mortuary on 260 East South Temple followed by a graveside service at 1:00 at Salt Lake City cemetery. Thank you all very much for your love and support. Special thanks to Summit Hospice and to Donna Holani, their live-in caretaker for the last five years.