Medford to honor Fred Knox with baseball memorial at Playstead
A special memorial dedication ceremony will honor the rich baseball legacy of the late Medford player and coach Fred Knox.
If you build it, they will come.
After establishing a rich baseball legacy as both a player and coach, the late Fred Knox will be honored by Medford with a special memorial dedication ceremony, Sunday, June 8, at 1 p.m. at Playstead Park, 100 Playstead Road.
The event is expected to draw players both past and present as they pay tribute to the baseball-lifer one last time at his favorite home field.
Knox passed away on Feb. 6, 2024, in York Beach, Maine, following a short illness. He was 87.
A three-time baseball Hall of Famer with the Medford High Mustangs, Intercity League and Suffolk University, Knox left an indelible mark on the local diamond that has been felt for decades. The sandlot legend was the winningest pitcher in Hosmer Chief’s history with 116 wins in 16 seasons from 1957-73.
His love of the game continued to flourish in the coaching ranks, making him a beloved mentor and friend to many in the process.
According to former teammate Gordie Lewis, Knox was the genuine article.
“Fred was a baseball player, teacher and coach that touched the lives of many,” said Lewis, who caught the Chiefs staff ace from 1950-60. “Especially those like me from Medford.”
Knox is the latest baseball great to be honored with a memorial at Playstead. He joins Medford High and MLB legend Bill Monbouquette, Hosmer Chiefs founder John H. Hosmer Jr., as well as James Harry Smith and Joseph DelGaudio.
Known as the “Original Chief,” Knox broke in with the club in 1957, quickly earning a reputation as a staff ace. Sporting a sidearm delivery and high leg kick, the right-handed hurler led the Chiefs to a total of 11 championships, including five Suburban Twi and six Intercity League titles.
Knox made a seamless transition from player to coach in 1974, ushering in the next wave of Mustang baseball greats at Medford High School. He helped introduce Mustang senior co-captain Chuck Andre (12-0) to the Chiefs.
“I was lucky I got to pitch for him for three years,” said Andre, who along with Steve Howe guided the Mustangs to an array of success. “I think we lost two games in two years. He was a tremendous coach and a great influence on me, personally, and a lot of guys like Steve. Just a tremendous impact not only as a player but as a coach, a mentor and a history teacher at Medford High for decades.”
Knox also introduced Andre to Joe O’Donnell and John Hosmer, who owned the Hosmer Chiefs. Andre pitched for them for seven seasons before eventually buying the franchise and rebranding them the Andre Chiefs, continuing the team’s local Medford legacy.
A Suffolk University grad, Knox taught social studies at Hobbs Junior High and Medford High for 36 years. He retired and moved to York, Maine, where he and his family had a bed-and-breakfast.
Talks of establishing a memorial for Knox at Playstead first took shape during his celebration of life ceremony, April 24.
Lewis, Andre and former shortstop Ellis “Sonny” Lane helped orchestrate the movement. The trio formed an all-star committee that included Eddie Rideout, Don DiMare, Mike McLaughlin, Dave Polcari, Bob Penta, John Veneziano and John Trischitta.
The group then sparked discussions with the Medford Parks and Recreation Committee and the mayor’s office. The process took several months before earning approval for a granite stone to be planted memorializing the baseball great’s legacy.
A Go Fund Me fundraising campaign was launched, raising over $4,000 in donations for the memorial.
A reception will follow the dedication ceremony at the Ho Win Palace in Medford.
“We’ve already heard from several of his ex-teammates and players at Medford High School,” said Andre. “They’re all coming from different parts of the country. We expected a very good turnout and tribute to him. It’s very well deserved.”
Click here to donate to the Fred Knox Memorial fund visit:
