Frank Viola

Played For
Minnesota Twins (1982-1989)
New York Mets (1989-1991)
Boston Red Sox (1992-1994)
Cincinnati Reds (1995)
Toronto Blue Jays (1996)

Back in 1984, Minnesota Twins pitcher Frank Viola noticed a large banner at the Metrodome that said "FRANKIE SWEET MUSIC VIOLA." He also noticed that whenever the banner appeared, he seemed to pitch well, and, in fact, never lost. According to Sports Illustrated, the banner's creator, a fan named Mark Dornfield, introduced himself to Viola in 1987, and the two talked for two hours. That season, Viola went 15-0, with four no-decisions (all Twins victories) in banner games.

The Twins made the World Series that season, and Viola learned that Dornfield didn't have a ticket. That prompted Kathy Viola, Frank's wife, to call Dornfield up and offer him tickets to Games 1 and 7. As SI reported, "With the banner proudly unfurled, Viola won both games and was named Series MVP."

From an article by Larry Stone, Seattle Times, September 25, 2005.

Born
Frank John Viola was born on April 19, 1960, in Hempstead, NY.

Batted:  Left
Threw:  Left

Primary Position:  P

Primary Team:  MIN

College:  St. John

Major League Debut
June 6, 1982

Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1982
Tony Gwynn
Wade Boggs
Julio Franco
Willie McGee
Tony Phillips
Don Mattingly
Frank Viola
Doug Jones
Kevin Bass

Nicknames
Sweet Music

Hall of Fame Voting Year Election Votes Pct 2002 BBWAA 2 .4%

Post-Season Appearances
1987 American League Championship Series
1987 World Series

Awards and Honors
1987 ML WS MVP
1988 AL Cy Young

All-Star Selections
1988 AL
1990 NL
1991 NL

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