Jason Friedman reminded one legend early of Fred Lynn; Saw nine pro seasons, made AAA, became lawyer
Jason Friedman's late bloop single scored the game-winning run for his short-season Elmira team in its 1990 season-opener, The Elmira Star-Gazette wrote.
But Friedman didn't care if it was bloop, just that it got down for the hit, he told The Star-Gazette afterward.
"I'll take it," Friedman told The Star-Gazette. "That's the name of this game - hit them where they ain't. I'm sure it will even out as the season progresses, but I'll take this one now."
Friedman went on from there to progress to nine professional seasons. He topped out at AAA.
Friedman started in 1989, taken by the Red Sox in the 11th round of the draft out of Cypress College in California. Friedman was also credited as Jody Friedman.
Friedman started with the Red Sox in the rookie Gulf Coast League and at high-A Winter Haven. He hit .230 between them in 53 games.
Early that season, Friedman recalled to The Los Angeles Times getting a ride home from the ballpark. The guy who gave him the ride, he learned later, was Johnny Pesky. Pesky had told Friedman his play reminded him of Fred Lynn.
Friedman moved to Winter Haven and Elmira for 1990. He hit .205 in 117 games on the year. He then returned to Elmira for 1991 and hit .273 on the year. He spoke to The Star-Gazette early that season about his goals for the year.
"I try not to set goals, or if I do, I keep them to myself," Friedman told The Star-Gazette. "You know the old saying, "Goals, and tell no man.'"
Friedman moved to high-A Lynchburg for 1992, then AA New Britain for 1993. In 1995, he made AAA Pawtucket and Rochester with the Orioles. He played 1996 with the Mariners at AA and AAA. He's then last reported as playing in 2001 at independent St. Paul.
Friedman has since gone on to other pursuits, as an attorney. He earned his law degree from Loyola Law School. He's worked as an immigration attorney and, in 2022, specializes in housing and habitability law in California, his firm bio reads.
- Los Angeles Times, Aug. 7, 1989: Chance Meeting Buoys Friedman
- Elmira Star-Gazette, June 20, 1990: Elmira rallies back to win opener, 5-4
- Elmira Star-Gazette, June 17, 1991: Friedman returns for 1991
Made the Majors:1,307-33.3%
Never Made Majors:2,620-66.7%
5+ Seasons in the Majors:530
10+ Seasons in the Minors:328
