BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TRULL, JR. Class of 1960

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TRULL, JR.BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TRULL, JR.
Class of 1960
Inducted in 2013

One of the truly outstanding pitchers during the 127-year history of the Lowell High School Baseball program, Benjamin Franklin Trull, Jr. (known as Frank to his teammates), left his name etched in virtually every pitching category in the Lowell High School Baseball Record Book.

While he was a two-year varsity member of the Raider Basketball team, Frank’s impact as an athlete at LHS was felt primarily as a member of legendary Hall of Fame Coach Stanley Stoklosa’s diamond nine.

As a sophomore (1958) Frank’s presence was immediately felt in the Lowell lineup. Competing in the rugged Greater Boston League (GBL), the fire-balling lefthander compiled an outstanding 6-1 record with an earned run average (ERA) of 2.47 while striking out 65 batters in only 51.2 innings. The highlight of Frank’s season came in a victory against Chelsea when he struck out an incredible 23 batters, a total that remains a Lowell High School record 55 years later. That total might have been even higher except for the fact that the final two Chelsea hitters bunted to avoid becoming strikeout victims. Three of Frank’s victories were shutouts, a total that ranks 2nd on the all-time LHS seasonal list.

Continuing his mound exploits as a junior (1959), Frank struck out 80 batters in 67 innings en route to a 5-3 record. His most noteworthy performance was a 15-strikeout effort against GBL power Somerville.

As a senior (1960) Frank compiled a 3-4 record but fashioned a superb ERA of 1.63 and struck out 98 batters in only 72 innings. His top performance might have been a 14-strikeout gem against intra-city rival Keith Academy. He was voted Lowell’s team MVP after the season.

Frank’s career statistics are quite impressive. His overall record was 14-8, the 14 victories almost half the LHS team total from 1958 to 1960. His 5 shutouts ranks 2nd on the Red and Gray all-time list, and his 244 strikeouts ranks 4th. Frank’s impact on the Lowell High School baseball program was indeed substantial.

Throughout the latter stages of his Lowell High School career professional scouts were aware of Frank’s talent. New York Yankees general manager George Weiss planned to have a team representative meet with him in the near future. However; Frank, an excellent student, decided instead to pursue a college degree. His academic and athletic achievements at LHS enabled him to attain a full scholarship to Providence College.

Frank won a spot in Providence’s starting rotation as a freshman (1961). His seasonal highlight for the Friars was a one-hitter against a highly rated Holy Cross team. He battled a persistent arm injury during the remainder of his Providence career, but pitched out of the bullpen and contributed to Providence’s qualifying for the NCAA district play-offs in his senior season (1964).

Frank also pitched in the prestigious Cape Cod Summer League, a venue for countless future major leaguers, in 1962 – 1963.

Induction Year: 2013
Graduation/Class Year: 1960
Gender: Male
LHS Sports Played: Baseball, basketball
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Living/Deceased: Living
College: Providence College
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Nickname: Frank
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