George Freese (September 12, 1926 – July 27, 2014) was an American third baseman who had a notable career in professional baseball, both as a player and in various other roles.
Freese's athletic journey began in Wheeling, West Virginia, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track. He continued his athletic pursuits at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt), where he started as a freshman quarterback in 1944.
His college career was interrupted by service in the Air Force until 1946. After his discharge, Freese received a scholarship to West Virginia University, where he was an all-star quarterback in 1946 and 1947, also playing college baseball for the Mountaineers in 1947. While at West Virginia, he was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity.
He was particularly successful in the Pacific Coast League (PCL) as a star third baseman for the Portland Beavers from 1957 to 1960. Freese earned All-Pacific Coast League honors in 1958 and 1959, achieving batting averages of .305 and .319, respectively, both team highs. In 1958, he also led the Beavers in home runs with 35. He also played for the Hollywood Stars and the Los Angeles Angels.
Freese's professional baseball career spanned 26 years. As a player, the 6-foot, 190-pounder played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Detroit Tigers (1953), Pittsburgh Pirates (1955), and Chicago Cubs (1961).
Following his playing career, Freese remained involved in baseball. He served as a coach for the Chicago Cubs from 1964 to 1965. He also worked as a scout for several years and managed in the minor leagues, including stints in the California League for the Lodi Padres in 1971 and the Bakersfield Dodgers from 1973 to 1974.
George Freese was the older brother of fellow MLB third baseman Gene Freese. He made Portland, Oregon, his home from 1958 onwards. He was an active member of the Oregon Old Timers Association.