Lawmakers to congratulate Kauai's Sullivan on Red Sox Hall of Fame Selection

Frank Sullivan, former professional baseball player and a 44-year resident of Kauai, will be honored for his induction into the 2008 Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame Thursday at the State Capitol at 12 p.m.

In a special floor presentation during the State Legislative session, House Representatives James Tokioka, Roland Sagum and long-time friend Robert Herkes will present the 6-foot-7 Sullivan with an honorary certificate congratulating him on behalf of the Legislature.

Sullivan, 78, made his major league debut at 23 years old with the Boston Red Sox in July 31, 1953, pitching 252 games from 1953 to 1960. During his career with the Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins, Sullivan cumulated a 97-100 record in 351 appearances, with a 4.15 earned run average and 959 strikeouts.

In 1963, after being let go by the Twins, Sullivan packed his bags and moved to Lihue, Kauai where he began a career in the hotel and golf property industry. Now retired, Sullivan and his wife, Marilyn, still live in Kauai and will fly to Boston for the Hall of Fame ceremony on Nov. 7.

"That airline crap is brutal," said Sullivan about traveling by plane in a book titled Boston Red Sox: Where have you Gone? written by Steve Buckley. "I'd rather have a root canal than put one foot on an airplane."

Hopefully this will be the flight that Sullivan, one of baseball history's overlooked talents -- until now, will enjoy.