In memory of Gerry Fraley, for Sequoia Football

Pam Maples is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Tracey Bruch.

Donation protected

Note: We've shared some highlights from Gerry's memorial event in this update, as well as a couple of photos at the bottom of this post.

Gerry Fraley loved being a sportswriter and over four decades covered multiple professional and college sports teams. He was best known for his coverage of Major League Baseball in Philadelphia, Atlanta and Dallas. He was a life-long dog lover who in mid-life came to also appreciate cats. And he loved his family — most of all, his 20-year-old twin sons, Sam and Tyson.

Gerry had an incredible work ethic and little tolerance for those who thought sportswriting amounted to watching games, eating free press box food and hanging out with famous athletes. His stamina and persistence were important weapons in his 2-year fight against aggressive cancer. His last byline — an NHL playoff game — was less than a month before his death on Saturday, May 25, at 64.

Several people have asked about donations in lieu of flowers. We invite friends to honor Gerry by supporting the Sequoia High School Football program, where Sam and Tyson played until their graduation in 2017. Coach Rob Poulos has suggested creating an annual scholarship awarded to a senior to help with college expenses. (That requires a minimum of $5,000 to fund; if total donations go higher, the scholarship award gets larger.) Otherwise, donations will be used to support other program needs. Either way, we know from Sam and Tyson's time in the program that Coach Poulos will put funds to wise and good use. Sequoia is a public high school in Redwood City, CA. Gerry was so proud to watch his sons play. And he appreciated head Coach Poulos' focus on the whole student and the effort he and his assistant coaches make to support and encourage players to be responsible and respectful young men.

Logistics: Gerry's sister, Tracey Bruch, who is the executor of his estate, will ensure that the money donated here is sent to Sequoia. We have consulted with the school and Coach Poulos about this. Donations are tax exempt and the school is willing to provide verification to donors.

If, like Gerry, you still like to write and mail checks, Sequoia will accept your donation directly. Make your check to Sequoia High School. In the memo line, put "Fraley Memorial Football donation."

Mailing address:
Sequoia High School
Treasurer's office, c/o Rob Poulos
1201 Brewster Ave.
Redwood City, CA 94062

Thank you,
The family of Gerry Fraley

Ball writers from across the country traveled to Arlington to celebrate Gerry's life. Richard Justice of MLB.com and Claire Smith of ESPN, one of Gerry's oldest friends (and the 2017 winner of the Spink award/inductee in the writer's wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame). Photo by Brian Elledge, Dallas Morning News.