Frank Fraley began his baseball career as a member of the Thurmont High School team. He continued his pitching and winning ways at Blue Ridge College, where his fast ball, slants, and curves earned him a reputation as a gifted athlete. After a short stint in the Frederick County league, he advanced to the Class D Professional Blue Ridge League. Then he moved on to a Cleveland Indians farm club, which led him to a tryout with the Baltimore Orioles. Returning to Frederick, he finished his career as a member of the Hustlers, leading them as state champions and winning two games in Wichita, Kansas, at the Nationals in 1941.