Career
He played three seasons in Major League Baseball, as a second baseman, third baseman and outfielder. Friel began his career in the minor leagues in 1895. In 1901, he played for the Milwaukee Brewers, and remained with the franchise in 1902-1903 after it moved to Saint Louis and became the Browns.
He continued playing in the minor leagues until 1912, becoming the player-manager of the Columbus Senators of the American Association in 1910.
He managed in the minor leagues for several more years afterwards.