Frisella spent one year at the College of San Mateo before transferring to Washington State University in Pullman. After leading the Cougars to the College World Series in 1965 and being named to the All-Conference team, he was selected by the Milwaukee Braves in the 39th round of the 1965 Major League Baseball Draft, but did not sign. In , he was again named All-Conference, and led WSU to the District VIII Regional finals. After which, he was drafted by the New York Mets in the third round of the June Secondary draft, and signed.
