Melvin Leroy Harder (October 15, 1909 - October 20, 2002), nicknamed "Chief", was a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher who later became a highly regarded pitching coach. He spent 36 seasons with the Cleveland Indians: as a player between 1928 and 1947, and later as a coach from 1949-64; he twice served as an interim manager (1961-62). He also coached with the New York Mets (1965), Chicago Cubs (1966-1967), Cincinnati Reds (1968) and Kansas City Royals (1969).
Harder was born in Beemer, Nebraska. His pitching style revolved around his fine curveball, a hard fastball and excellent control. He posted a career 226-186 record with 1160 strikeouts and a 3.80 ERA in 3426.1 innings pitched. In 1934 he finished with 22 wins, and had 2o wins in 1935.
Harder appeared in four All-Star games and set a record with 13 consecutive innings without an earned run. He won one All-Star game and earned a save in 2 others.
Harder died in Chardon, Ohio at age of 93. At the time of his death, he was one of only five players still living who saw action in the 1920s.
Highlights
- 4-time All-Star (1934-37)
- Led league in ERA (1933)
- Led league in shutouts (1934)
- Pitched the first game ever in Cleveland Municipal Stadium (July 31, 1932)
- Only pitcher to work 10 or more All-Star innings without allowing an earned run
- The only man to have both a 20-year playing and coaching career in Major League history
- Cleveland retired his No. 18 (1990)
- Named to the club's all-time team (2001)
- Only Bob Feller has more wins than Harder in a Cleveland uniform
- Only Walter Johnson and Ted Lyons pitched more seasons with one club
Facts
- Harder gave Joe DiMaggio more trouble than just about any pitcher. He held DiMaggio to a .180 average against him lifetime, and also struck him out three times in a 1940 game.
See also
External links
