Larry French
Splitting his time almost evenly between the Pirates and Cubs, lefty Larry French pitched in three World Series in the 1930s and early 1940s, the last with the Dodgers during a brief stint in Brooklyn. Utilizing a sharp breaking ball in addition to a sinker, the tall Californian won at least 10 games in 12 seasons, but never more than 18, which he accomplished three times. He led the National League in shutouts in both 1935 and 1936.
Quotes About French
"He has a high fast one that those top left-handed hitters will smack. I don't think he will give the Tigers as much trouble as a right-hander [would]." — Cardinals vice-president Branch Rickey, giving his scouting report on Larry French, prior to Game Six of the 1935 World Series.
Played For
Pittsburgh Pirates (1929-1934)
Chicago Cubs (1935-1941)
Brooklyn Dodgers (1941-1942)
Best Season: 1933
With a 18-13 hardluck record, French posted a 2.72 ERA and walked just 55 batters in nearly 300 innings. He tossed five shutouts.
Born
Lawrence Herbert French was born on November 1, 1907, in Visalia, CA.
Died
February 9, 1987, San Diego, CA
Batted: Right
Threw: Left
Primary Position: P
Primary Team: CHN
Major League Debut
April 18, 1929
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1929
Rick Ferrell
Doc Cramer
Earl Averill
Bobo Newsom
Larry French
Chief Hogsett
Dale Alexander
Lyn Lary
Eric McNair
Post-Season Appearances
1935 World Series
1938 World Series
1941 World Series
Transactions
November 22, 1934: Traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates with Freddie Lindstrom to the Chicago Cubs for Guy Bush, Jim Weaver, and Babe Herman.
This trade proved to be an absolute bust for the Pirates. Bush, a former 20-game winner, won just 12 games in parts of two seasons with the Bucs, while Herman played just 26 games for Pittsburgh before he was traded away. Jim Weaver, a veteran rescued from the scrap heap, went 14-8 twice for the Pirates, but was finished within three seasons. French went on to win 95 games for the Cubs.
August 20, 1941: Selected off waivers by the Brooklyn Dodgers from the Chicago Cubs.
All-Star Selections
1940 NL
Best Strength as a Player
Control
Largest Weakness as a Player
He was famous for a notoriously bad move to first, and he was a mediocre fielder.
Learn More about Larry French
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