Larry Gardner
The starting third baseman on four World Championship teams in the Deadball Era, Larry Gardner was a run producer and a good bunter. He played his first ten seasons for the Red Sox, hitting three homers in the World Series for that team, as they won titles in 1912, 1915, and 1916. His deep sacrifice fly in the 10th inning of the final game of the 1912 Series was the game-winner. Traded to the Indians, Gardner helped Cleveland the 1920 World Series championship, providing solid leadership and stellar defensive play at the hot corner. After his big league career, Gardner served as coach at his alma mater - the University of Vermont.
Quotes About Gardner
"[He is] a smart, shrewd ball player, always working for the best interests of his club, and an inspiration to his fellow players." — The Sporting News, Feb. 1, 1923
Played For
Boston Red Sox (1908-1917)
Cleveland Indians (1921-1924)
All-Time Rankings
Larry Gardner ranks #30 among the Top 50 all-time at 3B. Rankings ⇒
Factoids
Larry Gardner played every inning of every game for the Cleveland Indians in 1919 and 1920.
Where He Played
Third base
Born
William Lawrence Gardner was born on May 13, 1886, in Enosburg Falls, VT.
Died
March 11, 1976, St.George, VT
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
Primary Position: 3B
Primary Team: BOS
Major League Debut
June 25, 1908
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1908
Donie Bush
Larry Gardner
Frank Baker
Amos Strunk
Buck Herzog
Rube Marquard
Slim Sallee
Hippo Vaughn
Joe Jackson
Related Players
Gardner and Tris Speaker were teammates on four World Series teams: three in Boston (1912, 1915, 1916) and one on Cleveland (1920 when Speaker was player/manager).
Post-Season Appearances
1912 World Series
1915 World Series
1916 World Series
1920 World Series
Post-Season Notes
Gardner belted a three-run inside-the-park home run (his second of the series) in Game Four of the 1916 World Series, off Rube Marquard.
Feats
On July 2, 1912, at New York's Hilltop Park, Larry Gardner hit two inside-the-park home runs, but Boston still loses, 9-7.
Injuries and Explanation for Missed Playing Time
On September 21, 1912, Gardner broke his finger and missed the remainder of the regular season. He was back for the World Series against the Giants.
Transactions
January 10, 1918: Traded by the Boston Red Sox with Hick Cady and Tilly Walker to the Philadelphia Athletics for Stuffy McInnis.
Gardner spent just one year with Connie Mack's Athletics, while McInnis was a pivotal cog in the Red Sox 1918 World Championship team and gave Boston a few good years.
March 1, 1919: Traded by the Philadelphia Athletics with Charlie Jamieson and Elmer Myers to the Cleveland Indians for Braggo Roth.
This deal turned out great for the Indians, one of the best of the era. Gardner, of course, was a regular at third for the Tribe for four seasons, batting over .300 three times. Jamieson was a fixture in left field in Cleveland for more than a decade, earning MVP votes in four different seasons. Roth was a bust in Philadelphia, as he was almost everywhere after he was dealt from Cleveland. It was a superb trade for the Indians, and it's safe to say that it had a lot to do with them winning the World Series title in 1920.
Learn More about Larry Gardner
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