Frank Lary

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Frank Lary
Frank Lary
Pitcher
Born: April 10, 1930 (1930-04-10) (age 78)
Batted: Right Threw: Right
MLB debut
September 14, 1954
for the Detroit Tigers
Final game
September 21, 1965
for the Chicago White Sox
Career statistics
Win-Loss     128-116
Earned run average     3.49
Strikeouts     1099
Teams
Career highlights and awards
  • American League All Star in 1960 and 1961
  • Gold Glove in 1961
  • Led AL in wins in 1956 with 21
  • Led AL in innings pitched in 1956, 1958, 1960
  • Led AL in complete games in 1958, 1960, 1961

Frank Strong Lary (born April 10, 1930 in Northport, Alabama) is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers (1954-1964), New York Mets (1964, 1965), Milwaukee Braves (1964), and Chicago White Sox (1965).

He was signed by the Tigers in 1950 and spent the next few years in the minors. He was clearly a leading prospect during strong performances with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons in 1953 and 1954.

In 1954, he was called up at the end of the season, but saw little action. In 1955 he stepped into the rotation as a starter, and was a workhorse for the next 7 years. He was a 20-game winner in 1956 and 1961. Injuries limited his action in 1962 and 1963 and during 1964 he began his trade travels through the Mets, Braves, and White Sox.

Known as "The Yankee Killer", he had a 28-13 lifetime record against the New York Yankees. In 1958, his record against the Yankees was 7-0. Yankees manager Casey Stengel once delayed the appearance of his star pitcher, Whitey Ford, by one day so Ford wouldn't have to face Lary. Stengel explained to reporters, "If Lary is going to beat us anyway, why should I waste my best pitcher?"

Lary was an All-Star in 1960 and 1961, and won the Gold Glove Award in 1961.

After finishing his pitching career, Lary went on to coach and scout for various teams. His older brother Al Lary was briefly a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, but spent most of his baseball career in the minor leagues.

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Preceded by
Ford, Lemon & Sullivan
American League Wins Champion
1956
Succeeded by
Jim Bunning & Billy Pierce
Preceded by
Bobby Shantz
American League Gold Glove Award (P)
1958, 1959, 1960
Succeeded by
Jim Kaat