Don Larsen

Don Larsen was a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for several teams, including the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, and Chicago White Sox. He is best known for pitching a perfect game in the 1956 World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers, with Yogi Berra as his catcher, and Umpire Babe Pinelli behind the plate. Larsen's perfect game was witnessed by a crowd of over 64,000 at Yankee Stadium, including Mickey Mantle, Duke Snider, and Jackie Robinson. He was also a member of the 1953 American League champion New York Yankees, who defeated the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1953 World Series with the help of players like Billy Martin, Phil Rizzuto, and Enos Slaughter.

Early Life and Career

Don Larsen was born in Michigan City, Indiana, and grew up in San Diego, California, where he attended Point Loma High School and played baseball with future Major League Baseball players like Ted Williams and Bob Skinner. Larsen was signed by the New York Yankees as an amateur free agent in 1950 and began his professional career with the Yankees' minor league affiliate, the Binghamton Triplets, where he played alongside Elston Howard and Hank Bauer. He quickly rose through the ranks, making his major league debut with the New York Yankees in 1953 against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, with Ted Williams and Dom DiMaggio in the lineup. Larsen's early career was marked by stints with the Yankees and Baltimore Orioles, where he played with Brooks Robinson, Gus Triandos, and Billy O'Dell.

Major League Career

Larsen's major league career spanned 14 seasons, during which he played for seven different teams, including the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Athletics, Chicago White Sox, San Francisco Giants, Houston Colt .45s, and St. Louis Cardinals. He was a member of the 1953 American League champion New York Yankees, who defeated the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1953 World Series with the help of players like Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, and Allie Reynolds. Larsen also played with the Baltimore Orioles during their 1966 American League championship season, alongside Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson, and Dave McNally. He faced many notable players during his career, including Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, and Tom Seaver.

Perfect Game

Larsen's perfect game, which he pitched on October 8, 1956, is one of the most famous moments in baseball history. The game was played at Yankee Stadium in front of a crowd of over 64,000, including Mickey Mantle, Duke Snider, and Jackie Robinson. Larsen's perfect game was witnessed by Umpire Babe Pinelli, who called the game behind the plate, and was caught by Yogi Berra. The New York Yankees defeated the Brooklyn Dodgers 2-0, with Larsen facing 27 batters and retiring all of them in order. The perfect game was a historic moment in the 1956 World Series, which the New York Yankees won in seven games, with the help of players like Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, and Whitey Ford.

Later Life and Legacy

After retiring from baseball, Larsen went on to work as a New York Yankees scout and later as a Major League Baseball pitching coach. He was also a popular figure on the baseball autograph circuit, where he would often appear alongside other notable players like Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, and Hank Aaron. Larsen's perfect game has been recognized as one of the greatest moments in baseball history, and he was inducted into the New York Yankees' Monument Park in 2011. He passed away on January 1, 2020, at the age of 90, and was remembered by the baseball community for his historic achievement, including Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Joe Torre.

Career Statistics

Larsen's career statistics include a record of 81-91, with a 3.78 Earned Run Average and 849 strikeouts. He pitched in 412 games, starting 171 of them, and completed 44 games. Larsen's career was marked by his perfect game, as well as his appearances in the 1953 World Series, 1956 World Series, and 1958 World Series, where he faced teams like the Brooklyn Dodgers, Milwaukee Braves, and Los Angeles Dodgers. He played with many notable players, including Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Hank Aaron, and Willie Mays, and was managed by Casey Stengel, Paul Richards, and Hank Bauer. Category:Baseball players