11 Facts About Harry Brecheen

1.

Harry Brecheen later led the National League in several categories in 1948.

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2.

Harry Brecheen was nicknamed "The Cat" because of his ability to cover bunts.

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3.

Harry Brecheen won game four of the 1944 World Series against the St Louis Browns.

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4.

Harry Brecheen was key to the Cardinals' upset win over the Boston Red Sox in the 1946 World Series.

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5.

Harry Brecheen won his only start of the 1944 Series, which matched the city's two teams.

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6.

Harry Brecheen's screwball was ranked the eighth-best of all time by Bill James and Rob Neyer.

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7.

Harry Brecheen's playing career ended in 1954 when he hurt his arm trying to pick up a suitcase, but he remained with the organization as their pitching coach from 1954 to 1967.

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8.

Harry Brecheen trained many young pitchers including Billy O'Dell, Jack Fisher, Jim Palmer, Dave McNally, Steve Barber, Chuck Estrada, Jerry Walker and Milt Pappas; Harry Brecheen changed 36-year-old Hoyt Wilhelm into a starter in 1959.

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9.

Harry Brecheen was let go after the 1967 season after too many promising Orioles pitchers turned up with arm troubles during his long tenure.

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10.

Harry Brecheen was voted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in 1997.

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11.

Harry Brecheen died at age 89 in a nursing facility in Bethany, Oklahoma.

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