Downtown in Cleveland in Cuyahoga County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Mel Harder
Pitcher
— 1928-1947 —
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.
Location. 41° 29.825′ N, 81° 41.099′ W. Marker is in Cleveland, Ohio, in Cuyahoga County. It is in Downtown. Marker can be reached from the intersection of East 9th Street and Larry Doby Way, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located at the Cleveland Indians Progressive Field north entrance, in front of Gate C-6. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2401 Ontario Street, Cleveland OH 44115, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Earl Averill (here, next to this marker); Giambi Dramatic Homer (a few steps from this marker); Lou Boudreau (a few steps from this marker); Bob Lemon (a few steps from this marker); Manny Breaks Record (a few steps from this marker); The Comeback (a few steps from this marker); Ejections Spark Game Two Win (within shouting distance of this marker); 1920 World Series Champions (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cleveland.
Also see . . .
1. Melvin Leroy Harder (Wikipedia). He broke in with the Indians as a relief pitcher in 1928. His pitching style revolved around his fine curveball, a hard fastball and excellent control. He joined the starting rotation in 1930. On July 31, 1932, he pitched the first game ever at Cleveland Municipal Stadium. Harder was one of the most successful All-Stars of the 1930s, appearing in all four games from 1934 to 1937, and setting a record with 13 consecutive innings without an earned run. (Submitted on October 14, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Melvin Leroy "Mel" Harder. Ted Williams called him the toughest pitcher he ever faced, and Harder is the only pitcher ever to strike out Joe Dimaggio three times in one game. Harder retired after the 1947 season with a career record of 223-186. The year after his retirement, Harder became the Indians’ pitching coach. One of his former pupils, Herb Score, said “If Mel Harder couldn’t teach you a curveball, then no one could.” (Submitted on October 14, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 14, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 95 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 14, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.