Don Larsen Biography

Donald James Larsen was an American professional baseball pitcher born on August 7, 1929, and passed away on January 1, 2020. Larsen pitched in Major League Baseball from 1953 to 1967, playing for seven teams including the New York Yankees and Kansas City Athletics. He received the World Series Most Valuable Player Award and the Babe Ruth Award in 1956 for his postseason performance. Larsen's talent was noticed while playing for a local American Legion team, leading to his recruitment by a scout. In 1947, he signed a contract with the St. Louis Browns, receiving an $850 signing bonus, equivalent to about $11,652 in 2023. He began his professional career in 1949 with the Globe-Miami Browns, later advancing through the minor leagues to the 1950 season. With the Cleveland Indians, he recorded a 6–4 record and a 3.14 ERA in 21 games.