Date of Birth: August 7, 1929
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Date of Death: January 1, 2020
Biography
Don James Larsen was an American professional baseball player who gained fame as a pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born in Michigan City, Indiana, Larsen had a remarkable career that spanned from 1953 to 1967. He is best known for pitching the only perfect game in World Series history, a feat he accomplished on October 8, 1956, for the New York Yankees against the Brooklyn Dodgers in Game 5 of the series. This historic achievement has cemented his legacy in baseball lore. Larsen began his professional career with the St. Louis Browns, who later became the Baltimore Orioles. He also played for several other teams, including the New York Yankees, Kansas City Athletics, Chicago White Sox, San Francisco Giants, Houston Colt .45s, Baltimore Orioles, and Chicago Cubs. Despite a career that saw its ups and downs, Larsen’s perfect game ensured his place in baseball history. After retiring from baseball, he worked in various capacities, including in sales and as a liquor store owner. Don Larsen passed away on January 1, 2020, at the age of 90.
5 Interesting Facts about Don Larsen
1. Don Larsen is the only pitcher in MLB history to throw a perfect game in the World Series.
2. He won the World Series MVP Award and the Babe Ruth Award in 1956 for his performance.
3. Larsen was an avid bowler and once bowled a perfect 300 game.
4. He had a career win-loss record of 81-91, with an ERA of 3.78 and 849 strikeouts.
5. After his baseball career, Larsen made a successful transition to various business ventures, including owning a liquor store.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Don Larsen
1. “When it was over, I was so happy, I felt like crying. I wanted to win this one for the fans and for the Yankees.”
2. “I never had that kind of control in my life.”
3. “Sometimes a week might go by when I don’t think about that game, but I don’t remember when it happened last.”
4. “I had great control that day. I knew I had to keep the ball in the strike zone because the Dodgers wouldn’t swing at bad pitches.”
5. “Everything just seemed to be working. They were making the plays and I was making the pitches.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Highest net worth achieved: Approximately $1 million
Children
Don Larsen had one son, Scott Larsen, who was born in the mid-1950s.
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