1. Early Life
Lawrence Herbert French was born in Visalia, California, in 1907. His early life set the stage for a future defined by remarkable skill and dedication, first in the realm of professional sports and later in military service.
2. Professional Baseball Career
Lawrence Herbert French's professional baseball journey spanned from the minor leagues to a notable 14-year career in Major League Baseball (MLB), where he established himself as a durable and effective starting pitcher and a knuckleball specialist. He threw left-handed and batted right-handed, contributing significantly to three different National League teams.
2.1. Minor League Career
Before making his debut in Major League Baseball, French honed his skills in the minor leagues. From 1926 to 1928, he played for the Portland Beavers, a team then part of the Pacific Coast League. This early period in his career allowed him to develop the pitching prowess that would soon make him a respected figure in the major leagues.
2.2. Major League Career
French's Major League career extended from 1929 to 1942, during which he was a consistent presence on the mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, and Brooklyn Dodgers. His time with each team contributed to his reputation as a reliable and hard-working pitcher in the National League.
2.2.1. Pittsburgh Pirates (1929-1934)
French joined the National League's Pittsburgh Pirates in 1929 and quickly became a workhorse for the team. Demonstrating exceptional stamina and consistency, he pitched over 260 innings in every season from 1930 through 1934. His reliability made him a cornerstone of the Pirates' pitching rotation during this period.
2.2.2. Chicago Cubs (1935-1941)
After his tenure with the Pirates, French was traded to the Chicago Cubs, where he played from 1935 to 1941. During his time with the Cubs, he continued to be an impactful pitcher, leading the National League in shutouts in both 1935 and 1936, achieving four in each season. His consistent performance was further highlighted by the fact that he won at least 10 games every season from 1930 to 1940, a streak that spanned his time with both the Pirates and the Cubs.
2.2.3. Brooklyn Dodgers (1941-1942)
Following a challenging start to the 1941 season, French joined the Brooklyn Dodgers. He continued to play for the Dodgers through the 1942 season, which marked his final period in professional baseball before he transitioned to another significant chapter in his life.
2.3. Career Statistics and Achievements
Throughout his 14-year Major League Baseball career, French compiled an impressive record of 197 wins and 171 losses, with a career earned run average of 3.44. He recorded 1,187 strikeouts over 3,152 innings pitched, including 40 shutouts and 198 complete games. Notably, he maintained a remarkable level of durability, making at least 10 starts and appearing in at least 6 games in relief in all 14 seasons of his career.
As a batter, French posted a .188 batting average, collecting 199 hits in 1,057 at-bats, along with 1 home run, 83 runs scored, 84 runs batted in, and 48 bases on balls in 570 games. Defensively, he demonstrated reliability on the mound, recording a .951 fielding percentage. French also participated in three World Series, playing in the 1935 World Series, 1938 World Series, and 1941 World Series, though his teams were unfortunately on the losing side in all three appearances.
2.4. Notable Incidents and Anecdotes
Among the memorable events from French's baseball career is the amusing "Shower game" incident, which occurred during a game on July 12, 1933. While playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the Boston Braves, French, then a reliever, believed his team had secured an 8-0 lead in the ninth inning. Feeling confident, he decided to leave the bullpen early to take a shower. Unbeknownst to him, the Braves mounted a furious rally, narrowing the score to 8-7. The Pirates desperately needed French to return to the mound, but he had barely begun to clean himself. With no time to rinse off, he hastily put on his uniform and rushed back to the mound, with soap still trickling down his neck, a visual testament to the unpredictable nature of baseball.
3. Military Career
After concluding his professional baseball career, Lawrence Herbert French embarked on an equally distinguished path, dedicating himself to service in the United States Navy. His military career saw him serve in significant conflicts and rise through the ranks.
3.1. Enlistment and Service
French joined the United States Navy immediately following the 1942 baseball season, beginning a new chapter as a career sailor. His military service spanned critical periods in American history, as he actively served during both World War II and the Korean War. This dedication to his country showcased a profound sense of duty and commitment beyond the baseball field.
3.2. Retirement and Honors
French's exemplary military career concluded in 1969 when he retired from the United States Navy. At the time of his retirement, he had achieved the esteemed rank of Captain. In recognition of his outstanding service and contributions, he was awarded the prestigious Legion of Merit, one of the highest military decorations of the United States armed forces.
4. Later Life and Death
After retiring from his extensive military career, Lawrence Herbert French lived out his later years. He passed away in San Diego, California, in 1987, at the age of 79.
5. Assessment and Legacy
Lawrence Herbert French's legacy is notable for his impressive dual career that saw him excel as both a professional athlete and a dedicated military officer. As a baseball player, he was a remarkably consistent and durable starting pitcher, a workhorse who consistently delivered for his teams. His ability to pitch a high volume of innings and achieve notable statistics, such as leading the National League in shutouts, underscores his talent and resilience. One author even described him as the "best pitcher not in the Baseball Hall of Fame", reflecting the high regard in which his skills were held, even if formal recognition by the Hall of Fame eluded him.
Beyond the diamond, French's commitment to public service during wartime demonstrated a profound sense of duty and civic responsibility. His transition from a celebrated sports figure to a career naval officer who served in two major conflicts exemplifies the contributions many individuals made to their country during pivotal historical moments. His life story, marked by consistent performance in a demanding sport and dedicated service to the nation, stands as a testament to his character and lasting impact.