Harry Brecheen – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Harry Brecheen wrapped up his Major League Baseball career in 1953 after 12 seasons as one of the game’s most reliable left-handed pitchers. Fans called him “The Cat” because of his quick reflexes and slick fielding. Brecheen spent almost his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals, then finished up with the St. Louis Browns. He specialized in the screwball, put together a 133-92 record with a 2.92 ERA, and won 15 or more games five times. His World Series performances? Legendary.

Standing just 5-foot-10 and weighing only 160 pounds, Brecheen never looked like your typical star pitcher. He grew up on a small Oklahoma farm and spent eight years bouncing around the minors before finally sticking with the Cardinals in 1943.

Even though he wasn’t big, he became a crafty pitcher, using pinpoint control and a nasty screwball to fool hitters for years.

From his struggles in the deep Cardinals farm system to his last days coaching the Browns, Brecheen’s story shows how determination and smart pitching can beat the odds. He earned All-Star nods, delivered in the World Series, and built a reputation as one of the most dependable competitors of the 1940s and early 1950s.

Early Life and Background

Harry David Brecheen was born on October 14, 1914, in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. His parents, Tom and Lucy Brecheen, had moved up from Texas when Oklahoma was still just a territory.

Growing up in small-town Oklahoma shaped him, giving Harry the grit and work ethic that would later help him succeed in baseball. He found his start through local youth programs and got some early guidance from established players.

Family Roots in Oklahoma

Harry was the oldest of three kids. His parents, Tom and Lucy (Tyree) Brecheen, originally came from Texas but settled in Broken Bow, right near the Texas border.

When Harry turned 10, the family moved to Ada, Oklahoma, a tiny city with fewer than 8,000 people. They lived on a farm just outside town.

People described young Harry as scrawny and naturally left-handed. Teachers tried to force him to write with his right hand, but he stubbornly stuck with his left. On the farm, he was way more interested in sports than school. If he wasn’t playing ball, he was probably out fishing or hunting.

Youth Baseball and American Legion Success

Brecheen honed his pitching in the local junior American Legion league. He really stood out there and quickly caught the attention of scouts.

While playing in the American Legion league, Brecheen racked up an incredible 65 wins and lost only three times. That kind of record made people take notice.

His youth baseball success led to his first shot at pro ball. The Tulsa Oilers of the Class A Texas League invited 18-year-old Brecheen to spring training in 1933. But honestly, he wasn’t quite ready to go up against those seasoned veterans just yet.

Influence of Local Baseball Figures

A few local baseball pros made a real difference for young Harry. He looked up to Carl Hubbell, another Oklahoma native who made it big in the majors.

The Waner brothers, Lloyd and Paul, were big leaguers from his own hometown. They supported Ada’s baseball scene and gave kids like Harry something to dream about.

Another huge influence was Cy Blanton of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who also came from Oklahoma. Blanton actually taught Brecheen the screwball years before Harry perfected it. That pitch would end up defining his whole career.

These local connections gave Brecheen a head start, teaching him tricks and techniques that helped him stand out once he turned pro.

Minor League Development

Harry Brecheen’s road to the majors took eight long years. He struggled with his control early on, but eventually mastered the screwball that made him famous. His journey started as a raw fastball pitcher in the Texas League and ended with the Cardinals picking him up.

Beginnings in the Texas League

Brecheen kicked off his pro career in 1935 with the Galveston Buccaneers of the Class A Texas League. Back then, he relied mostly on his fastball and curve, but his control was all over the place.

His first season didn’t go well. He quickly moved to the Greenville Buckshots in the Class C East Dixie League, then bounced back to the Buccaneers, and soon found himself with the Bartlesville Bucs in the Class C Western Association.

In 1936, Brecheen’s control issues really showed. He finished with a 6-22 record and walked 132 batters in 266 innings. Those numbers made it clear he had talent, but also a lot of work to do.

Learning the Screwball and Overcoming Challenges

Brecheen’s big breakthrough came in 1937 with the Portsmouth Cubs of the Class B Piedmont League. Cy Blanton had shown him the screwball, but at first, Harry couldn’t control it.

Portsmouth catcher Dick Luckey stepped in and changed everything. “I owe an awful lot to Dick Luckey,” Brecheen once said. “Before I met him, I was just trying to blow the ball past hitters, always looking for strikeouts. He helped me with my control and taught me how to think through a game.”

With Luckey’s help, Brecheen finally got the screwball to break down and away from righties. The results? He went 21-6 and walked just 69 batters in 249 innings—a massive improvement.

Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals noticed Brecheen’s turnaround and drafted him after his stellar 1937 season. Eddie Dyer—then president of a Cardinals affiliate—told the organization to grab the lefty.

Brecheen joined the Houston Buffaloes of the Class A Texas League for 1938 and 1939. He went 13-10 in his first year and improved to 18-7 in 1939, even tossing four straight shutouts and 38 scoreless innings in a row.

Even with those numbers, breaking into the majors wasn’t easy. The Cardinals’ pitching staff was stacked, and Branch Rickey liked big, hard-throwing pitchers—definitely not Brecheen’s style or size.

Major League Debut and St. Louis Cardinals Career

Brecheen made his big league debut on April 22, 1940, at age 25 with the St. Louis Cardinals. It wasn’t a smooth path to a regular spot. He spent his early years bouncing between the majors and minors before finally locking down a role in 1943.

Joining the Cardinals Roster

The Cardinals had trouble finding a permanent spot for Brecheen at first. After his short debut in 1940, they sent him down to the Columbus Red Birds in the American Association.

This back-and-forth continued for three years. Every spring, Brecheen went to camp with the Cardinals, then got sent to Columbus, where he put up strong seasons of 16-9, 16-6, and 19-10 from 1940 to 1942.

His big break finally came in 1943 when the Cardinals ran out of options on him. They had to either keep him on the major league roster or let him go.

World War II played a role, too. The Cardinals lost several pitchers to military service, including 21-game winner Johnny Beazley. That opened up spots Brecheen could fill.

Manager Billy Southworth saw the 28-year-old as a perfect swingman—someone who could start or relieve. Brecheen grabbed the opportunity and never looked back.

Performance in the National League

In 1943, Brecheen proved himself as a reliable National League pitcher. He went 9-6 with a 2.26 ERA in 135⅓ innings for the league’s top staff.

Brecheen’s control became legendary. He rarely walked hitters and always ranked near the top in fewest hits and walks allowed per nine innings from 1944-1950.

Season	Record	ERA	Strikeouts	Walks
1943	9-6	2.26	40	37
1944	16-5	2.85	60	49
1945	15-4	2.52	76	31

His arsenal featured a tricky screwball and a sharp curve. The screwball broke down and away from righties, and the curve moved the other way.

People called him “The Cat” for his lightning reflexes and slick fielding. He led the league with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage three times and made just eight errors in over 1,900 innings.

Relationship with Teammates and Coaches

Eddie Dyer played a huge role in Brecheen’s career. Dyer, who pushed for the Cardinals to draft him, later managed Harry and always had his back.

“I can’t say I realized Cat would become the great pitcher he has,” Dyer admitted about bringing Brecheen in. Their partnership paid off when Dyer took over as manager in 1946.

Teammate Chuck Diering once said, “He would buzz anybody. He was a mean pitcher, a tough competitor.” That reputation helped him earn respect in the clubhouse.

The Cardinals’ dugout in the 1940s was full of country guys like Brecheen. He fit right in with folks like Max Lanier, Al Brazle, and Marty Marion, who all had rural roots.

His teammates counted on him for steady performances and nerves of steel. Writer Stan Mockler said Brecheen had “ice water in his veins” and barely ever showed emotion on the mound.

World Series Heroics

Harry Brecheen earned his place in baseball history with an incredible 1946 World Series performance against the Boston Red Sox. His World Series stats are still among the best, thanks to his clutch pitching and some unforgettable moments.

1946 World Series Performance

Brecheen pulled off one of the greatest World Series performances ever during the Cardinals’ seven-game win over the Red Sox. He became the first lefty to win three games in a single World Series.

He kicked things off in Game Two with a dominant four-hit shutout. The Cardinals won 3-0, and Brecheen’s control was on full display.

He came back in Game Six and pitched well enough to force a decisive Game Seven.

In Game Seven, Brecheen took the mound in relief with the Cardinals up 4-3 in the ninth. He held the lead and clinched the championship.

That series made him “Harry the Cat” for good. His three wins tied a World Series record that still stands.

Career World Series Achievements

Brecheen’s World Series numbers are eye-popping. He finished with a 4-1 record and a 0.83 ERA over three World Series.

That 0.83 ERA is still one of the lowest ever for pitchers with significant innings. He threw three complete games and notched a shutout.

He pitched in the World Series in 1943, 1944, and 1946. The ’46 series really put him on the map.

Brecheen always seemed to pitch his best when the pressure was highest. His control and cool head made him a go-to guy in October.

Memorable Moments with Enos Slaughter and Harry Walker

The 1946 World Series had one of the most famous plays in baseball history, and Brecheen was on the mound. Enos Slaughter’s “Mad Dash” happened in Game Seven with Brecheen pitching.

Harry Walker hit a double that sent Slaughter racing home from first. That run put the Cardinals ahead for good in the eighth inning.

Brecheen looked back on that play with a smile: “When Harry Walker hit the ball, I can remember feeling a little relieved. And when Enos Slaughter scored that run, it was a wonderful feeling.”

He always gave credit to the team. “Winning the World Series is one of the greatest thrills you can ever have as a baseball player,” Brecheen said.

Lasting World Series Records

Brecheen set several World Series records that really highlight just how good he was when it mattered most. His 0.83 career ERA in World Series play sits among the best ever.

He still stands alone as the only left-handed pitcher to win three games in a single World Series. That’s been true since 1946, and honestly, it’s hard to imagine anyone breaking it.

He notched four total World Series wins out of just five decisions. That .800 winning percentage shows how clutch he could be when the pressure was on.

Brecheen’s postseason brilliance helped define the Cardinals’ championship run. He played a key role in their World Series titles in 1944 and 1946.

Transition to St. Louis Browns and Final Playing Season

After spending 11 seasons with the Cardinals, Brecheen crossed town in 1953 to join the St. Louis Browns. That year turned out to be his final season as a player, where he took on the challenge as both pitcher and coach for a struggling team.

Move to the St. Louis Browns

The Cardinals let Brecheen go after the 1952 season. He didn’t waste time, landing with the Browns, the other St. Louis squad.

This move kept Brecheen in familiar territory. He stayed in the same city and even played at Sportsman’s Park, just like before.

The Browns brought him in as a playing coach. That meant he could still pitch while also mentoring the younger guys on the roster.

The timing was interesting, to say the least. The 1953 season turned out to be the Browns’ last in St. Louis before they packed up for Baltimore.

Brecheen joined a team already bracing for change. The Browns were planning their move and would soon become the Baltimore Orioles.

1953 Season Review

The Browns finished dead last in the American League, going 54-100. They ended up a staggering 46½ games behind the World Series champion Yankees.

Even with the team struggling, Brecheen led the pitching staff. He put up a 3.07 ERA over 117⅓ innings.

He finished with a 5-13 record. Honestly, that stat says more about the Browns’ lack of offense than his pitching.

Brecheen’s final game came on September 13, 1953, against Philadelphia. He threw 7 innings, gave up 7 hits and 2 earned runs, and took the loss.

At 38, Brecheen still showed he could compete. His ERA beat the league average, which is impressive at that age.

Batting and Fielding Statistics in Final Year

Brecheen kept up his excellent fielding in 1953. He didn’t commit a single error, living up to his rep as one of the best fielding pitchers around.

He earned a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage. That was yet another errorless season for “The Cat.”

At the plate, Brecheen didn’t get many at-bats thanks to the American League’s different approach. His batting average and hits were pretty minimal, which was normal for pitchers back then.

The Browns’ weak offense meant Brecheen rarely got much run support. That definitely explains his losing record, even though he pitched well.

After the season, Brecheen retired as a player. He followed the franchise to Baltimore and became the Orioles’ pitching coach from 1954 to 1967.

Coaching Career and Legacy

When Brecheen hung up his spikes in 1953, he jumped right into coaching with the St. Louis Browns. His knack for pitching mechanics and game strategy made him a go-to mentor for so many pitchers over the years.

Pitching Coach Achievements

Brecheen started coaching as soon as his playing days ended, taking over as the Browns’ pitching coach in 1954. His success as a lefty with pinpoint control made him a natural fit.

He focused on teaching proper mechanics and smart pitch sequencing. Brecheen always valued control over pure speed, drawing from his own experience on the mound.

His approach paid off, especially for young pitchers. He worked closely with them on breaking balls and change-ups, two pitches that had been key to his own game.

Brecheen brought his World Series experience into the dugout. He showed pitchers how to handle pressure and keep their cool in big moments.

Influence on Hoyt Wilhelm and Robin Roberts

Brecheen worked closely with future Hall of Famer Hoyt Wilhelm. Wilhelm’s famous knuckleball got even better thanks to Brecheen’s advice on pitch selection and managing games.

Wilhelm learned how to approach different hitters. Brecheen’s experience facing both lefties and righties gave Wilhelm new ways to think about his own pitching.

Robin Roberts also turned to Brecheen for help during his career. Roberts, already a star, wanted to extend his career and leaned on Brecheen’s expertise.

Brecheen helped Roberts tweak his style as he aged, shifting from power pitching to more finesse and smart pitch placement. That advice really paid off in Roberts’ later years.

Contributions to Baseball Post-Retirement

Brecheen didn’t stop after his big-league coaching gigs. He ran pitching clinics and worked with amateur players, always eager to pass on what he knew.

He always stressed fundamentals and mental prep. Brecheen believed that knowing hitters’ weaknesses mattered just as much as having a good arm.

He also got involved in youth baseball programs. Brecheen helped set up training methods that coaches still use today.

His legacy goes way beyond his stats. Brecheen’s coaching helped connect classic baseball wisdom with the modern game.

Accolades and Impact on Baseball

Harry Brecheen racked up plenty of honors during his 12 years in the majors. He made multiple All-Star teams and led the National League in several categories. People still talk about his impact, both in the numbers and in the respect he earned from peers and historians.

All-Star and Stat Leader Honors

Brecheen earned two All-Star nods with the Cardinals. His best season came in 1948, when he pretty much dominated the National League.

That year, he went 20-7 with a .741 winning percentage. He led the league in ERA at 2.24, strikeouts with 149, and shutouts with seven. He also topped advanced stats like FIP (2.37), WHIP (1.037), and K/BB ratio (3.04).

He finished fifth in MVP voting that season. Brecheen also picked up ERA titles in other years and led the NL with a .789 winning percentage in 1945, going 15-4.

His career numbers include a 133-92 record and a 2.92 ERA. He won at least 14 games every year from 1944 to 1949.

Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame Induction

Brecheen’s baseball journey earned him plenty of honors back home. Born in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, he became a local legend.

His rise from small-town Oklahoma to the majors inspired plenty of young players in the state. Oklahoma recognized his impact on the game with several honors.

He also joined the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2018. That recognized everything he did for the team over his 11 seasons.

Reputation Among Peers and Historians

Baseball historians keep Brecheen high on the list of great lefties from his era. That 2.92 career ERA stands out in the record books.

Players from his time respected his ability and fire. Dizzy Dean once said, “For a little guy, Brecheen gets a lot on the ball. With the kind of control he’s got, he could thread a needle with the ball.”

Pete Reiser of the Dodgers called his pitching motion the finest he’d seen: “Brecheen hides the ball well and he has fine deception.”

Teammate Chuck Diering summed it up: “He would buzz anybody. He was a mean pitcher, a tough competitor.”

People knew him as “The Cat.” That nickname became so well known that newspapers didn’t even bother with his last name. It fit—he was quick and an excellent fielder.

Personal Life and Remembrance

Harry Brecheen’s life off the field stayed closely tied to his Oklahoma roots and family. His experiences during World War II shaped his path, and his lasting impact on baseball in Oklahoma made him a legend back home.

Family and Off-Field Interests

Brecheen married his high school sweetheart, Vera Caperton, in 1933. He was just 19, and it happened right after he didn’t make it with the Tulsa Oilers.

They stayed together through his whole baseball journey and beyond. Vera gave him stability during those tough eight years in the minors.

Growing up on a farm outside Ada, Oklahoma, Brecheen fell in love with the outdoors. He loved fishing and hunting, often heading out with a rod or gun as a kid.

He never really left his small-town roots behind. Even after making it big, Brecheen kept close ties to Oklahoma’s red-clay country.

His humble beginnings shaped who he was. Sportswriters often called him “deadpanned and apparently nerveless” or said he had “ice water in his veins” on the mound.

World War II Context

World War II changed the course of Brecheen’s career. He didn’t serve because of a 4-F classification.

Brecheen had broken his ankle as a kid. He also had a spinal issue that kept him out of the service.

Because of that, he kept playing baseball while so many others went overseas. The war opened doors for Brecheen to secure his spot in the Cardinals’ rotation.

Johnny Beazley, who won 21 games for the Cardinals, left for military service. That move helped Brecheen get his shot in 1943.

Those war years ended up being some of his best. In 1943, his first full season, he went 9-6 with a 2.26 ERA.

Legacy in Oklahoma and Beyond

Brecheen made a huge impact on Oklahoma baseball, and honestly, it didn’t stop when he left the field. He turned into a real point of pride for Oklahoma, showing off small-town grit on baseball’s biggest stage.

You could see his connection to other Oklahomans throughout his whole career. He looked up to Carl Hubbell, who also grew up in Oklahoma, and picked up his famous screwball from Cy Blanton of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Lloyd and Paul Waner, both local legends, cheered on baseball in Ada while Brecheen was still a kid. That kind of hometown support really helped him grow as a player.

Brecheen’s rise pushed other Oklahoma kids to chase their baseball dreams too. His journey showed everyone that even players from tiny towns could make it all the way to the top.

He died on January 17, 2004, at 89. Folks still remember “The Cat” in St. Louis Cardinals history and Oklahoma sports stories.