Harry Brecheen, 89; Pitcher Won 3 Games in 1946 Series

ADA, Okla. —  Harry “The Cat” Brecheen, a pitcher who won three games for the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1946 World Series, has died at 89.

Brecheen died Saturday at a nursing facility in Bethany, officials at Criswell Funeral Home said Sunday. No cause of death was given.

“My dad was a very social fellow. He’s going to be missed by his family and friends,” son Steve Brecheen told the Ada Evening News.

Brecheen was a two-time all star during his 12-year career, earning the nickname “The Cat” for his fielding. He had a 133-92 record with a 2.92 ERA in 11 seasons with the Cardinals and one with the St. Louis Browns.

He had a career record of 4-1 in the World Series. In 1946, he beat the Ted Williams-led Boston Red Sox three times -- including victories in Games 6 and 7 -- to help the Cardinals win the championship in seven games. He pitched complete games in Games 2 and 6, and came on to win in relief in Game 7.

Brecheen is one of only 11 pitchers to win three games in a World Series since 1905. Smokey Joe Wood won three games in the 1912 World Series, which went eight games.

Brecheen also pitched in the 1943 and the 1944 World Series for the Cardinals.

Brecheen’s best season came in 1948 when he went 20-7 and led the National League with a 2.24 ERA, 149 strikeouts and seven shutouts. He finished second in the league with 21 complete games. He also led the league with five shutouts in 1946.