Al Lary

Who was Al Lary?

Alfred Allen Lary was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He had an outstanding college football career at the University of Alabama, but signed with the Chicago Cubs as an amateur free agent before the 1951 season. He played for the Cubs in 1954, 1955, and 1962.

Lary made his Major League debut on September 25, 1954 in a start against the Cincinnati Redlegs at Wrigley Field. The opposing pitcher was Art Fowler. Lary pitched six innings and allowed two earned runs, receiving no decision in the 4–2 Cubs victory. He was with the Cubs briefly in 1955 and was used in four games, all as a pinch runner. It would be seven years before he reached the Major League level again.

Lary gave up Willie Mays' 324th career home run, a grand slam, in Candlestick Park on April 28, 1962. His career totals for 29 games include a record of 0–1, 4 games started, 4 games finished, and an ERA of 6.52. In 40 innings pitched he struck out 22, walked 22, and allowed 45 hits.

Lary died by accidental drowning in his hometown of Northport, Alabama, at the age of 72. He was the older brother of All-Star pitcher Frank Lary.