Larry Cheney

Who was Larry Cheney?

Laurance Russell Cheney was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Chicago Cubs, Brooklyn Robins, Boston Braves and Philadelphia Phillies. Cheney batted and threw right-handed. He was born in Belleville, Kansas.

Cheney debuted with the Cubs on September 19, 1911. After two appearances as a reliever, he pitched a shutout against Brooklyn, but was hit by a line drive off the bat of Zack Wheat which Cheney deflected with his throwing hand, fracturing his thumb and nose. The following season he relied heavily on a knuckleball and spitter after his broken finger took some speed off his heavy fastball. Then he blossomed, tying with Rube Marquard for the National League lead in wins, leading with 28 complete games, as he finished second in winning percentage.

In 1913 Cheney won 21 games and led the league in saves and games pitched. On September 14, he shut out the New York Giants while allowing 14 hits, setting a major league record for most hits given up while pitching a nine-inning shutout. He won 20 games in 1914, leading the league in starts and games. From 1912 to 1914 he pitched 300 or more innings in each season, with a career-high 311 in 1914. Also in 1914, Cheney set a record for most wild pitches in a season opening with 4 against the Cincinnati Reds on April 14.