Larry Pape

Who was Larry Pape?

Laurence Albert Pape was a pitcher in Major League who played his entire career for the Boston Red Sox between the 1909 and 1912 seasons. Listed at 5 ft 11 in, 175 lb., Pape batted and threw right-handed. He was born in Norwood, Ohio.

Pape began his baseball career with independent teams in a suburb of Cincinnati, before joining the Milwaukee Brewers of the American Association in 1908. He entered the majors in 1909 with the Red Sox, going 2–0 with a 2.01 ERA, appearing in 11 games as a starter, reliever and closer. He was demoted to Brockton a year later, being recalled in 1911 to join a Boston rotation that included Smoky Joe Wood, Ed Cicotte and Ray Collins. Pape responded with a 10–8 mark and a 2.45 ERA. He also was a member of the 1912 American League champion Red Sox, although he did not play in the World Series.

In a three-season career, Pape posted a 13–9 record with 84 strikeouts and a 2.80 ERA in 51 appearances, including 24 starts, 13 complete games, two shutouts, one save, and 283⅓ innings of work. Following his majors career, he pitched briefly for Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.

Pape died on his 35th birthday in Swissvale, Pennsylvania, of complications resulting from an old injury received while playing baseball.