RIP Max Lanier

Southerncards

Max Lanier, 91; pitched in 3 consecutive World Series during WWII
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
February 7, 2007


Max Lanier, 91, who pitched in three consecutive World Series for the St. Louis Cardinals during World War II, died Jan. 30 in Dunellon, Fla. A cause of death was not specified, but he had been in poor health for some time.

Born Hubert Max Lanier in Denton, N.C., in 1915, he began his major league career with the Cardinals in 1938 and pitched in the 1942, 1943 and 1944 World Series, posting a 2-1 record in seven games.

The Cardinals beat the New York Yankees in 1942, lost a rematch the next year and beat the St. Louis Browns in 1944.

The left-hander led the National League with a 1.90 earned-run average in 1943.

In May 1946, Lanier was one of 18 major leaguers who jumped to the Mexican League seeking higher salaries. But the money ran out, and when the major leaguers tried to return to their teams in the U.S., they found themselves banned for five years.

Only after Lanier and teammate Fred Martin sued in 1949 did baseball allow the players to return. Lanier spent three more seasons with the Cardinals.

He had a career record of 108-82, including stints with the New York Giants and the St. Louis Browns in 1952 and 1953. He later managed in the minor leagues.

His son, Hal Lanier, played and managed in the major leagues.