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

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From Associated Press

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.

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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.

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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.

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