Larry Sherry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Larry Sherry |
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: July 25, 1935 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
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| Died: December 17, 2006 (aged 71) Mission Viejo, California, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| April 17, 1958, for the Los Angeles Dodgers | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| July 7, 1968, for the California Angels | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 53–44 | ||
| Earned run average | 3.67 | ||
| Strikeouts | 606 | ||
| Saves | 82 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Lawrence "Larry" Sherry (born July 25, 1935 – died December 17, 2006) was an American professional baseball player and coach. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a right-handed relief pitcher. His career lasted from 1958 to 1968. He is best known for playing with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Detroit Tigers.
Sherry was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1959 World Series. This was a big win for the Dodgers. It was their first championship since moving from Brooklyn just two years earlier. After his playing days, Sherry became a manager in the minor leagues. He also coached for major league teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates and the California Angels.
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Early Life and Family
Larry Sherry was born in Los Angeles, California. His family was Jewish. His parents, Harry and Mildred Sherry, were children of Russian Jewish immigrants. Their families had come to the United States to escape difficult times. Larry's paternal grandparents arrived in 1898. Around 1920, his father changed the family name to Sherry.
Larry was born with clubfeet, a condition where the foot is turned inward. He needed surgery as a baby and wore special shoes. He went to Fairfax High School in Los Angeles. Larry's brother, Norm Sherry, also played in Major League Baseball. Larry and Norm even played together for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1959 to 1962. Sometimes, they formed a "battery," with Larry pitching and Norm catching.
Baseball Career Highlights
Larry Sherry made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 17, 1958. This was only the Dodgers' third game after moving to Los Angeles. His first game was against their rivals, the San Francisco Giants. Sherry's first outing was short, and he played in only four more games that year.
1959 World Series MVP
Sherry had a great season in 1959. He won 7 games and lost only 2. His earned run average (ERA) was 2.19, which is very good. He became the MVP of the 1959 World Series. The Dodgers beat the Chicago White Sox in 6 games. Sherry also received the Babe Ruth Award. He finished all four Dodger victories in the Series. He won two games and got a save in the other two. His ERA during the Series was an amazing 0.71.
Continuing Success
In 1960, Sherry won a career-high 14 games. He finished 38 games, which was 4th best in the league. He pitched in 57 games, ranking 6th in the league. He even received some votes for the MVP award that year.
In 1961, he was 5th in the National League in saves (15). He was also 5th in games finished (34) and 9th in games pitched (53). In 1962, he was 7th in saves (11) and games pitched (58).
Later Career and Retirement
Just before the 1964 season, Sherry was traded to the Detroit Tigers. He played with the Tigers for three and a half years. In 1966, he had a career-best 20 saves. This was the 3rd most in the American League that year.
He was traded to the Houston Astros in the second half of the 1967 season. Larry Sherry ended his playing career with three games for the California Angels in 1968.
Sherry finished his career with a record of 53 wins and 44 losses. He had 606 strikeouts and 82 saves. His career ERA was 3.67 in 416 games.
Coaching Career
After his time as a pitcher, Larry Sherry became a manager. He managed teams in the minor league systems for the White Sox (1970–1972) and the Pittsburgh Pirates. He also coached in the Dodgers' minor league organization.
Sherry was the pitching coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1977 and 1978. He then held the same coaching job with the California Angels in 1979 and 1980.
Accolades and Recognition
In 1993, Larry Sherry was honored. He was inducted into the Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. In the early 1960s, Sherry also marketed a popular product. It was called the 'Larry Sherry Pitch Back,' which helped return a pitched ball.
Death
Larry Sherry passed away on December 17, 2006. He died at his home in Mission Viejo, California. He had been battling cancer for a long time.
See also
- List of Jewish Major League Baseball players
