Elmer Haas was one of the greatest left-handed pitchers
in Kitty League history. During his four-year career in the league,
"Lefty" had three 20-win seasons and contributed
to two pennant-winning clubs. He proved to his versatility
as a starting pitcher, reliever, and a decent hitting
utility player. His 80-25 career record ranks 2nd among
pitchers in the circuit between 1935-1955. He was no slouch
at the plate either with a .280 batting average in 625
career at-bats.
Haas tied the single-season win record with 25 victories
for the second place Bowling Green Barons in 1939. His
record was 12-10 halfway through the season before winning
10 straight decisions to reach the mark. He also led the
circuit with 285 innings pitched and 27 complete games.
His baseball career ended prematurely at the age of 27
when he was diagnosed with infantile paralysis following the
1941 season.
Determined not to be an invalid the rest of his life,
Haas learned to walk with a pronounced limp and became a
house painter. "He loved baseball and football until
the day he died," wrote his daughter, Arleen (Haas)
Ireland.
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