Old-Timer Harder Says Gehrig Tougher Than Ruth at Plate

How tough an out was Lou Gehrig?

Tougher than Babe Ruth, for one long-ago American League pitcher.

Mel Harder, who pitched for Cleveland from 1928 to 1947, recently recalled some old Yankee battles.

“I had an easier time getting Babe Ruth out than I did Gehrig,” said Harder, 85, who lives in Cleveland.

“Ruth was a big swinger; you could fool him. If you made sure you didn’t give Ruth anything good to hit, or anything he was looking for, usually you were OK.

“But Gehrig stood up there with a wide stance and covered the whole plate really well. I was a curveball and sinkerball pitcher, and I tried to put everything to him low and outside.

“But he was a lot more than just a power hitter. If you pitched him outside he could take it to left field. If you went inside, he’d pull it.

“In the 11 seasons I faced Gehrig, he hit nine home runs off me. I don’t know what his lifetime average was against me, but it was high. I only gave up three homers to Ruth.”