Former Indian Harder Dies

Mel Harder, who won 223 games during a 20-year career with the Cleveland Indians and pitched against such greats as Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio, died Sunday. He was 93.

Harder died at his home in Chardon, Ohio, about 25 miles east of Cleveland, at 3:30 a.m. local time, according to his grandson, Dan Itschner. He was in failing health the last few years, and was hospitalized a year ago with pneumonia.

Harder appeared in four All-Star games from 1934-37 and didn’t give up an earned run in 13 innings -- a record that still stands. The right-hander won one game and saved two others.

From 1928-47, he was one of the American League’s most consistent pitchers. Harder won 15 or more games eight times and had 20-win seasons in 1934 and 1935.