Harry Danning, 93; New York Giants Catcher Played in World Series

Harry “the Horse” Danning, 93, a catcher for the New York Giants from 1933 to 1942 who played in two World Series and hit .300 or better three years in a row, has died.

Danning died Monday in Valparaiso, Ind., of natural causes, said his niece, Sue Kaplan.

Danning grew up in Los Angeles and attended Los Angeles High School. He began catching for teams in the Depression to supplement his income and was spotted by a scout for the Giants.

During his time with the Giants, Danning was a member of four National League All-Star teams. On June 9, 1939, he hit one of the five home runs in one inning that broke a major league record of four that had been set in 1894. He was voted the best catcher in baseball in 1940.

He got his nickname from sports commentator Ted Husing, borrowing from a character created by writer Damon Runyon.

Danning’s brother, Ike, also briefly played in the major leagues, for the St. Louis Browns.

Because of ill health, Danning, who was the oldest living Jewish major leaguer, was unable to attend a Baseball Hall of Fame event last summer in Cooperstown, N.Y., that honored Jews in baseball.