LOOKING BACK AT THE 1914 "MIRACLE" BOSTON BRAVES ...
THE GREATEST COMEBACK IN MLB HISTORY ... 110 YEARS AGO

Larry Gilbert played on a World Series champion and four minor-league pennant winners during his playing career.

He pitched semipro ball in New Orleans and made a name for himself. One of his victories was a 1-0 win over a team with some major leaguers. He ended up signing with San Antonio of the Texas League.

For his first minor-league season in 1910, San Antonio sent the 18-year-old to Class D Victoria of the Southwest Texas League, where he tore up the league, going 18-7 and leading his team to the pennant. Before the next season, the Class C Battle Creek Crickets of the Southern Michigan League bought his contract.

At Battle Creek he had another winning season, going 17-15. But during a game on Labor Day, he tore some muscles in his left side and his pitching arm was never the same.

Larry started to see some playing time in the outfield and in 1912 made the switch full-time to an outfielder. With his pitching career over, he had to start his baseball career over. Fortunately for him, he was a top-rated player in Battle Creek and the team was more than happy to bring him back. He rewarded them by batting .302 and remained as an outfielder for the rest of his playing career.

Larry hoped to play with his hometown New Orleans Pelicans in 1913, however, Battle Creek sold him to Milwaukee of the American Association.

After Larry settled in with the Brewers, he had a fine season, batting .282 and leading the American Association in stolen bases. He helped Milwaukee to the American Association championship and, after the season, was drafted by the Boston Braves.

As with many baseball players in 1914, rumors swirled that he might sign with the upstart Federal League, but in March, he was with the Braves for spring training. The rookie made a good impression on George Stallings and was in the Opening Day starting lineup as the center fielder.

But only eight days later Larry collided with Joe Connolly as they chased a drive and tore the ligaments in his ankle, and had an infection that severely would hamper his season. When he came back, he was in and out of the lineup.

The Braves felt him healthy enough to keep him on the bench for pinch-hitting duty during the World Series against the Philadelphia Athletics. In his only at-bat in the Series, he was sent up to bat for pitcher Bill James and was intentionally walked.

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Larry Gilbert (pic)

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