Topps Baseball Cards from the Golden Age

Harry Dorish - Steal of Home

April 16, 2009

Harry Dorish (Topps 1956 #167) is shown running (maybe from third to home) in his final year in the majors. In this shot he appears to be moving quite well. Dorish stole home plate on the front end of a double steal on June 2, 1950 against the Washington Senators and is the last American League pitcher to steal home. I guess the Senators were asleep in Washington back then too.
 
Harry Dorish was one of the first relief pitchers who was recognized for closing games.  In 1952 he led the league in saves with 11 and a 2.47 ERA for the White Sox.  His sinker forced ground balls. He had a winning record over 10 years in the majors with 45 wins and 43 losses.
 
On May 26, 1955, Don Newcombe came to bat in the ninth inning with two runners on against the Pirates and smashed a long fly ball that fell went for a triple. As Roy Face began to deliver his next pitch, Newcomb streaked for home. Face threw hurriedly to the plate with Newcombe beating the tag. Newcombe is the last pitcher to pull off a straight steal of home, though others have done it in the National League on the front end of a double steal since then.

You can check out Dorish's stats at Baseball-Reference.com.

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