In the 1930s, only Carl Hubbell worked more innings than Larry French’s 2,481. The rugged lefthander appeared in more than 40 games seven straight years, beginning with a league-high 47 in 1932. He led the NL in starts the next season, his third straight as league leader in hits allowed.
French recorded 40 career shutouts, leading the NL in 1935 and 1936, his first two seasons with the Cubs. He ignited Chicago’s 21-game winning streak to capture the 1935 NL pennant, winning five in that stretch. He won 18 games three times, and lost 19 for the 1938 Cubs. French finished his career brilliantly, leading the NL in winning percentage for the 1942 Dodgers (15-4, .789). He joined the Navy in 1943, retiring in 1969 as a captain.
