Alex Hardy

David Alexander Hardy
(Dooney)

• Bats Right, Throws Left
• Height 5' 10", Weight 175 lb.

• Debut September 4, 1902
• Final Game May 9, 1903
• Born September 30, 1876 in Toronto, ON CAN
• Died April 22, 1940 in Toronto, ON CAN

BR page

Biographical Information

Alex Hardy made seven appearances in the big leagues with the Chicago Orphans/Chicago Cubs in 1902-1903. He tossed a two-hit shutout against the Brooklyn Superbas in his big-league debut on September 4, 1902. As of the start of the 2023 season, it remained the best major-league debut by a Canadian or Chicago Cubs pitcher. In Hardy's September 14th start, he tossed the pitch that resulted in the first-ever “Tinker to Evers to Chance” double play.

He first rose to prominence with the St. Thomas Saints of the Canadian League in 1899 and the Montréal Mascottes, a top semi-pro club, in 1900. In 1901 he led Waterloo (Ontario) to the Canadian League championship.

After his brief major-league career, Hardy continued to pitch in the minor leagues until 1910.

Further Reading

• Gary Belleville: "September 4, 1902: Canadian Alex Hardy tosses two-hit shutout for Chicago Orphans in major-league debut," SABR Baseball Games Project.

Related Sites

• SABR Quebec page with photos