Oscar Harstad

Oscar Theander Harstad

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 174 lb.
• School Pacific Lutheran University
• High School Pacific Lutheran Academy
• Debut April 23, 1915
• Final Game August 28, 1915
• Born May 24, 1892 in Parkland, WA USA
• Died November 14, 1985 in Corvallis, OR USA

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Biographical Information

Oscar Harstad gave up a hit to the first batter he ever faced. He didn't feel too bad though...the batter was baseball's all-time career leader in batting average, Ty Cobb.

Harstad was used quite a bit by the Cleveland Indians in 1915. He pitched more in relief than any other pitcher on the team except Sad Sam Jones, who was only 22 at the time. While Harstad pitched only in 1915 in the majors, Jones was still a major league pitcher in 1935. However, Harstad had a better ERA in 1915 than Jones or Fritz Coumbe, who was also used much in relief.

After very brief baseball career, Oscar Harstad became a dentist. Oscar's father was a Lutheran pastor who had emigrated from Norway. He settled in Parkland, WA after spending time in the Midwest, where he founded Pacific Lutheran University. Two of Oscar' brothers, Oliver and Ingvald, played minor league baseball.

Related Sites

• Oscar Harstad at the SABR Bio Project