Larry McLean, born on July 18, 1881, was a prominent Canadian professional baseball catcher whose career spanned from 1901 to 1915. He began his journey in Major League Baseball with the Boston Americans and showcased his talents with five different teams throughout his career. Standing at an impressive six feet, five inches, McLean was one of the tallest catchers in the history of the sport.
Despite his physical prowess, McLean's career was marred by personal struggles. He was known for his heavy drinking and violent behavior, which ultimately led to his downfall. His professional journey came to a tumultuous end following a brawl with New York Giants manager John McGraw and team scout Dick Kinsella in 1915, marking a significant turning point in his life.
McLean's final appearance in Major League Baseball was on June 6, 1915, with the New York Giants. Tragically, his life took a dark turn six years later when he was fatally shot by a bartender, a grim end to a career that had once promised so much.