Mel Harder (October 15, 1909 - October 20, 2002), nicknamed "Chief", was a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher who later became a highly regarded pitching coach. He spent 36 seasons with the Cleveland Indians: as a player between 1928 and 1947, and later as a coach from 1949-64; he twice served as an interim manager (1961-62). He also coached with the New York Mets (1965), Chicago Cubs (1966-1967), Cincinnati Reds (1968) and Kansas City Royals (1969). Harder was born in Beemer, Nebraska. His pitching style revolved around his fine curveball, a hard fastball and excellent control. He posted a career 226-186 record with 1160 strikeouts and a 3.80 ERA in 3426.1 innings pitched. In 1934 he finished with 22 wins, and had 20 wins in 1935.
Harder appeared in four All-Star games and set a record with 13 consecutive innings without an earned run. He won one All-Star game and earned a save in 2 others.
Harder died in Chardon, Ohio at age of 93. At the time of his death, he was one of only five players still living who saw action in the 1920s.
