Hal McKain

Harold LeRoy “Hal” McKain (1906-1970) was the first of three major league pitchers to graduate from Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln H.S. Born in Missouri Valley, and raised in Logan, Iowa, McKain moved to Council Bluffs at age 14. After high school, McKain played semi-pro baseball. After posting a 23-5 record in the Three-I League, he was signed by the Cleveland Indians. The Indians temporarily promoted him to the majors in 1927 in order to protect McKain from the free-agent draft because they had already reached their limit of players farmed to minor league teams. Baseball Commissioner Kennesaw Mountain Landis caught wind of the charade and declared McKain a free agent. The Chicago White Sox quickly bought his contract for $20,000. McKain made it back to the majors with the White Sox in 1929. He played with the Sox through 1932. McKain specialized as a right-handed relief pitcher. In 1930 he was recognized as the best relief pitcher in the majors. He developed arm problems by 1932 and appeared in only 8 games in his final season. Perhaps McKain should have switched to batting after developing his arm problems. In 1930 he hit .419 with four triples in 31 official at-bats.