30 greatest MLB players to never make the playoffs

23. Mel Harder

Right-hander Mel Harder spent his entire 20-year MLB career with the Cleveland Indians, winning 223 games. Harder was a four-time All-Star and had two 20-win seasons during his peak. His pitching records for the Indians were eventually broken by Hall of Famer Bob Feller.

Harder’s peak ran from 1932 to 1939 where he went 134-99 with a 3.64 ERA. His best season came in 1934 when he won 20 games and had a 2.61 ERA while leading the AL with six shutouts. Harder was known for his sharp curveball and hard fastball during his career. He was never one to rack up strikeouts but never allowed many home runs.

Harder always brought his best to the All-Star Game, and he had his most high-profile moments in the Midsummer Classic since the Indians could never win the pennant during his time in the big leagues. Harder set a record with 13 shutout innings in his four appearances. He was the winner of the 1934 games after throwing five shutout innings with only one hit allowed.

The Indians won the World Series in 1948, the year after Harder retired. He was a part of that team, though, serving as their pitching coach. Harder spent 16 years as the pitching coach for the Tribe and was instrumental in the development of Feller, Bob Lemon, Early Wynn, Luis Tiant, Herb Score, Tommy John and many others.