Harlan "Firpo" Pyle was with the McCook team in the Nebraska State League in 1928. He had 20 wins, completed 24 games and pitched both ends of a double header on at least two occasions. He was brought up by the Reds after the NSL season was over.
Joe Stipp tells the story to the Sporting News:
"Pyle hooked up with the club at St. Louis and manager Hendricks decided to send him to the bull pen to warm up. "Hell no" shrieked the kid from the bench, "I'm too scairt to pitch before this crowd". He was excused. A short time later the Reds were in Philadelphia and about 200 patrons were present at game time. "Hey Mr. Hendricks, I can pitch here" said the rookie, "This looks like the crowds they have down in the Nebraska State League.""
Pyle pitched four outs for the Reds in 1928, he never returned to the big leagues.
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