Harry German

(1876 -1954) 

Harry German was the grandson of George and Henrietta (Pins) German who lived on 14 Mile at Middlebelt. Their home is still located there! Harry attended the Stone, German school, as it was called near his grandparents. He was just a "stone's throw" away from Franklin where his Uncle John was a miller on German Mill Road. 

In 1892, he was living in Northville and playing baseball in high school. He developed a curve ball and was considered one of the best young players in the state. 
He loved the game of baseball and played for a number of independent teams. Back in those days, players weren't paid. However, Gennan was in demand and was rewarded with $3.00 for pitching a game! 

At the age of 23, he became a banker. During that time, he received a call from the Toledo Mudhens. He pitched for them from 1902 - 1904 while still working at the bank in Carleton. But, he never played on a Sunday! He later served as the Mayor of Northville. 

After he was sixty years old, he pitched for the Detroit "Old Timers." He retired five years later. He had been on the mound for fifty· three years! 
He was killed in an automobile accident in 1954.