born in denton, north carolina, lanier was one of a handful of players who remained active during the world war ii years. a naturally right-handed player, he had become a left-handed pitcher only because he twice broke his right arm in childhood. after signing with the cardinals in 1937, he reached the major leagues in 1938. he had arguably his best season in 1943, compiling a 15–7 record with a league-best 1.90 era. in 1944 he won a career-high 17 games, and was the winner of the final game of the world series against the crosstown browns. he was named an nl all-star in both 1943 and 1944.