Former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher, Ken Holtzman, has passed away at the age of 78. He died on Sunday, April 14, 2024 after spending three weeks in hospital care. His brother, Bob Holtzman, revealed that while the exact cause of death is yet to be determined, Ken had been experiencing heart-related health issues.
Holtzman was born on November 3, 1945, in St. Louis, Missouri. His professional baseball career spanned 15 years, with notable stints with the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics. His outstanding achievements during this period have left an indelible mark on the sport.
His MLB journey started when the Chicago Cubs selected him in the fourth round of the 1965 MLB Draft. Before turning 20, Holtzman made his debut against Willie Mays and the San Francisco Giants. His first teammates included baseball legends Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, and Ron Santo, all Hall of Famers who have significantly influenced various generations of Cubs fans.
Holtzman quickly established himself as a dependable starting pitcher, managing to pitch over 215 innings in nine different seasons, a feat that’s considered less achievable in the current baseball climate. His tenure with the Cubs was highlighted by his accomplishment of pitching two no-hitters, a testament to his exceptional skill and control on the mound.
Following the 1971 season, Holtzman was traded to the Oakland A’s in exchange for outfielder Rick Monday. This transition provided him an opportunity to be a part of a rising powerhouse team in the Bay Area. In Oakland, he played alongside fellow pitchers Catfish Hunter and Vida Blue, and contributed to the team’s World Series victories in 1972, 1973, and 1974. He was also selected for the All-Star game in 1972 and 1973. In the 1973 season alone, he started in 40 games and pitched close to 300 innings.
His performance throughout these championship years was remarkable. He played pivotal roles in winning key games in the American League Championship Series and the World Series. In 1973, he played a critical role in securing victory in Game 3 of the ALCS after an 11-inning battle, and Game 7 of the World Series.
Beyond the Athletics and Cubs, Holtzman also had brief stints with the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees. With the latter, he earned his fourth World Series ring in 1977, despite not playing in the postseason that year. His career came full circle when he returned to the Cubs in 1978, providing a fitting end to his professional baseball career before retiring in 1979.
Over his career, Holtzman compiled a record of 174 wins and 150 losses, with a 3.49 earned run average (ERA) and 1,601 strikeouts. Beyond these numbers, he was known for his intellectual approach to the game and was a staunch advocate for players’ rights during the formative years of free agency.
Following his death, the Cubs released a statement expressing their grief, recognizing Holtzman as “one of the best left-handed pitchers” in the team’s history, and extending their condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.