Four-Time World Series Champion Pitcher Dead At 78

Ken Holtzman, a former Major League Baseball player who was a part of four World Series-winning teams, passed away this week at the age of 78. No cause of death was released.

The Chicago Cubs released a statement following their former players passing.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Cubs pitcher Ken Holtzman. Ken was a Cub from 1965-1971 and 1978-1979. He posted a 3.76 ERA in 237 games with the club, including two no-hitters, cementing himself as one of the best left-handed pitchers in Cubs history. We send our condolences to Ken’s family and friends during this time.”

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Holtzman began his professional baseball career after playing college baseball at the University of Illinois.

Throughout his career, Holtzman played fifteen years in the Major Leagues, competing for the Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, and the New York Yankees. Ken finished his career with a 174-150 record. He is a member of several Halls of Fame and holds the record for the most victories by a Jewish pitcher.

Although Holtzman played for several teams throughout his career, he both started and ended his career playing for the Chicago Cubs. Ken won four World Series titles in total, three with the Oakland Athletics, and one with the New York Yankees in 1977.

Holtzman also received several All-Star selections in his career, including two while playing for the Oakland Athletics. Ken was widely remembered for throwing two no-hitters while playing for the Cubs, including his first on August 19,1969, against the Atlanta Braves. Holtzman did not record a strikeout in the game, making it just the third no-hitter ever to not feature a strikeout.

Once his baseball career ended, Holtzman had accumulated a 174-150 record with a 3.49 ERA, 1,601 strikeouts, and 31 shutouts in 451 games. There is no doubt that Holtzman made a lasting impact on Major League Baseball and will be remembered as a legend of the game.