Ken Holtzman, a name that echoes the power of exceptional pitching in Major League Baseball, has died at 78. The crafty southpaw passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2024, after a three-week stay in the hospital. His brother, Bob Holtzman, stated that while the exact cause of death is unclear, he was dealing with heart problems.
Born on November 3, 1945, in St. Louis, Missouri, his legacy in baseball spans 15 seasons, notably with the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics, where he etched his name in the annals of the sport with his unique achievements.
His journey in the majors began when the Chicago Cubs recognized his potential and selected him in the fourth round of the 1965 MLB Draft. Before his 20th birthday, Holtzman joined the Cubs, debuting against Willie Mays and the San Francisco Giants. His initial teammates included legends Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, and Ron Santo—three Hall of Famers who bridged different eras of Cubs supporters.
He emerged as a reliable starter, pitching over 215 innings in nine separate seasons—a feat less conceivable in today’s baseball environment. His time with the Cubs was marked by notable achievements, including pitching two no-hitters, a rare feat that showcased his skill and control on the mound.
After the 1971 season, the Cubs traded Holtzman to the Oakland A’s for outfielder Rick Monday. This move represented a chance to join a burgeoning dynasty in the Bay Area. He reached the zenith of his career with the Oakland Athletics, finding great success with fellow pitchers Catfish Hunter and Vida Blue. He contributed to World Series victories in 1972, 1973, and 1974, selected for the All-Star game in 1972 and 1973. In the 1973 season alone, Holtzman made 40 starts and pitched nearly 300 innings.
His performance during these championship years was nothing short of stellar. He won critical games in the American League Championship Series and the World Series. In 1973, he was instrumental in winning Game 3 of the ALCS in an 11-inning duel and Game 7 of the World Series.
Holtzman’s career also included stints with the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees, with whom he won his fourth World Series ring in 1977, although he did not play in that year’s postseason. His final return to the Cubs in 1978 allowed him a nostalgic end to his playing days, retiring a year later.
He amassed a career record of 174-150, with a 3.49 ERA and 1,601 strikeouts. Beyond the statistics, he was known for his intellectual approach to the game, including being a strong advocate for players’ rights during the formative years of free agency.
The Cubs expressed their sorrow at his passing in a statement on Monday, recognizing Holtzman as “one of the best left-handed pitchers” in the team’s history. “We send our condolences to Ken’s family and friends during this time,” they added.
