Ken Holtzman, a prominent figure in Major League Baseball known for his exceptional pitching, passed away at the age of 78 on Sunday, April 14, 2024, after a three-week hospital stay. His brother, Bob Holtzman, mentioned that although the exact cause of death was not determined, Holtzman was struggling with heart-related issues.
Holtzman was born on November 3, 1945, in St. Louis, Missouri, and his baseball career spanned 15 seasons, primarily with the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics. His remarkable accomplishments have earned him a well-deserved place in the history of the sport.
The Chicago Cubs spotted his talent and drafted him in the fourth round of the 1965 MLB Draft. He joined the Cubs before his 20th birthday and made his debut against Willie Mays and the San Francisco Giants. He started his career with the likes of Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, and Ron Santo, three Hall of Famers who resonated with different generations of Cubs fans.
Holtzman established himself as a dependable starter, pitching over 215 innings in nine different seasons, a feat less likely in today’s baseball scenario. His tenure with the Cubs was marked by significant accomplishments, including two no-hitters, demonstrating his prowess and precision as a pitcher.
Following the 1971 season, Holtzman was traded to the Oakland A’s for outfielder Rick Monday, offering him an opportunity to join a growing powerhouse in the Bay Area. He experienced the peak of his career with the Oakland Athletics, achieving remarkable success alongside fellow pitchers Catfish Hunter and Vida Blue. He played a key role in the team’s World Series victories in 1972, 1973, and 1974, and was chosen for the All-Star game in 1972 and 1973. In the 1973 season alone, Holtzman started 40 games and pitched close to 300 innings.
Holtzman’s performance during these championship years was outstanding. He clinched crucial victories in the American League Championship Series and the World Series. In 1973, he played a key role in winning Game 3 of the ALCS in an 11-inning showdown and Game 7 of the World Series.
Aside from the Cubs and Athletics, Holtzman’s career included stints with the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees. With the Yankees, he earned his fourth World Series ring in 1977, although he did not participate in the postseason. A nostalgic return to the Cubs in 1978 marked the end of his playing days, and he retired a year later.
He finished his career with a record of 174-150, a 3.49 ERA, and 1,601 strikeouts. Apart from his impressive statistics, Holtzman was known for his intelligent approach to the game, being a vocal advocate for players’ rights during the early years of free agency.
The Cubs expressed their grief at his passing in a statement on Monday, honoring Holtzman as “one of the best left-handed pitchers” in the club’s history. “We send our condolences to Ken’s family and friends during this time,” the team added.
