Holtzman: A Pitcher of Firsts in Baseball History Dies at 78

Ken Holtzman, a Jewish pitcher with an illustrious Major League Baseball career, passed away at the age of 78. The Chicago Cubs announced his death on social media, mourning the loss of the all-time winningest Jewish pitcher in MLB.

Holtzman had an impressive career, pitching two no-hitters for the Cubs and contributing to the Oakland Athletics’ three consecutive World Series titles in the 1970s. He grew up in St. Louis and excelled at the University of Illinois before becoming a two-time All-Star. Throughout his career from 1965 to 1979, Holtzman played for the Athletics, Cubs, New York Yankees, and Baltimore Orioles, amassing a record of 174-150 and a 3.49 ERA.

In his early years with the Cubs, Holtzman pitched one no-hitter that was thrown without a single strikeout. Following the 1971 season, he was traded to the Oakland Athletics where he joined a star-studded rotation that secured three consecutive World Series championships for the team starting in 1972. He made All-Star appearances in 1972 and 1973, winning a career-high 21 games in ’73. In ’76 he was traded to Baltimore alongside Reggie Jackson and later moved again that same year to New York Yankees where he earned another championship ring in ’77 before being traded back to Chicago during ’78 season.

The Chicago Cubs expressed their deep sadness at Holtzman’s passing and offered their condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. The AP MLB website offers more news about baseball’s latest developments.