Ken Holtzman, a legendary Jewish pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB), passed away at the age of 78. The Chicago Cubs announced his death on social media, paying tribute to the man who had thrown two no-hitters for the Cubs and played a crucial role in the Oakland Athletics winning three consecutive World Series championships in the 1970s.
Holtzman was born and raised in St. Louis and attended the University of Illinois before embarking on his MLB career. Over his 14-year career from 1965 to 1979, he played for four teams – the Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, and Baltimore Orioles – amassing a record of 174-150 with a 3.49 ERA. Notably, he won nine more games than the legendary Sandy Koufax.
Holtzman began his career with the Cubs where he achieved back-to-back 17-win seasons and threw two no-hitters before being traded to Oakland Athletics in 1972. He became part of an incredible rotation that led Oakland to three consecutive World Series titles. Holtzman made All-Star appearances in both years with Oakland and was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of World Series II in 1973 when he pitched all five games for Oakland’s championship win over Kansas City Royals.
After stints with Baltimore and New York Yankees, Holtzman returned to play for the Cubs once again in 1978 but did not make it to any postseason games that year. Despite this setback, Holtzman remained optimistic about his future and continued to work hard every day until his passing due to heart issues at age 78 after being hospitalized for three weeks prior. The Cubs expressed their deep sadness on social media about losing one of their most successful pitchers ever while offering condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Holtzman’s legacy will forever be etched in MLB history as one of its greatest Jewish pitchers who achieved much success throughout his career despite facing many challenges along the way. His impact will continue to be felt by fans around the world who admired him not just as a baseball player but also as an inspiration for perseverance and dedication towards achieving one’s goals no matter what obstacles come your way.
