Former Jewish Major League Baseball pitcher Ken Holtzman died on Sunday at the age of 78. He was battling heart issues and was hospitalized for three weeks prior to his death, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Holtzman’s professional baseball journey began with the Cubs in 1965. He quickly made a name for himself as a solid starting pitcher, known for his deadly fastball. One of the high points of his time with the Cubs was pitching two no-hitters, one in 1969 and another in 1971, a feat that solidified his place in the team’s history.
When Holtzman joined the Oakland Athletics, he brought with him a winning spirit that played a crucial role in one of the most successful periods in the franchise’s history. As a key starter, he helped the team secure three consecutive World Series championships from 1972 to 1974.
After his tenure with the Athletics, Holtzman played for the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees before returning to the Cubs to finish his career. Over his 15-season career, he achieved 174 wins, posted a career earned run average (ERA) of 3.49, and struck out 1,601 batters.
“We are deeply saddened,” the Cubs said in a statement, recognizing their former pitcher for “cementing himself as one of the best left-handed pitchers” in team history. “We send our condolences to Ken’s family and friends during this time.” In a similar tribute, the Athletics released a statement recognizing their two-time All-Star and three-time World Series Champion for creating “lasting memories for our franchise.”
Holtzman also made notable contributions off the field. Being one of the few Jewish athletes in MLB at the time, Holtzman not only left a mark on the game but also became a beacon of inspiration for many young Jewish fans who aspired to baseball careers.
