Ken Holtzman, the all-time winningest Jewish pitcher in Major League Baseball, passed away at the age of 78. The Chicago Cubs announced his passing on social media. Holtzman had an illustrious career, pitching two no-hitters for the Cubs and contributing to the Oakland Athletics’ three consecutive World Series titles in the 1970s.
Growing up in St. Louis and excelling at the University of Illinois, Holtzman became a two-time All-Star before starting his professional career with the Athletics from 1965 to 1971. During this time, he amassed a record of 102-56 and a 3.43 ERA while winning two Gold Gloves for fielding excellence. He then joined the Cubs, where he pitched two no-hitters, one of which was thrown without a single strikeout in 1972. Following his impressive performance with the Cubs, he was traded to the Oakland Athletics in 1973 and went on to make All-Star appearances in both seasons while securing three consecutive World Series championships for the team starting in 1972.
In 1976, Holtzman was traded to Baltimore along with Reggie Jackson before being moved again that same year to the New York Yankees. With the Yankees, he won another championship ring in 1977 before being traded back to Chicago during the final season of his career in 1978. The Chicago Cubs expressed deep sadness at Holtzman’s passing and offered their condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.
