Phillies World Series Champion Larry Christenson Dies at 72 During Family Fishing Trip
· Yahoo Sports
Credit: Focus on Sport/Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Larry Christenson has died at age 72
- The baseball star died while on a fishing trip with his family and friends in Washington state
- Christenson was selected by the Phillies in the third round of the 1972 MLB Draft, after which he became a member of the 1980 World Series championship team and the National League pennant-winning club in 1983
Larry Christenson, a World Series champion with the Philadelphia Phillies, has died. He was 72.
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The Philadelphia Phillies announced in an X post that the former pitcher died unexpectedly during a fishing trip with family and friends in Washington state on Friday, Aug. 28. No additional details about the circumstances of his death were immediately shared.
After being selected by the Philadelphia team in the third round of the 1972 MLB Draft, the Washington native made his big league debut on April 13, 1973, against the New York Mets at the age of 19. During his debut, Christenson earned the win in a complete game effort.
Former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Larry Christenson takes part in the Alumni Night celebrationCredit: Hunter Martin/Getty
According to the MLB, Christenson remains the last pitcher to ever earn a complete game victory as a teenager in his MLB debut.
Throughout his 11 years with the Phillies, the pitcher became a member of the 1980 World Series championship team and the National League pennant-winning club in 1983. The Phillies also reached the playoffs six times in his 11 seasons.
“In addition to his legacy as a Phillies player, ‘LC’ was an active supporter of Phillies Charities and other local non-profits,” the Phillies wrote on X. “The club and its fans are forever grateful for his contributions and the legacy he leaves behind in Philadelphia.”
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Larry’s beloved daughters, Claire and Libby, his extended family and friends, and former teammates at this difficult time,” the team added.
Christenson ranks ninth among all Phillies pitchers in career starts, per MLB. His 11 career home runs are also tied with Rick Wise for the most by a pitcher in franchise history.
Following the athlete’s death, Larry Bowa, who played with Christenson from 1973 to 1981, shared an emotional tribute on social media.
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“My heart is heavy today,” he wrote. “LC was a tremendous teammate, an outstanding pitcher and a true friend.”
“He was always the life of the clubhouse,” he continued. “He will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Larry Christenson #38 of the Philadelphia Phillies in 1975Credit: Focus on Sport/Getty
Former Phillies infielder Mike Schmidt also told ESPN that Christenson would be remembered as someone who was “very special, the guy that kept in touch with all of us.”
“He always had a smile on his face, he never forgot a moment he spent with you,” he said. “His passing will leave a hole in all of our hearts. May he rest in peace.”
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