Larry Christenson, a right-handed pitcher who played his entire MLB career with the Philadelphia Phillies and was part of the club's 1980 World Series-winning team, died Friday at the age of 72. He passed away while on a fishing trip in Washington with friends and family, the team said.
"The club and its fans are forever grateful for his contributions and the legacy he leaves behind in Philadelphia," the Phillies said in a statement. "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."
Christenson was the No. 3 overall pick in the 1972 MLB draft. Less than a year later, at age 19, he made his debut — one that was immediately memorable.
In a 7-1 win over the New York Mets on April 13, 1973, Christenson pitched a complete game and struck out three batters. It remains the last time a teenage MLB pitcher earned a complete-game victory in his debut.
Two years later he recorded his first MLB hit, which was a home run. He finished with 11 home runs in his career, tying Rick Wise for the Phillies franchise lead among pitchers.
Christenson posted double-digit wins in four straight seasons from 1975 to 1978, including a career-high 19 in 1977. That same year he was the winning pitcher and hit a grand slam as the Phillies clinched the NL East over the Chicago Cubs.
In 1980, Christenson made 14 starts and went 5-1 over 73.2 innings during the regular season. The Phillies won the NL East with a 91-71 record, then beat the Houston Astros and Kansas City Royals to capture the World Series — the first title in franchise history.
Former Phillies infielder Mike Schmidt paid tribute in a statement.
"Larry was very special, the guy that kept in touch with all of us," Schmidt said. "He always had a smile on his face, he never forgot a moment he spent with you. His passing will leave a hole in all of our hearts. May he rest in peace."
Former teammate Larry Bowa also remembered Christenson on social media.
"My heart is heavy today. LC was a tremendous teammate, an outstanding pitcher and a true friend," Bowa wrote. "Win or lose, he was always the life of the clubhouse. He will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."
According to Yahoo Sports.