Elephant Rumblings: Ken Holtzman passes away
MLB news roundup
Good morning, A’s fans!
We got a bit of bad news yesterday afternoon as it was announced that former Athletics pitcher Ken Holtzman passed away. He was 78.
— John Shea (@JohnSheaHey) April 16, 2024
The left-handed Holtzman began his career being drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the fourth round back in 1965. He would fly through the minor leagues and made his big league debut later that same year at just 19 years old. It wouldn’t take long for him to establish himself as one of Chicago’s best starters as he helped pull them out of the doldrums of losing. During his time with the Cubs he pitched two no-hitters and he would eventually be inducted into the Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame.
He joined the Athletics in an offseason trade for Rick Monday after seven seasons in Chicago and took his game up a notch for the A’s. Holtzman was an All-Star in his first season in Oakland and helped the team win their first World Series title in the East Bay. His second season saw him reach the 21-win mark, the first and only time he reached the mark. He was a big part of the Athletics rotation that helped the club earn three straight titles, sliding in along side fellow studs Vida Blue and Catfish Hunter.
Holtzman was among the first people to ask for a major raise with the imminent arrival of free agency to MLB, getting traded alongside Reggie Jackson to the Baltimore Orioles. He would only pitch in four more seasons after leaving the Athletics and ended his career where it began, in Chicago with the Cubs.
Our thoughts here at Athletics Nation are with the Hoptzman family and his loved ones. The club will likely (hopefully?) hold a ceremony to honor one of the critical players in the Athletics’ dynasty. He’ll be missed during the ‘70’s reunions.
A’s Coverage:
- A’s drop series opener to Cardinals 3-1
- After helpful stint in minors, Ruiz showcases power in return
- Minor league report: early season’s hottest hitters
- Sonny Gray cherishes what is likely his final start at the Coliseum
MLB News & Interest:
- Justin Verlander likely to return this weekend
- Robert Stephenson being evaluated for elbow soreness
- Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen expected to return today
- White Sox sign Tommy Pham to minor league deal
- Legendary broadcaster John Sterling retires
- Michael Busch homers in fifth straight game, tying Cubs record
- Here are the early favorites in the Cy Young race
- Today in Baseball History
Best of X:
Sonny will miss Oakland:
A reflective, grateful Sonny Gray on win No. 100 in Oakland where he won first Aug. 15, 2013: "It does hold a special part. This is the team that drafted me. This is the team that gave me a shot. This is the team that believed in me. This is the fans that helped shape my career."
— Janie McCauley (@JanieMcCAP) April 16, 2024
He made his return known last night:
Esteury Ruiz when asked if he was disappointed to get sent down to the Minors: “Every baseball player loves playing baseball. Obviously, we all want to be playing in the big leagues. But whether it’s here or Triple-A, I always try to have fun and enjoy the game.”
— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) April 16, 2024
Butler talks 42 on JRD:
Lawrence Butler tells @Tomapapa what Jackie Robinson Day means to him and what he'll do with his No. 42 jersey pic.twitter.com/86DjnQwFvl
— A's on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) April 16, 2024
Father-son duo in the booth:
What a cool moment for the Caray family ️@ChrisCaray got emotional while taking in the moment with his dad Chip pic.twitter.com/7HVmmGwS57
— The Rickey Henderson of Blogs (@RickeyBlog) April 16, 2024