Three-time World Series champion Ken Holtzman dies at 78: Chicago Cubs pay tribute to prolific pitcher who threw two no-hitters

Former MLB pitcher Ken Holtzman died Sunday night at age 78.

On Monday, the St. Louis after shipping reported that Holtzman had been hospitalized for three weeks while battling heart problems.

The left-hander’s career spanned from 1965 to 1979. Holtzman posted 174 wins and a 3.49 ERA while playing for the Cubs, Athletics, Yankees and Orioles. Following the news of his death, Chicago and Oakland issued statements remembering Holtzman’s life and career.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Cubs pitcher Ken Holtzman,” the Cubs said in a statement.

‘Ken was a Cub from 1965-1971 and 1978-1979. He posted a 3.76 ERA in 237 games with the club, including two no-hitters, establishing himself as one of the best left-handed pitchers in Cubs history.

The A’s statement read: “Holtzman, a two-time All-Star and three-time World Series champion in the Green and Gold, created lasting memories for our franchise.”

During his time in the Bay Area, Holtzman helped the A’s win three consecutive World Series titles in 1972, 1973 and 1974. In addition to building a legacy in Oakland, the A’s won at least one game in the Fall Classic. during those years.

Before joining the A’s, he began his career in Chicago, where he became a staple in the Cubs’ pitching rotation. Holtzman made 39 starts for the Cubs in 1969 before losing to the Mets in the World Series.

He played in New York for three years and went 12-10 with the Bronx Bombers, although he did not appear in the playoffs in 1976 or 1977.

Holtzman made a brief stop in Baltimore before joining the Yankees and returned to Chicago to close out his career after his time in New York.

With nine more wins than Sandy Koufax’s 165, Holtzman is the winningest pitcher of Jewish heritage in MLB history.