Four-Time World Series Champ Ken Holtzman Dies at 78: A Career Overview

Ken Holtzman, a four-time World Series champion and former Major League Baseball pitcher, passed away at the age of 78. His brother, Bob, confirmed his death to Benjamin Hochman of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, as well as ESPN and MLB Network Radio’s Dani Wexelman. Holtzman had been hospitalized for the past three weeks due to heart issues.

Holtzman was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 1965 and played his first seven seasons with the team before being traded to the Oakland Athletics in 1971. During his time in Oakland, he played a key role in helping the Athletics win three consecutive World Series titles from 1972 to 1974. He was also selected to the All-Star team in 1972 and 1973.

In 1976, Holtzman was traded to the Baltimore Orioles along with Reggie Jackson. He later played for the New York Yankees, winning his fourth World Series in 1977. He was then traded back to the Cubs in 1978, where he played until his retirement in 1979.

Throughout his career, Holtzman accumulated a record of 174-150 with a 3.49 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and