The Philadelphia Phillies community is mourning the unexpected passing of Larry Christenson, a member of the franchise’s 1980 World Series championship team, who died Friday morning at the age of 72 while on a fishing trip with family and friends in Washington.Christenson spent his entire 11-year Major League Baseball career with the Phillies, becoming a respected pitcher and beloved teammate during his time in Philadelphia.
Remembering Larry Christenson
Selected third overall by Philadelphia in the 1972 MLB Draft, Christenson reached the major leagues before his 20th birthday. In his MLB debut in April 1973, the 19-year-old pitched a complete game in a 7-1 victory over the New York Mets.
He went on to spend 11 seasons with the Phillies from 1973 through 1983, recording a career-high 19 victories in 1977.
That same season, Christenson delivered one of the memorable performances of his career, earning the win and hitting a grand slam in Philadelphia’s division-clinching victory over the Chicago Cubs.
He finished his Phillies career with 220 starts and 11 home runs, tied with Rick Wise for the most home runs by a pitcher in franchise history.
Teammates Mourn His Loss
Former teammates and longtime friends have paid tribute to Christenson following news of his death.
Larry Bowa remembered him as a tremendous teammate, outstanding pitcher and true friend, while former Phillies star Mike Schmidt said Christenson had been his friend for 50 years.
Schmidt described Christenson as someone who stayed connected with former teammates, always greeted people with a smile and never forgot the moments he shared with others.
Following his playing career, Christenson remained involved with Phillies Charities and other local nonprofit organisations.
Death During Fishing Trip
Christenson died unexpectedly Friday morning while on a fishing trip in Washington with family and friends. The information provided does not specify the exact circumstances or a confirmed medical cause of death.
His passing has left former teammates, the Phillies organisation, family, friends and baseball fans mourning the loss of a player remembered for both his achievements on the field and his lasting friendships away from it.
