Larry Christenson holds a special spot in Phillies history that no one else can touch, even after he passed away at 72. He was the last pitcher to win a complete-game victory in his very first big league start while still a teenager. That feat happened back in 1973 and it still stands as a rare piece of baseball history for the team.
The news of his death came on a Friday morning while he was enjoying time with family. Christenson was on a fishing trip in his home state of Washington when he died unexpectedly, according to NY Post Sports. The team confirmed the loss in a statement that said he was taken from them far too soon. No further details about the cause were given to the public at this time.
A Teenage Phenomenon
Christenson was just 19 years old when he stepped onto the mound for his debut. He faced the Mets at Veterans Stadium and pitched a complete game to win 7-1. This performance made him the last pitcher to ever do this specific thing as a teen in his first start. The New York Post reported that he was drafted third overall out of high school in 1972. He made his debut less than a year later, showing how fast he rose through the ranks.
He spent his entire 11-year career with the Phillies, from 1973 until he retired in 1983. During those years, he was a key part of a rotation that helped the team win the National League East five times. He also helped the club reach the playoffs in 1981 and win the World Series in 1980. His career-best ERA of 3.24 came in 1978, a year when he started Game 1 of the NLCS.
A Teammate Remembered
Former teammates are sharing their grief over the loss of a man who was always the life of the clubhouse. Mike Schmidt said that Christenson was very special and kept in touch with everyone. Christenson’s constant smile and his inability to forget any shared moment were highlighted by him. Schmidt remarked that his death created a void in their hearts and urged peace for him.
Larry Bowa also shared his thoughts on the loss of his old friend. Bowa said his heart was heavy today and called Christenson a tremendous teammate and an outstanding pitcher. According to him, Christenson cherished the sport and relished each instant of his major league tenure. Bowa stated that he will be deeply missed and that his thoughts are with the family.
More Than Just a Pitcher
Christenson was not just known for his arm but also for his bat. During the September 1977 division-clinching victory against the Cubs, he delivered a grand slam. That year, he recorded a career-best 19 wins to lead the team. Rick Wise shares the franchise record for most home runs by a pitcher with his 11 career totals. Among Phillies pitchers, he holds the ninth spot for career starts, totaling 220 games.
After his playing days ended, he stayed close to the game and the community. Christenson remained an active supporter of Phillies Charities and other local nonprofits for many years. The team announced that he was a friend for 50 years to many in the organization. His legacy as a World Series champion and a local hero will remain with the fans for a long time.
