Former Phillies All-Star Reliever Al Holland Dies at 73

Former All-Star relief pitcher Al Holland, a key member of the Philadelphia Phillies’ 1983 pennant-winning team, died on July 4 at the age of 73. The Phillies announced his death on Monday, July 6, stating he was surrounded by loved ones in South Carolina.

Holland, a left-hander, enjoyed a 10-year major league career from 1977 to 1987, playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, Phillies, California Angels, and New York Yankees. He compiled a career record of 34-30 with a 2.98 ERA and 78 saves over 384 appearances.

His career peaked after a trade to Philadelphia before the 1983 season. That year, he recorded 25 saves with a 2.26 ERA, setting a then-franchise record and helping the Phillies win the National League East. He was instrumental in the postseason, saving Games 1 and 4 of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers and saving Game 1 of the World Series against the Baltimore Orioles. For his performance, he won the National League Rolaids Relief Man Award and finished sixth in Cy Young Award voting.

Holland earned his only All-Star selection in 1984 after recording a career-high 29 saves. His later career was affected by his...