Larry Christenson, a pitcher on the World Series-winning 1980 Philadelphia Phillies who spent his entire MLB career with the organization, passed away unexpectedly Friday. The right-hander was 72 and on a fishing trip with family, the club announced.Over 11 seasons, all with the Phillies, Christenson went 83-71 with a 3.79 ERA. In his debut on April 13, 1973, as a 19-year-old, Christenson went the distance against the New York Mets, pitching nine innings of one-run ball, with three strikeouts in a 7-1 win for his Phillies.
The Phillies are saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of former pitcher Larry Christenson this morning while on a fishing trip with family and friends in Washington state. He was 72.
Christenson, who spent his entire 11-year major league career with the club from 1973-83,… pic.twitter.com/BKAVwEbF3E
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 29, 2026To this day, he’s the only teenager to pitch a complete-game victory in his debut.“The club and its fans are forever grateful for his contributions and the legacy he leaves behind in Philadelphia,” the Phillies wrote in a statement. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to Larry’s beloved daughters, Claire and Libby, his extended family and friends, and former teammates at this difficult time.”Known affectionately as “LC,” Christenson was selected with the No. 3 pick in the 1972 MLB draft and was in the majors a year later. He made at least 10 appearances on the mound in each of his first 10 seasons, and did more than pitch for a championship-winning ball club. With the National League yet to adopt the designated hitter, Christenson was also a dangerous hitter who slugged 11 home runs over his 11 major league seasons.Those 11 career home runs are tied with Rick Wise for the most by a pitcher in franchise history. Additionally, his 220 games started rank ninth among Phillies pitchers.“It is with great sadness that we just learned of the passing of Larry Christenson who was a friend for 50 years,” Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt said in a statement. “Larry was very special, the guy that kept in touch with all of us, he always had a smile on his face, he never forgot a moment he spent with you. His passing will leave a hole in all of our hearts. May he rest in peace.”
