Larry Christenson, a prominent right-handed pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies and a 1980 World Series champion, has died at the age of 72. His death occurred while he was on a family fishing trip in Washington State, the team announced.
The Phillies confirmed Christenson's passing in a statement, describing it as "unexpected." Christenson, affectionately known as "LC" by teammates, played his entire 11-year Major League Baseball career with the Phillies. During his tenure, the team reached the National League East playoffs five times and made a sixth playoff appearance in the 1981 season.
Selected by the Phillies third overall in the 1972 MLB Draft, Christenson also made his mark offensively, hitting 11 home runs – a total tied for the most by any pitcher in franchise history. He ranks ninth on the club's all-time list for games started, with 220.
Former teammates remembered Christenson fondly. Phillies great Mike Schmidt described him as "very special," noting that Christenson "kept in touch with all of us" and "always had a smile on his face." Schmidt added that Christenson's passing "will leave a hole in all of our hearts."
Shortstop Larry Bowa echoed these sentiments, calling Christenson "a tremendous teammate, an outstanding pitcher and a true friend." Bowa recalled that Christenson "was always the life of the clubhouse" and "loved the game and enjoyed every minute of his big league career."
The club expressed gratitude for Christenson's contributions and the legacy he leaves behind, extending condolences to his daughters, Claire and Libby, his extended family, friends, and former teammates.