Former Philadelphia Phillies closer Al Holland, who helped lead the team to the 1983 World Series, died Saturday in South Carolina at the age of 73.
“The Phillies are saddened to learn of the passing of Al Holland, who spent parts of three seasons with the club from 1983-85,” the team announced in a post shared on X. “The club and fans are forever grateful for his contributions and the legacy he leaves behind in Philadelphia.”
Holland played a key role in the Phillies’ 1983 National League championship season, recording 25 saves and helping Philadelphia reach the World Series. The Phillies ultimately lost the series to the Baltimore Orioles in five games, but Holland earned the save in Game 1.
His standout performance that year earned him National League Relief Man of the Year honors.
The left-handed pitcher spent 10 seasons in Major League Baseball, playing for the Phillies, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, California Angels and San Francisco Giants before retiring in 1987.
A former North Carolina A&T baseball player, Holland was inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015.
The Roanoke, Virginia, native reportedly died on July 4 while surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and their three children.
A cause of death has not been disclosed.
He now pitches for the Lord’s team.