Larry Christenson, Phillies’ 1980 World Series Champion Pitcher, Dies at 72

[DLJBSP]

Larry Christenson, the durable right-hander who spent his entire 11-year major league career with the Philadelphia Phillies and helped the club win its first World Series championship, died unexpectedly Friday while on a fishing trip with family and friends in Washington state. He was 72. In a poignant symmetry, Christenson was drafted by the Phillies in ’72 and died at 72.

 

Christenson became a mainstay of the rotation during one of the most successful stretches in Phillies history. From 1973 through 1983, he went 83-71 with a 3.79 earned-run average, making 220 starts. He won a career-high 19 games in 1977 and was part of six Phillies teams that reached the postseason, including the 1980 World Series champions and the 1983 National League pennant winners.

 

He could also handle a bat. In the game that clinched the 1977 National League East title, Christenson earned the win and hit a grand slam during a five-RBI performance against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. His 11 career home runs are tied for the most by a pitcher in Phillies history.

 

Christenson is survived by his daughters, Claire and Libby, as well as his extended family.

## Sources

- Philadelphia Phillies/MLB announcement, August 28, 2026
- Baseball-Reference career record