‘FOREVER GRATEFUL’

Legendary MLB Closer Dies at 73

The Phillies paid tribute to relief pitcher Al Holland following his death on July 4.

Former Phillies closer Al Holland died on Saturday in South Carolina at 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 to X. “The club and fans are forever grateful for his contributions and the legacy he leaves behind in Philadelphia.” Holland led Philadelphia to the 1983 World Series, which the team lost 4-1. The lefty closer had 25 saves that season, including Game 1 of the series, earning him the title of National League Relief Man of the Year. After a ten-season career with the Phillies and other teams, including the Yankees, Pirates, Angels, and Giants, the North Carolina A&T baseball alum retired from the MLB in 1987 and was inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015. The Roanoke, Virginia, native was reported to be surrounded by family when he died on July 4, and is survived by his wife, Mary, and their three children. His cause of death has not been disclosed.