PHILADELPHIA: A familiar face from one of the Phillies' most memorable eras is gone. Larry Christenson, who spent all 11 of his major league seasons with Philadelphia, died unexpectedly Friday at 72 while fishing with family and friends in Washington state.
Christenson was drafted by the Phillies in the third round of the 1972 MLB Draft and went on to build his entire MLB career in Philadelphia. Over more than a decade with the club, he became part of a championship team and earned a reputation as a valued teammate.
The right-hander played a key role on the Phillies' 1980 World Series championship roster and was also part of the club that won the National League pennant in 1983, his final major league season.
Christenson was known for more than his work on the mound. He hit 11 home runs during his career, tying Rick Wise for the most by a pitcher in Phillies history. One of those homers became a defining moment in 1977, when Christenson hit a grand slam against the Chicago Cubs to help Philadelphia clinch the National League East.
The Phillies announced his death and remembered Christenson as a longtime member of the organization whose impact extended well beyond his playing career.
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Hall of Fame teammate Mike Schmidt said Christenson remained close to former teammates and never lost his warm personality.
"Larry was very special, the guy that kept in touch with all of us," Schmidt said in a statement released by the Phillies. "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."
Former Phillies shortstop Larry Bowa also remembered Christenson as an exceptional teammate and friend.
"My heart is heavy today," Bowa said. "LC was a tremendous teammate, an outstanding pitcher and a true friend. Win or lose, he was always the life of the clubhouse. He loved the game and enjoyed every minute of his big league career. He will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Christenson finished his career after the 1983 season, but his connection with the Phillies continued for decades. For teammates who shared the clubhouse with him, his legacy was defined not only by a World Series championship and memorable performances, but also by the friendships he carried with him long after baseball.
