ANAHEIM -- Larry Christenson, a beloved member of the 1980 World Series champion Phillies, passed away unexpectedly on Friday morning at the age of 72.
He was on a fishing trip with family and friends in Washington.
Christenson spent his entire 11-year big league career with the Phillies after the franchise selected him third overall in the 1972 Draft. He made his MLB debut less than a year later -- and it was one to remember.
Just 19 years old at the time, Christenson earned a complete-game victory in a 7-1 win over the Mets at Veterans Stadium. He remains the last pitcher to earn a complete-game victory as a teenager in his MLB debut.
"My heart is heavy today," said Larry Bowa, who went 2-for-5 out of the leadoff spot that day. "’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 went on to pitch 11 seasons for the Phillies from 1973-83. He recorded a career-best 19 wins in 1977 -- a year in which he was also the winning pitcher and hit a grand slam in the club's division-clinching 15-9 victory over the Cubs on Sept. 27.
Christenson's 11 career home runs are tied with Rick Wise for the most by a pitcher in franchise history. He also ranks ninth among all Phillies pitchers in career starts (220).
Following his playing career, Christenson remained an active supporter of Phillies Charities and other local nonprofits.
“It is with great sadness that we just learned of the passing of Larry Christenson who was a friend for 50 years," former teammate Mike Schmidt said in a statement. "Larry was very special, the guy that kept in touch with all of us, 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.”