Former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Larry Christenson has died.
The Phillies confirmed the news via a social media post that Christenson died Friday morning while on a fishing trip with family and friends in Washington State. He was 72. The details surrounding his death have yet to be disclosed.
“The club and its fans are forever grateful for his contributions and the legacy he leaves behind in Philadelphia,” the Phillies wrote on X.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Larry’s beloved daughters, Claire and Libby, his extended family and friends, and former teammates at this difficult time.”
The Phillies are saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of former pitcher Larry Christenson this morning while on a fishing trip with family and friends in Washington state. He was 72.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 29, 2026
Christenson, who spent his entire 11-year major league career with the club from 1973-83,… pic.twitter.com/BKAVwEbF3E
The Phillies selected the Everett, Wash., native in the third round of the 1972 MLB draft. He made the big-league team in 1973 and spent his entire 11-year MLB career pitching for Philadelphia.
Christenson was a member of the Phillies rotation headlined by Steve Carlton that helped the team win the 1980 World Series over the Kansas City Royals. He had a career ERA of 3.79 across 243 games (220 starts).
The man older fans remember as “LC” kept his ties to the Philadelphia area long after his 1983 retirement. He was a known contributor to numerous local charities.
