Larry Christenson, World Series winner with Phillies, dies at 72

Larry Christenson, a pitcher on the Philadelphia Phillies' 1980 World Series-winning team who spent his entire career with the franchise, died Friday at the age of 72. The Phillies announced that Christenson died while on a fishing trip with family and friends in Washington. No other details were immediately available.

The Phillies said in a statement, "The club and its fans are forever grateful for his contributions and the legacy he leaves behind in Philadelphia. 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."

Christenson spent 11 years with the Phillies (1973-83) after being drafted in the third round in 1972. He pitched a complete game in his major league debut against the New York Mets on April 13, 1973, and no debuting pitcher has pitched a complete game since.

For his career, Christenson went 83-71 with a 3.79 ERA over 243 appearances, including 220 starts. The Phillies reached the playoffs six times in his 11 seasons.

Former Phillies infielder 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." Larry Bowa, who played with Christenson from 1973 to 1981, said, "'LC' was a tremendous teammate, an outstanding pitcher and a true friend.