Former Los Angeles Dodgers and Oakland A's pitcher Bob Welch, the last Major League Pitcher to win at least 25 games in a season, died Tuesday at age 57, the A's and Dodgers organizations said Tuesday.
Welch died Monday night at his home after suffering a heart attack, according to a Dodgers statement.
"The Los Angeles Dodgers are saddened to learn of the passing of Bob Welch," Dodgers president and chief executive officer Stan Kasten said. "He was one of the greatest competitors to wear the Dodger uniform."
In a 17-year career with several highlight moments, one of the earliest came as a Dodgers rookie in 1978 when he struck out the legendary Reggie Jackson, then playing for the Yankees, in the top of the ninth inning during Game 2 of the World Series. Welch finished with 115 wins for the Dodgers and won a World Series with the team in 1981.
"Dodger fans will always remember his confrontation with Yankee great Reggie Jackson in Game 2 of the 1978 World Series," Kasten said.
The two-time All-Star posted a 27-6 record in his Cy Young Award-winning season with the A's in 1990. He spent the 1988 through 1994 seasons with Oakland after nine seasons in Los Angeles.
"We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Bob Welch," said A's president Michael Crowley. "He was a legendary pitcher who enjoyed many of his best seasons with the Oakland A's. He will always be a significant part of our franchise's history, and we mourn his loss. We send our greatest sympathies to his family and friends."
Welch won the 1989 World Series title as a member of the A's. He finished his playing career with a 211-146 record and ERA of 3.47 before becoming a pitching coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
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He is survived by his sons Dylan, 25, and Riley, 23, and by daughter Kelly,18, and former wife Mary Ellen. Memorial services are pending.
