Former MLB All-Star reliever Al Holland, who helped lead the Philadelphia Phillies to the 1983 National League pennant, has died. He was 73.
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The Phillies announced Holland's passing on Monday, saying the former closer died on Saturday while surrounded by family in South Carolina. A cause of death was not disclosed.
"The Phillies are saddened to learn of the passing of Al Holland," the team said in a statement. "The club and fans are forever grateful for his contributions and the legacy he leaves behind in Philadelphia."
Holland enjoyed a 10-year major league career, pitching for the Pirates, Giants, Phillies, Angels and Yankees. But he was at his best in Philadelphia, where he became one of baseball's top relief pitchers.
After being acquired before the 1983 season, the left-hander recorded 25 saves and played a major role in the Phillies' run to the World Series. He earned saves in Games 1 and 4 of the National League Championship Series against the Dodgers, then picked up another save in Game 1 of the World Series.
The Phillies are saddened to learn of the passing of Al Holland, who spent parts of three seasons with the club from 1983-85. As a dominant closer, Al was an integral part of the team’s winning the National League pennant in 1983 and was an All-Star in 1984. The club and fans are… pic.twitter.com/XG14iYwdSC
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 6, 2026
His dominant season earned him National League Relief Man of the Year honors, and he finished among the top 10 in both Cy Young Award and NL MVP voting.
Holland followed that up by earning his lone All-Star selection in 1984 after collecting 29 saves.
Over his major league career, Holland appeared in 384 games, posting a 34-30 record with a 2.98 ERA, 78 saves and 513 strikeouts.
Before reaching the majors, Holland starred at North Carolina A&T, where he built one of the most decorated pitching careers in school history. He led the nation in strikeouts as a freshman, threw a no-hitter in each of his four college seasons and was later inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015.
Holland is survived by his wife, Mary, and their three children.
