Philadelphia Phillies fans have been casting votes in full force, doing all they can to send their top players to the 2026 All-Star Game. With Philadelphia hosting this year’s All-Star Weekend, there’s been a palpable buzz around the city. But that excitement met a sobering moment on Monday, when the organization shared the news that a Phillies icon had passed away.
On July 6, the franchise confirmed that Al Holland had died at age 73. Holland spent a decade in the major leagues, but it was his three-year run in Philadelphia that secured his lasting place in the hearts of fans throughout the City of Brotherly Love.
Phillies reliever and 1980s legend Al Holland passes at 73
Holland originally came to the Phillies from the Giants in a trade just before Christmas in 1982 a deal that also brought Joe Morgan to Philadelphia. The move paid dividends immediately, as the Phillies captured the NL East title with a 90-72 record. Over the course of that regular season, Holland posted a 2.26 ERA, struck out 100 batters, and notched 25 saves.
In 1983, the Phillies advanced to their fourth World Series in team history, giving Holland his only taste of postseason baseball. He took the mound in four playoff contests, recording a pair of saves—one in Game 1 of the NLCS and another in Game 1 of the World Series. Across 6.2 scoreless innings, he fanned eight hitters, gave up just two hits, and didn’t walk a single batter.
Holland further cemented his legendary standing in Philadelphia when he earned his sole All-Star selection in 1984. That year, he set a personal best with 29 saves.
Originally drafted by the Padres in the fourth round of the 1975 amateur draft out of North Carolina A&T State University, Holland didn’t sign at that time. He eventually inked a deal with the Pirates in June 1975 and made his MLB debut with Pittsburgh in 1977, appearing in a pair of relief outings.
After spending four seasons with the Giants, Holland was traded to Philadelphia. The Phillies later sent him back to the Pirates in exchange for Kent Tekulve. He wrapped up his playing career with stints in Anaheim and New York, retiring after the 1987 campaign.
Although Al Holland wore a few different uniforms over the course of his big-league career, it was in Philadelphia where he made his most enduring impression. His finest seasons came in a Phillies uniform, and his only playoff appearances were as a member of the team. He’ll be deeply missed and hopefully paid tribute to during this weekend’s All-Star festivities.
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