Philadelphia Phillies fans have been hard at work trying to vote their favorite players into the 2026 All-Star Game. Philly will play host this year for All-Star Weekend, which has conjured plenty of excitement among fans. But ahead of the festivities, a strike of reality hit on Monday when the club announced the passing of a Phillies legend.
On July 6, the franchise announced that Al Holland died at 73 years old. Holland was a 10-year MLB veteran, but his three seasons with the Phillies made him immortal in the City of Brotherly Love.
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
Phillies 1980s reliever, legend Al Holland dies at 73 years old
As part of a deal that included Philadelphia getting Joe Morgan, Holland was traded from the Giants to the Phillies just ahead of Christmas in 1982. It was a move that immediately paid off for Philly, as the team won the NL East division with a 90-72 record. Holland registered a 2.26 ERA, 100 strikeouts, and 25 saves in the regular season.
The Phillies went on to reach their fourth World Series in franchise history in 1983, which saw Holland pitch in the only postseason of his career. He appeared in four playoff games, logging two total saves: Game 1 of the NLCS and Game 1 of the World Series. In 6.2 total scoreless innings, he struck out eight batters, scattered two hits, and walked none.
To build upon his legendary Phillies status, Holland was named to the All-Star Game in 1984, marking the only time of his career receiving the prestigious nod. That season, Holland logged a career-high 29 saves.
In 1975, Holland was drafted in the fourth round by the Padres out of North Carolina A&T State University, but did not sign. He would eventually sign with the Pirates in June 1975. He made his MLB debut in 1977 with Pittsburgh, appearing in two games out of the bullpen.
Holland then played for the Giants for four seasons before coming over to Philadelphia. The Phillies traded him back to the Pirates in exchange for Kent Tekulve. He ended his career with stints with the Angels and Yankees before retiring following the 1987 season.
Though Al Holland made a few stops around the big leagues, his biggest mark was left in Philadelphia. He had his best seasons in this city, and he only pitched in the playoffs as a Phillie. He will be missed, and hopefully honored, at the All-Star Game this upcoming weekend.
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