The baseball world is in mourning following the passing of former Major League relief pitcher Randy Moffitt, who died at age 76, after a long illness in Long Beach, California. A beloved figure in baseball’s past, Moffitt’s legacy stretches across his on-field accomplishments and his connection to sports royalty; he was the younger brother of tennis legend and equality icon Billie Jean King.
Family members, including his children and grandchildren, survive him, alongside his sister and her wife, Ilana Kloss. His passing marks not just the loss of an accomplished athlete, but of a cherished presence among those who knew him on and off the field. Tributes from across the sports community underscore the impact he had over a storied 12-season career.
Career Highlights and Enduring Achievements
Moffitt’s baseball journey began when the San Francisco Giants drafted him in the first round of the 1970 draft (18th overall) from Long Beach State. He made his major-league debut in 1972, entering an era when relief pitchers were expected to pitch heavy innings–a role he embraced and excelled in.
Though best remembered for his 10 seasons in San Francisco, Moffitt also spent time with the Houston Astros and Toronto Blue Jays, bringing his steady bullpen presence to multiple clubs before retiring in 1983.
Over his 12-season MLB career, Moffitt logged 534 appearances–only one of which was as a starter–amassing a 43-52 win-loss record with 96 career saves and a 3.65 ERA. He notably pitched 100 or more innings in multiple seasons, with 1976 standing out as his peak year: 103 innings pitched, a sparkling 2.27 ERA, and 14 saves.
Moffitt was a mainstay in the Giants’ bullpen, earning recognition with four top‑10 finishes in National League savesand multiple seasons with 60 or more appearances. His consistency and reliability placed him among franchise leaders; ninth in saves and sixth in games pitched for the Giants.
A Gentleman Remembered Beyond the Box Score
Known for his durability, competitive spirit, and quiet leadership, Moffitt left a mark that went beyond statistics. He was a workhorse reliever in a changing MLB landscape and set high standards for professionalism and resilience through adversity. Long-time fans and teammates remember him as a steady presence during intense late-70s games.
Beyond the numbers, Moffitt’s story is one of perseverance. Drafted and quickly converted to relief duty, he adapted seamlessly and became a dependable bullpen anchor for over a decade. His legacy lives on in the memories of those who followed Giants baseball and witnessed his contributions firsthand.
Honors followed his career’s conclusion: Moffitt was inducted into the Long Beach State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1986, recognizing his collegiate roots and impact, and later commemorated on the San Francisco Giants’ Wall of Fame in 2008.
Off the field, his close bond with his sister was evident. Recently, King reflected on their shared upbringing, calling them “competitive kids from the start” in a social media post–echoing the strength of their sibling connection that endured through the decades.
“We grew up as close siblings who rarely fought. We had such love and admiration for each other,” King said. “Randy was loyal, kind, and caring. He was a father who loved his daughters, Miranda and Alysha, and a grandfather who loved his four grandchildren. … I will never forget the seven decades of memories Randy and I made together.”
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