Larry Christenson, a pitcher on the Philadelphia Phillies' 1980 World Series-winning team who spent his entire 11-year career with the franchise, died Friday at age 72 while on a fishing trip in Washington state. The Phillies announced his passing, expressing gratitude for his contributions and extending condolences to his daughters Claire and Libby, extended family, friends, and former teammates.

Christenson, drafted in the third round in 1972, pitched a complete game in his major league debut against the New York Mets on April 13, 1973, a feat no debuting pitcher has matched since. He made 14 starts and went 5-1 with a 4.03 ERA in 1980 as the Phillies reached the World Series, though he struggled in Game 4 against the Kansas City Royals. Philadelphia went on to win the title in six games.

Over his career, Christenson went 83-71 with a 3.79 ERA across 243 appearances (220 starts). The Phillies reached the playoffs six times during his tenure from 1973 to 1983.

Former Phillies infielder Mike Schmidt remembered Christenson as someone who kept in touch with all former teammates and always had a smile. Larry Bowa, who played with Christenson from 1973 to 1981, called him a tremendous teammate, outstanding pitcher, and true friend who was always the life of the clubhouse.