Oakland Athletics: The Top 50 Oakland A’s of All-Time

#28: Ken Holtzman

Left-hander Ken Holtzman was a starter for the Oakland Athletics from 1972-1975, but his career spanned from 1965-1979. His best years, however, were as a member of the Green and Gold.

Holtzman was a key member of the rotation on the 1970s Championship teams, pitching in all three World Series-winning seasons. He was also a two-time All-Star during his time with the A’s, although both of his no-hitters came with the Chicago Cubs. He nearly had a third no-hitter as an Athletic, on June 8, 1975, but it was broken up by Tigers’ batter Tom Veryzer with two out in the ninth inning.

Holtzman’s best season may have been in 1973, when he posted a 2.97 ERA and a record of 21-13 in 40 starts, striking out 157 batters in the process. For a left-hander, those are even more impressive numbers. He also found success in the playoffs, winning all but one start that year.

Holtzman is not a Hall of Fame pitcher, but his consistency was vital to the success of those early 1970s teams. At the end of his lengthy career, he had played for the A’s, Cubs, Orioles and Yankees, maintaining a 3.49 ERA and posting a final record of 174-150.

Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #27