Former MLB pitcher Milt Pappas dies at 76
Former MLB pitcher Milt Pappas passed away on Tuesday. He was 76.
Pappas was found dead in his home Tuesday afternoon in Beecher, Illinois. Police said his death appeared to be due to natural causes.
The right-hander had a 17-year career, playing for the Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs. He recorded a 209–164 record, finishing with a 3.40 ERA, 1,738 strikeouts and 43 shutouts.
“The Cubs organization is sad to learn of the passing of Milt Pappas, who not only had a special place on the field with the team in the early 1970s, but also maintained a relationship with Cubs fans as a frequent guest at Wrigley Field, the Cubs Convention and other team events. Milt will forever be remembered for one of the most dramatic pitching performances in team history as he delivered a no-hitter that neared perfection in 1972,” Cubs executive chairman Tom Ricketts said in a statement.
Pappas was known for almost throwing a perfect game when playing with the Cubs in 1972. The pitcher walked a Padres batter after a controversial call with two outs in ninth inning. He was also part of a lopsided trade back in 1965, when he was dealt to the Reds, along with two other players, for Hall of Famer Frank Robinson.
