Larry Christenson Obituary, WASHINGTON STATE — Larry “LC” Christenson, a former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher and member of the club’s 1980 World Series championship team, has died unexpectedly at the age of 72 while on a fishing trip with family and friends in Washington state.
Christenson spent his entire 11-year Major League Baseball career with the Phillies, playing for the organization from 1973 through 1983. The Everett, Washington, native was selected by Philadelphia in the third round of the 1972 MLB Draft before making his major league debut on April 13, 1973, against the New York Mets at just 19 years old.
In his debut, Christenson earned the victory in a complete-game performance, beginning a career that would see him become a mainstay in the Phillies’ starting rotation. He helped the organization reach the postseason six times during his 11 seasons and recorded a career-best 19 victories in 1977.
One of the most memorable performances of Christenson’s career came on September 27, 1977, when he was the winning pitcher and hit a grand slam while driving in five runs during the Phillies’ National League East division-clinching victory over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Christenson also left a notable mark in the Phillies’ record book. His 11 career home runs are tied with Rick Wise for the most by a pitcher in franchise history, while his 220 career starts rank ninth on the club’s all-time list. He was part of both the Phillies’ 1980 World Series championship team and the National League pennant-winning club in 1983.
Beyond his accomplishments on the baseball field, Christenson remained connected to the Philadelphia community. The Phillies said he was an active supporter of Phillies Charities and other local nonprofits, further extending his contributions beyond his playing career.
News of Christenson’s death prompted tributes from members of the Phillies community and those who remembered him as an important part of the franchise’s history. A personal tribute described him as “one of the good guys” and recalled memories of meeting him at a favorite gathering place on Haverford Road in Ardmore, where he became acquainted with the writer’s godson.
Christenson is survived by his daughters, Claire and Libby, along with extended family, friends, former teammates, and countless Phillies fans who remember his contributions to the organization. The Phillies expressed gratitude for his years of service and the legacy he leaves behind in Philadelphia. His memory will endure through the championship he helped deliver, his accomplishments on the mound, and the lasting connection he maintained with the Phillies community.
