Larry Richard Christenson Obituary, PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Larry Richard Christenson, a longtime Philadelphia Phillies pitcher, World Series champion, devoted father, and respected community figure, died on August 28, 2026, at the age of 72 while on a fishing trip in his home state of Washington. He leaves behind a legacy spanning professional baseball, business, philanthropy, and his longstanding connection to the Phillies organization.
Born on November 10, 1953, in Everett, Washington, Christenson displayed exceptional athletic ability from an early age. Although he was initially recognized for his basketball talent, he became a dominant pitcher at Marysville High School. During his senior season, he struck out 143 batters in 72 innings and recorded an extraordinary 0.28 earned run average.
Christenson’s professional baseball journey began immediately after high school. One day after graduating, he was selected third overall by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1972 Major League Baseball draft. The selection marked the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the organization and the city of Philadelphia.
At just 19 years old, Christenson made his major league debut on April 13, 1973, against the New York Mets. He earned a complete-game victory in the Phillies’ 7–1 win, beginning a career that would see him become an important member of Philadelphia’s pitching rotation.
Christenson played a significant role during one of the strongest periods in Phillies history, helping the team win three consecutive National League East titles from 1976 through 1978. His standout season came in 1977, when he finished with a 19–6 record and won 15 of his final 16 decisions. Injuries repeatedly challenged his career, but he continued to compete and remained an important contributor to the Phillies.
In 1980, Christenson was part of the Phillies team that captured the franchise’s first World Series championship. He started Game 4 of the World Series during that historic postseason run. By the end of his major league career, he had recorded 83 victories and 781 strikeouts. He also hit 11 career home runs, tying the Phillies’ record for home runs by a pitcher.
Following his baseball career, Christenson established himself in institutional investing and served as president of Christenson Investment Partners. He also maintained strong ties to Philadelphia through charitable work and continued involvement with the Phillies organization.
Larry Richard Christenson will be remembered for his accomplishments as a pitcher, his perseverance through the challenges of his career, and his continued contributions away from the baseball field. His legacy remains connected to both Philadelphia and Washington, as well as to the fans and communities touched by his life. Condolences go to his family, friends, former teammates, and all who knew and admired him. May Larry Richard Christenson rest in peace.
