Kenneth Roth Forsch (born September 8, 1946)[1] is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a right-handed pitcher from 1970 to 1984, most prominently as a member of the Houston Astros where he helped the franchise win its first-ever National League Western Division title and postseason berth in 1980. A two-time All-Star player, Forsch pitched a no-hitter for the Astros on April 7, 1979. He ended his baseball career playing for the California Angels.[2]
Ken Forsch | |
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![]() Forsch in 1976 | |
Pitcher | |
Born: (1946-09-08) September 8, 1946 (age 76) Sacramento, California | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
MLB debut | |
September 7, 1970, for the Houston Astros | |
Last MLB appearance | |
May 23, 1986, for the California Angels | |
MLB statistics | |
Win–loss record | 114–113 |
Earned run average | 3.37 |
Strikeouts | 1,047 |
Teams | |
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Career highlights and awards | |
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Forsch was born in Sacramento, California where he graduated from Hiram Johnson High School and later attended the Oregon State University where he played for the Oregon State Beavers baseball team through the 1967–1968 seasons.[2] He was selected by the Houston Astros in the 18th round (399th overall) of the 1968 Major League Baseball draft.[2] He made his major league debut on September 7, 1970 at the age of 23.[2]
Forsch was selected to the All-Star Game in 1976 and 1981.[2]
On April 7, 1979, Forsch no-hit the Atlanta Braves 6–0 at the Astrodome. His brother Bob Forsch, who also pitched for the Astros, hurled two no-hitters while with the St. Louis Cardinals, making them the only set of brothers to pitch no-hitters in MLB history.[1] During his 16-year career, Forsch compiled 114 wins, 1,047 strikeouts, and a 3.37 earned run average.
Awards and achievements | ||
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Preceded by | No-hitter pitcher April 7, 1979 |
Succeeded by |
Preceded by | National League Pitcher of the Month April 1979 |
Succeeded by |