Randy Moffitt, the former Major League Baseball relief pitcher and younger brother of tennis icon Billie Jean King, has passed away at 76 after a lengthy illness.
He was a dependable presence on the mound throughout the 1970s. Moffitt played most of his career with the San Francisco Giants, then spent time with the Houston Astros and Toronto Blue Jays.
His story really is about resilience. He experienced early success, sudden health setbacks, and a determined comeback that secured his place in Giants history.
From Collegiate Star to MLB Mainstay
Moffitt’s baseball journey started at Cal State Long Beach. His standout performances there drew national attention.
The San Francisco Giants picked him in the first round of the 1970 MLB Draft, 18th overall. Just two years later, he was pitching in the majors and kicking off what would become a decade-long run in San Francisco.
Consistency and Longevity on the Mound
During his 10 seasons with the Giants, Moffitt built a reputation for dependability in the bullpen. He appeared in 459 games, collected 83 saves, and kept a career ERA of 3.68 for San Francisco.
He handled pressure well and became a trusted arm in late-inning situations. Fans and teammates recognized his steady presence, and in 2008, the Giants honored him with induction into the Giants’ Wall of Fame.
A Career Interrupted by Illness
In 1979, just when it looked like Moffitt had more good years ahead, he faced a harsh setback. He contracted a rare intestinal parasite that caused severe weight loss and a lingering illness.
The effects hit his performance hard. His ERA jumped to 7.00 over his last three seasons with the Giants.
Fighting Back Against the Odds
Most players might have called it quits after such a tough decline, but Moffitt didn’t give up. After leaving San Francisco, he worked his way back and found success again with the Houston Astros in 1982 and the Toronto Blue Jays in 1983.
Those late-career performances showed he never stopped fighting, no matter what came his way.
The Competitive Sibling Connection
Earlier this year, Billie Jean King remembered the competitive spirit she shared with her younger brother. Growing up in Long Beach, California, the siblings pushed each other in sports and in life.
King said their rivalry shaped both their careers—hers on the tennis court, his on the baseball diamond. Sometimes, that kind of family energy makes all the difference.
Family and Legacy
Off the field, Randy Moffitt was a family man. He is survived by:
- Two daughters — Miranda Harrah and Alysha Gosse
- Their husbands
- Four grandchildren
People who knew him remember more than just an athlete. He was a devoted father and grandfather, and his impact went well beyond professional sports.
He inspired those closest to him and younger generations alike through his perseverance, and that’s probably the legacy that matters most.
Remembering Randy Moffitt’s Place in Baseball History
Moffitt’s career shows the wild swings that pro athletes go through. He started with draft-day excitement and spent a solid ten years with one of baseball’s most storied franchises.
He faced a serious illness but pushed for a late-career comeback. It’s the full arc of a sportsman’s journey—ups, downs, and everything between.
These days, Randy Moffitt stands out for more than just stats. He played with heart and grit across 12 major league seasons.
His name still sticks in the history of the San Francisco Giants. Honestly, his story reminds us that determination and resilience matter just as much as the numbers ever could.
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