Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Pat Zachry passed away on Thursday at the age 71 after battling a lengthy illness.
Zachry was originally selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 19th round of the 1970 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut in 1976 and went 14-7 with a 2.46 ERA over 38 starts en route to earning co-Rookie of the Year honors with former San Diego Padres relief pitcher Butch Metzger.
After spending parts of two years with the Reds, Zachry was famously traded to the New York Mets, along with Doug Flynn, Steve Henderson and Dan Norman, in exchange for Hall of Famer Tom Seaver during the 1977 season.
Zachry played six seasons with the Mets, compiling a 41-46 record with a 3.63 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in 741.2 innings pitched over 135 games (113 starts).
Zachry was traded for the second time prior to the 1983 season, this time to the Dodgers in exchange for Jorge Orta. By the time Zachry was dealt to L.A., the right-hander had begun transitioning to a role out of the bullpen.
He was used as a relief pitcher during his time with the Dodgers, appearing in 98 games (one start) over the 1983 and 1984 seasons. He went 11-7 with two saves and a 3.25 ERA over that span.
Zachry was poised to begin a third season with the Dodgers, but got traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for Al Oliver on February 4, 1985.
Zachry only appeared in 10 games for the Phillies that season, which wound up being his last in the Majors. He finished a lifetime 69-67 to go along with a 3.52 ERA in 293 games (154 starts) over parts of 10 years.
First trade was difficult for Zachry
Upon being traded to the Mets in 1977, Zachry was preparing to get married to his wife Sharron, and the reception was due to be held at Pete Rose’s house. It created some logistical challenges but the couple managed to move forward with their nuptials.
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