Al Holland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Al Holland |
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: August 16, 1952 Roanoke, Virginia, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| September 5, 1977, for the Pittsburgh Pirates | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| August 9, 1987, for the New York Yankees | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 34–30 | ||
| Earned run average | 2.98 | ||
| Strikeouts | 513 | ||
| Saves | 78 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Alfred Willis Holland (born August 16, 1952) is an American former professional baseball player. He was a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). Al Holland played for several teams from 1977 to 1987. These teams included the Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies, California Angels, and New York Yankees.
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Al Holland's Early Baseball Career
Al Holland started his MLB career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1977. He was a left-handed pitcher. In 1979, he was traded to the San Francisco Giants. This trade happened on June 28, 1979. He played for the Giants until 1982.
Joining the Philadelphia Phillies
In December 1982, Al Holland moved to the Philadelphia Phillies. He was traded along with Joe Morgan. This was a big move for his career.
Al Holland's Best Season in Baseball
Al Holland had his best season in 1983 with the Philadelphia Phillies. He won two important awards that year. He received the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award. He also won TSN Fireman of the Year Award.
Playoff Success with the Phillies
In 1983, Al Holland helped the Phillies reach the World Series. He saved Game 1 of the 1983 National League Championship Series. He also helped the Phillies win the pennant by striking out three batters in Game 4. He saved Game 1 of the 1983 World Series too.
World Series Challenge
Even though he pitched well, the Phillies lost the World Series in 1983. They lost to the Baltimore Orioles. This was the last postseason game of his career.
Later Years and Retirement
In 1984, Al Holland was chosen for the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. This was his only All-Star selection. He did not get to play in the game.
Moving Between Teams
In 1985, Al Holland was part of two trades. First, he returned to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Later that year, he was traded to the California Angels. He played for the Angels for a short time.
Final Seasons with the Yankees
Al Holland then joined the New York Yankees in 1986. He signed with them as a free agent. He was released and re-signed by the Yankees multiple times. His major league career ended in 1987 after playing three games for the Yankees that year.
After Major League Baseball
After his MLB career, Al Holland played in the Senior Professional Baseball Association. This league was for players aged 35 and older. He played for the St. Petersburg Pelicans and St. Lucie Legends. The league ended in 1990.
Coaching Career
Al Holland also spent time as a minor league pitching coach. He coached as recently as 2006. He worked with the Johnson City Cardinals in the Rookie-level Appalachian League.
See also
- List of sportspeople sanctioned for doping offences
