How Did Bob Welch Die? Former Dodgers Pitcher Dies From Heart Attack

Baseball — Former MLB pitcher Bob Welch died from a heart attack on Monday evening. He was 57. Reuters

Former Dodgers and Oakland A's pitcher Bob Welch died at age 57 from a heart attack on Monday evening, the A’s said in a statement reported by the Los Angeles Times and Sports Illustrated. Welch, a Cy Young Award winner, played in the major leagues for 17 years. He was with the Dodgers from 1978 to 1987 and then went to the A’s from 1988 to 1994.

The retired pitcher famously struck out Reggie Jackson, when the hitter was a 21-year-old rookie, in Game 2 of the 1978 World Series. Welch was 211-146 with a 3.47 ERA and 1,969 strikeouts in 3,092 innings on his career.

“He was a legendary pitcher who enjoyed many of his best seasons with the Oakland A's,” team President Michael Crowley said. “He will always be a significant part of our franchise's history, and we mourn his loss. We send our greatest sympathies to his family and friends.”

Dodgers President and CEO Stan Kasten said, “The Los Angeles Dodgers are saddened to learn of the passing of Bob Welch. He was one of the greatest competitors to wear the Dodger uniform."

Twitter users were sad to hear of the famous pitcher's passing and took to the social media site to comment on his untimely death.

Very sad to hear of fmr Dodgers pitcher Bob Welch today. So young still. I remember watching him strike out Reggie Jackson in WS. #BobWelch
— Sam Mitani (@sammitani) June 10, 2014

RIP Bob Welch - it's nice to see him finally get the respect that he's always deserved. He was an underrated pitcher back in the day.
— Spencer (@energizerfunny) June 10, 2014