Pat Zachry, a former pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, went away at the age of 71. Johnny Bench, Zachry’s former Cincinnati Reds teammate, released the following statement upon learning of his passing:
The Reds selected Zachry in the 19th round of the 1970 MLB Draft. Zachry entered the major leagues in 1976, having spent the previous six years in the minor leagues. After pitching 14-7 with a 2.74 ERA in 38 games (28 starts), he was named the National League Rookie of the Year and contributed to the Reds’ World Series victory.
Before being dealt to the New York Mets in 1977, Zachry was only with the Reds for a season and a half. Before signing with the Dodgers in December of 1982, Zachry was a member of the Mets. in exchange for Jorge Orta in 1982.
Zachry recorded a 6-1 record, a 2.45 ERA, and 36 strikeouts in his debut season with the Dodgers in 1983. With a 3.81 ERA in his second season in Los Angeles, Zachry finished 5-6. With 669 strikeouts, a 3.52 ERA, and a 69-67 record overall, Zachry concluded his career.
Pitching two innings in each game, Zachry faced the Philadelphia Phillies in Games 3 and 4 of the 1983 NLCS. In four games, the Dodgers lost the series.
Zachry played two seasons with the Dodgers before concluding his career in 1985 with the Philadelphia Phillies. Zachry joined the Dodgers as a minor league coach upon his retirement.