Former Major League Baseball pitcher Pat Zachry, who shared the 1976 National League Rookie of the Year award with the Cincinnati Reds and was later traded to the New York Mets for Tom Seaver, has passed away at the age of 71.
Zachry passed away on Thursday at his son Josh’s residence in Austin, Texas, after battling a long illness, according to Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz, confirming the news on Saturday. Zachry would have celebrated his 72nd birthday on April 24.
The Reds honored Zachry with a moment of silence before their game against the Mets on Friday night.
Standing tall at 6-foot-5, Zachry enjoyed a 10-season career in the majors, playing for the Reds (1976-77), Mets (1977-82), Los Angeles Dodgers (1983-84), and Philadelphia (1985). In his debut season, he boasted a notable 14-7 record with a 2.74 ERA and shared the NL Rookie of the Year award with Butch Metzger of the San Diego Padres.
Zachry’s time with the Mets began in 1977 when he was part of a significant trade that brought him, along with other players, from Cincinnati in exchange for Tom Seaver. Despite the immense pressure of replacing a star like Seaver, Zachry showcased his talent, earning an All-Star selection in his first full season with the Mets in 1978.
Born in Richmond, Texas, Zachry attended Richfield High School in Waco and was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 19th round of the 1970 amateur draft. He made his major league debut against the Houston Astros on April 11, 1976.
Zachry’s career faced a setback in 1978 when he suffered a broken foot after kicking a helmet in frustration during a game, bringing an end to his season.
Pat Zachry is survived by his son Josh, who played quarterback for Baylor University from 2000-02, and his daughter Meredith Knight, an equestrian athlete.