Bob Forsch, a right-handed pitcher, spent the majority of his Major League Baseball career with the St. Louis Cardinals, becoming a familiar face on the mound for the team. Born on January 13, 1950, in Sacramento, California, Forsch was drafted by the Cardinals in the 26th round of the 1968 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut on July 7, 1974, and quickly established himself as a reliable starter for the Cardinals.
Throughout his career, Forsch was known for his durability and consistency. He pitched two no-hitters, a rare achievement for any pitcher, let alone one who spent most of his career in the hitter-friendly confines of Busch Stadium. His first no-hitter came on April 16, 1978, against the Philadelphia Phillies, and his second on September 26, 1983, against the Montreal Expos. These feats made him the only pitcher in Cardinals history to throw multiple no-hitters.
Forsch's tenure with the Cardinals was marked by several successful seasons. He was a part of the Cardinals' starting rotation during their 1982 World Series championship run. In that season, he posted a 15-9 record with a 3.48 ERA, helping lead the team to the postseason. Forsch also pitched in the 1985 World Series, although the Cardinals fell to the Kansas City Royals in seven games.
In addition to his pitching prowess, Forsch was also known for his ability to handle the bat. He won the Silver Slugger Award in 1980, an honor given to the best offensive player at each position. Over his career, he hit 12 home runs, an impressive total for a pitcher.
Forsch's time with the Cardinals came to an end in 1988 when he was traded to the Houston Astros. He spent the final two seasons of his career with the Astros, retiring after the 1989 season. Over his 16-year career, Forsch compiled a 168-136 record with a 3.76 ERA and 1,133 strikeouts.
After retiring from playing, Forsch remained involved in baseball, working as a pitching coach in the minor leagues. He also authored a book, "Bob Forsch's Tales from the Cardinals Dugout," sharing stories and insights from his time in the majors.
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