Ken Holtzman, a left-handed pitcher, made a name for himself in Major League Baseball with a career that spanned over a decade. Born on November 3, 1945, in St. Louis, Missouri, Holtzman attended the University of Illinois, where he honed his skills on the mound before being signed by the Chicago Cubs in 1965. His entry into the major leagues came swiftly, and he debuted with the Cubs later that year.

Holtzman's early years with the Cubs were marked by steady development. By 1967, he had established himself as a reliable starter, showcasing his talent with a no-hitter against the Atlanta Braves on August 19, 1969. This achievement was particularly noteworthy as it was the first no-hitter by a Cubs pitcher in over 50 years. Holtzman repeated this feat with another no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds on June 3, 1971, further cementing his reputation as a skilled pitcher.

In 1971, Holtzman was traded to the Oakland Athletics, a move that would prove to be a turning point in his career. With the Athletics, Holtzman became an integral part of a dominant pitching rotation that included Catfish Hunter and Vida Blue. His tenure with the team coincided with one of the most successful periods in the franchise's history. Holtzman played a crucial role in the Athletics' three consecutive World Series championships from 1972 to 1974. His performance in the postseason was particularly impressive, as he consistently delivered strong outings under pressure.

During the 1973 season, Holtzman achieved a personal milestone by winning 21 games, the highest single-season total of his career. His ability to perform in high-stakes situations was evident in the 1973 World Series, where he won two games against the New York Mets, helping the Athletics secure the championship. Holtzman's contributions to the team's success during this era were widely recognized, and he was selected as an All-Star in 1972 and 1973.

After his successful stint with the Athletics, Holtzman was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in 1976. His time with the Orioles was brief, and he was soon traded again, this time to the New York Yankees. With the Yankees, Holtzman added another World Series title to his resume in 1977, although his role was more limited compared to his time with the Athletics.

Holtzman's career came full circle when he returned to the Chicago Cubs in 1978. He played his final season in the major leagues in 1979, retiring with a career record of 174 wins and 150 losses, along with an earned run average (ERA) of 3.49. Over the course of his career, Holtzman was known for his durability and consistency, qualities that made him a valuable asset to every team he played for.

⚾