Randy Lerch, a left-handed pitcher, spent over a decade in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Philadelphia Phillies. Born on October 9, 1954, in Sacramento, California, Lerch was drafted by the Phillies in the eighth round of the 1973 amateur draft. He quickly rose through the minor league ranks, making his MLB debut with the Phillies on September 14, 1975.

Lerch's early years with the Phillies saw him developing his skills and gaining experience on the mound. By the late 1970s, he had become a regular part of the Phillies' starting rotation. In 1977, he had a breakout season, posting a 10-6 record with a 3.96 ERA. His performance helped the Phillies secure the National League East title, marking the beginning of a successful period for the team.

The 1978 season was particularly memorable for Lerch. He achieved a career-high 11 wins and played a crucial role in the Phillies' push for another division title. On September 30, 1978, Lerch hit two home runs in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, a rare feat for a pitcher. His efforts on the mound and at the plate helped the Phillies clinch the division that day.

Lerch continued to be a reliable starter for the Phillies in 1979, although the team fell short of the playoffs. His performance remained steady, and he finished the season with a 10-13 record and a 3.74 ERA. However, the following year, 1980, saw a decline in his performance, and he struggled with consistency. Despite this, the Phillies went on to win the World Series, though Lerch did not play a significant role in the postseason.

In 1981, Lerch was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers, where he sought to revitalize his career. His time with the Brewers was marked by ups and downs, and he found it challenging to replicate his earlier success. Lerch spent two seasons with Milwaukee, posting a combined record of 10-14.

Following his stint with the Brewers, Lerch signed with the Montreal Expos in 1983. His tenure with the Expos was brief, and he was released after the 1984 season. Lerch then joined the San Francisco Giants in 1985, where he played his final two seasons in the majors. His performance with the Giants was modest, and he retired from professional baseball after the 1986 season.

Throughout his career, Randy Lerch was known for his left-handed pitching and occasional power at the plate. While he faced challenges and fluctuations in performance, he remained a dedicated player who contributed to his teams in various capacities. After retiring from baseball, Lerch faced personal struggles, including issues with substance abuse, but he later worked to overcome these challenges and shared his experiences to help others.

⚾