Pat Zachry, a prominent figure from the Cincinnati Reds’ renowned “Big Red Machine” era, has passed away at the age of 71, as confirmed by various sources, including The Cincinnati Inquirer.
Former teammates such as Johnny Bench and Doug Flynn were among those who paid tribute to the talented right-hander. Bench fondly remembered Zachry as “one of the great characters and an unbelievable teammate,” while Flynn emphasized Zachry’s exceptional qualities, stating, “you couldn’t find a better teammate than Zach. We will all miss him dearly.”
Hailing from Richmond, Texas, Zachry was drafted by the Reds in the 19th round of the 1970 draft. He made his Major League debut six years later and swiftly became a vital part of the Reds’ success. Zachry played a significant role in the team’s back-to-back World Series titles in 1975 and 1976, contributing a stellar 2.74 ERA over 204 innings during his rookie season. His postseason performance, including two wins in as many starts, further solidified his reputation. Notably, Zachry and the Padres’ Butch Metzger shared NL Rookie of the Year honors in a rare tie vote, marking the only instance of such an occurrence in NL history.
Injuries hampered Zachry’s 1977 season, leading to his departure from the Reds in a notable trade with the Mets in June of that year. Alongside Flynn and outfielders Steve Henderson and Dan Norman, Zachry was traded to the Mets in exchange for the legendary Tom Seaver. This trade, infamous in Mets history as the “Midnight Massacre,” caused a stir in New York baseball circles.
Despite the challenges, Zachry enjoyed a successful tenure with the Mets until the conclusion of the 1983 season. He earned an All-Star selection in 1978, although his season was cut short due to a foot injury sustained in a dugout incident.
Over his career spanning stints with the Reds, Mets, Dodgers, and Phillies, Zachry amassed a commendable 3.52 ERA over 1,177 1/3 innings. Transitioning to a relief role towards the end of his career, he showcased his versatility with an impressive 2.49 ERA during the 1983 season with the Dodgers.
The MLB Trade Rumors team extends heartfelt condolences to Zachry’s family, friends, and former teammates during this difficult time.
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