Full Breakdown
Former MLB Closer Al Holland Sr., College Baseball Hall of Famer, Dies at 73
7/7/2026, 5:46:01 AM
Death of Al Holland Sr.
Al Holland Sr., a 73-year-old former Major League Baseball reliever and North Carolina A&T State University legend, died on July 4, 2026 in Fort Mill, South Carolina, surrounded by family. His son, Al Holland Jr., confirmed the death, and the university and the Philadelphia Phillies announced the loss publicly.
Collegiate Legacy at North Carolina A&T
Holland entered North Carolina A&T in 1971 after graduating from Lucy Addison High School, a segregated school in Roanoke, Virginia. He led the Aggies in rushing as a freshman football player, but his baseball achievements defined his legacy. In 1972 he struck out 143 batters, led the nation in strikeouts, and posted a 0.54 ERA. A 25-strikeout no-hitter against North Carolina Central University highlighted his freshman season. He never posted a season ERA above 1.03 and recorded a no-hitter in each of his four collegiate seasons. Holland earned two NAIA All-American honors, was inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame (2015), the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame (1993), and the North Carolina A&T Sports Hall of Fame (1994). His No. 17 jersey was retired on February 8, 2020 and hangs on the left-field wall of World War Memorial Stadium.
Professional Career Highlights
After declining draft selections by the Texas Rangers (1974) and San Diego Padres (1975), Holland signed as an undrafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Pirates in June 1975. He debuted on September 5, 1977 and played ten MLB seasons for the Pirates, San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies, California Angels, and New York Yankees. His most notable period came with the Phillies (1983-85), where he saved 25 games, helped the club win the 1983 National League pennant, and earned the NL Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award. He was an All-Star in 1984 and finished in the top ten for both Cy Young and NL MVP voting that year.
Data & Statistics
- MLB career: 10 (some sources cite 11) seasons, 34-30 win-loss record, 78 saves, 2.98 ERA, 513 strikeouts, 1.207 WHIP.
- Phillies tenure: 55 saves, 2.88 ERA, 162 strikeouts in 194 innings.
- 1984 All-Star season: 29 saves, 3.39 ERA over 98+ innings.
- Collegiate career: 0.54 ERA (freshman), 0.95 ERA (junior), 0.26 ERA (senior), 105–118 strikeouts per season.
- Jersey No. 17 retired; one of three Aggie athletes with retired numbers (alongside Al Attles and Elvin Bethea).
Official Statements & Responses
North Carolina A&T Chancellor James R. Martin II issued a statement mourning Holland’s loss and emphasizing his “big-league star” status and signature phrase “Give me the ball.” The university’s athletics department echoed the sentiment, noting Holland’s lasting influence on current players. A&T head baseball coach expressed deep sadness and recalled Holland’s periodic visits to the program. The Philadelphia Phillies posted a condolence message on social media, highlighting Holland’s role in the 1983 pennant run, his All-Star season, and the club’s gratitude for his contributions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He and his trademark phrase, ‘Give me the ball,’ personified the Aggie spirit of toughness, competitiveness and excellence that defines our university. He was one of a kind, and we will sorely miss him at North Carolina A&T.” — James R. Martin II, Chancellor, North Carolina A&T
- “The Phillies are saddened to learn of the passing of Al Holland, who spent parts of three seasons with the club from 1983-85. As a dominant closer, Al was an integral part of the team’s winning the National League pennant in 1983 and was an All-Star in 1984. The club and fans are forever grateful for his contributions and the legacy he leaves behind in Philadelphia. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Al’s family, friends, and former teammates at this difficult time.” — Philadelphia Phillies X account
- “Holland was born in Roanoke, Virginia in 1952. After graduating high school, Holland attended North Carolina A&T State University, a historically black university in Greensboro, North Carolina. He played baseball and also football for the Aggies. His baseball performance led to interest from the professional ranks. Holland was drafted by the Rangers in 1974 and the Padres in 1975, but opted to stay in college in both instances. He later signed with the Pirates as an undrafted free agent.” — Darragh McDonald, MLBTradeRumors.com
- “He will be missed, and hopefully honored, at the All-Star Game this upcoming weekend.” — ThatBallsOuttahere article
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the total length of Holland’s MLB career: most articles list ten seasons (1977, 1979-1987), while one source describes an eleven-season span. No other substantive discrepancies appear regarding teams played for or statistical totals.
Why It Matters
Holland’s death underscores the enduring impact of HBCU athletes on professional sports and highlights the role of historically black colleges in developing elite talent. His contributions to the 1983 Phillies championship remain a touchstone for Philadelphia fans, while his collegiate records continue to inspire current Aggies. The retirement of his jersey and multiple hall-of-fame inductions cement his legacy within both the university and baseball history.
Upcoming Tributes
The Phillies’ All-Star Game weekend later in July is expected to feature moments of remembrance for Holland, reflecting the community’s desire to honor his contributions on and off the field.
