Pat Zachry, a pivotal figure in the 1976 National League Championship-winning Cincinnati Reds and later a member of the New York Mets, passed away at the age of 71. Zachry, who shared the 1976 NL Rookie of the Year honor, succumbed to a prolonged illness at his son Josh’s residence in Austin, Texas, on Thursday, according to Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz.
The Reds paid tribute to Zachry with a moment of silence before their game against the Mets on Friday night. Standing at 6-foot-5, Zachry enjoyed a distinguished career spanning ten major league seasons with stints at the Reds (1976-77), Mets (1977-82), Los Angeles Dodgers (1983-84), and Philadelphia Phillies (1985).
Zachry’s standout debut season saw him post a notable record of 14 wins and 7 losses, with a stellar 2.74 ERA, earning him recognition as a co-recipient of the NL Rookie of the Year award alongside San Diego’s Butch Metzger. He played a crucial role in the Reds’ triumph in the NL Championship Series and subsequent World Series victory against the New York Yankees.
Following an illustrious tenure with the Reds, Zachry transitioned to the Mets in a high-profile trade involving legendary pitcher Tom Seaver. Despite the daunting task of succeeding Seaver, Zachry thrived in his inaugural season with the Mets, amassing 10 wins and 6 losses with a commendable 3.33 ERA, earning him his sole All-Star selection.
Doug Flynn, Zachry’s former teammate, lauded his contributions and character, emphasizing his invaluable presence both on and off the field. Born in Richmond, Texas, and drafted by the Reds in 1970, Zachry’s professional journey epitomized resilience and dedication to the sport he loved.
Zachry’s legacy extends beyond his accomplishments on the diamond, as he leaves behind a lasting impact on the baseball community. He is survived by his son Josh, a former collegiate quarterback, and daughter Meredith Knight, an accomplished equestrian.
