“RIP”- Giants, Dodgers & Fans Mourn MLB Legend as Tennis Icon Billie Jean King Suffers Tragic Family Loss

The baseball world is mourning the loss of Former San Francisco Giants legendary relief pitcher Randy Moffitt. The 76-year-old was also the beloved younger brother of tennis icon Billie Jean King.

The longtime reliever passed away after an extended illness in his hometown of Long Beach, California. The Giants organization officially confirmed the sad news and expressed its deep condolences to the Moffitt family.

Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY  shared the news on X: “RIP former Giants pitcher Randy Mofitt.brother of tennis legend Billie Jean King.”

Randy and his sister Billie Jean grew up as  “competitive kids,” pushing each other to greatness. King beautifully captured their relationship in an April 2023 tweet that read: “My brother Randy Moffitt and I were raised by devoted parents who did everything they could for their two very competitive kids… We are very close, and I love him with all my heart.” 

Giant first drafted Randy Moffitt in the first round (18th overall) in the 1970 MLB draft. He debuted on June 11, 1972, and recorded eighty-three saves and 397 strikeouts over 682.1 innings (459 games) with San Francisco, and maintained a 3.68 ERA there in his 10 seasons there. He ranks ninth all-time in saves (83) and sixth all-time in games pitched (459) in Giants history.  The Giants honored him him on their prestigious Wall of Fame in 2008

Moffitt’s career took a downward turn after he fell ill during the 1979 season due to a rare and deadly intestinal parasite that affected and ended his Giants career in 1981, when he posted a 7.00 ERA  in his last three seasons there.  But he came back in 1982 with the Houston Astros finished his career with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1983.

Moffitt’s life was a remarkable story that connected two legendary sports families, and his passing has left a void in the hearts of many.

Rest in peace…Baseball community reacts to Moffitt’s passing

The San Francisco Giants shared their condolences, tweeting, “The #SFGiants are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former San Francisco Giants pitcher Randy Moffitt. We extend our deepest condolences to the Moffitt family 🧡.”  

Their long-time rivals Los Angeles Dodgers, show their empathy by resharing that tweet: “The Los Angeles Dodgers are saddened by the passing of Randy Moffitt, the brother of Billie Jean King. Our thoughts are with the Moffitt family and his friends.” 

MLB Communications later joined the sadness, sharing his legacy, “MLB is deeply saddened by the passing of longtime @SFGiants pitcher Randy Moffitt, who was 76. The Long Beach, CA native and brother of tennis legend and @Dodgers current minority owner Billie Jean King was a sturdy reliever who pitched to a 3.65 career ERA and earned 96 saves across 12 @MLB seasons, also pitching for the @astros and @BlueJays.”

One fan joined the mourning, “RIP Randy Moffitt, a reliable Giants reliever from 1972 to 1981, who’s fourth in the team’s West Coast history in games pitched, 459. Best year 1973, posting 2.42 ERA with 14 saves in 60 outings. On team’s Wall of Fame. Brother of Billie Jean King. He was 76.”

While another shared their sadness, “Sad news to share. Former Toronto Blue Jays reliever Randy Moffitt has died at the age of 76 after an extended illness. He went 6-2 with a 3.77 ERA with 10 saves in 45 games out of the bullpen for the Toronto Blue Jays in 1983. My condolences to his family.”

And one finally fan showed his empathy, sharing his earlier memories,” Randy Moffitt was the #SFGiants right handed stopper from my days in elementary school into Middle school. Being the brother of Billie Jean King was one of my first fun facts at school. Very nice man . Rest in Peace”.

Moffitt kept his Long Beach roots and stayed close to his family all his life. And in return, Long Beach State inducted him into its Athletics Hall of Fame back in 1986. Moffitt leaves two daughters, Miranda and Alysha, plus four grandchildren, Evan, Cason, Byron, and Derek, and his legendary sister, Billie Jean Moffitt King, and her wife, Ilana, and countless fans who will remember him for the rest of their lives.