Randy Moffitt, Former MLB Reliever and Billie Jean King’s Brother, Dies at 76

Randy Moffitt, a notable reliever who played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball, has passed away at the age of 76 following an extended illness. Moffitt, the younger brother of tennis icon and equality advocate Billie Jean King, died on Thursday in Long Beach, California, as confirmed by a family representative.

Born on October 13, 1948, in Long Beach, Moffitt was the son of Bill and Betty Moffitt. His baseball career began when he was drafted in the first round by the San Francisco Giants in 1970. He made his major league debut with the team in 1972, where he spent the majority of his career. Over ten seasons with the Giants, Moffitt established himself as a reliable reliever before moving on to play one season each with the Houston Astros and Toronto Blue Jays.

Throughout his MLB career, Moffitt recorded a total of 43 wins, 52 losses, and 96 saves, boasting a respectable earned run average (ERA) of 3.65 across 534 appearances, nearly all as a relief pitcher. His contributions to the Giants were recognized when he was inducted into the San Francisco Giants Wall of Fame in 2008. Earlier in his career, he also entered the Long Beach State University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1986.

Moffitt is survived by two daughters, Miranda Harrah and her husband, Rusty, and Alysha Gosse and her husband, James. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, along with his sister Billie Jean King and her wife, Ilana Kloss.

Moffitt’s legacy extends beyond the baseball diamond, as he was part of a family that has significantly influenced American sports and social equality. His passing marks the end of an era for many who admired his athletic contributions and familial ties to a prominent figure in sports history.