PITTSBURGH, PA — His primary Prates primary legacy was being part of a trade package that helped the Bucs win the 1979 World Series.
Pitcher Al Holland died on July 4, MLB Trade rumors reported. He was 73.
After signing with the Pirates as an undrafted free agent, Holland made his major league debut in 1977. He spent the entire 1978 and the start of the 1979 season in the Pirates' minor league system.
In June 0f 1979, he was traded to the San Francisco Giants along with Fred Breining and Ed Whitson in exchange for Bill Madlock, Lenny Randle and Dave Roberts.
Madlock became the Pirates' everyday third baseman, appearing in 85 regular season games and driving in 38 runs.
Madlock shined in the 1979 World Series, hitting .375 (6-16) in the seven-game series against the Baltimore Orioles.
As for Holland, he became an All-Star pitcher while playing for the Giants and Philadelphia Phillies. The Pirates briefly reacquired hm in 1985 before trading him to the California Angels.
He concluded his career by playing two seasons for the New York Yankees.
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