Births on January 13

Bob Forsch, American baseball player (d. 2011)

Robert "Bob" Forsch: A St. Louis Cardinals Legend and No-Hit King

Robert Herbert Forsch, affectionately known as "Bob," was an accomplished American right-handed starting pitcher whose distinguished Major League Baseball (MLB) career spanned sixteen seasons. Born on January 13, 1950, and passing away on November 3, 2011, Forsch carved out a significant legacy, primarily with the St. Louis Cardinals, before concluding his professional playing days with the Houston Astros.

An Enduring Legacy with the St. Louis Cardinals

Forsch dedicated the vast majority of his career, from 1974 to 1988, to the St. Louis Cardinals, becoming a cornerstone of their pitching rotation for over a decade. He was instrumental in some of the franchise's most memorable successes during the 1980s, showcasing remarkable durability and consistency as a starting pitcher, a critical role responsible for setting the tone for each game.

Championship Success and Pennant Victories

Bob Forsch was a vital member of the iconic 1982 St. Louis Cardinals team that clinched the World Series Championship, triumphing over the Milwaukee Brewers in a thrilling seven-game series. This victory marked a crowning achievement in his career and for the storied Cardinals franchise. Beyond the championship, Forsch also played a pivotal role in the Cardinals securing the National League (NL) pennant in both 1985 and 1987, demonstrating the team's consistent excellence and his contribution to their deep playoff runs.

Remarkable Pitching Achievements and Franchise Records

Forsch's individual statistics underscore his importance to the Cardinals:

• 20-Win Season: In 1977, Forsch achieved the coveted milestone of a 20-win season, a benchmark for elite performance among starting pitchers and a testament to his dominance on the mound. In modern baseball, a 20-win season is a rare and highly celebrated feat, signifying a pitcher's consistent excellence throughout an entire campaign.
• Franchise Victories: With 163 career victories, Bob Forsch stands fourth all-time among St. Louis Cardinals pitchers, a testament to his longevity, consistency, and impact across multiple seasons for one of baseball's most historic franchises. This places him among the pitching legends of the organization.
• Unique No-Hitter Feats: Forsch holds the unique distinction as the only pitcher in St. Louis Cardinals history to throw more than one no-hitter. These extraordinary performances occurred on two separate occasions, showcasing his ability to completely dominate opposing lineups:
  • The first no-hitter was pitched on April 15, 1978, against the Philadelphia Phillies.
  • His second career no-hitter followed on September 26, 1983, against the Montreal Expos.

  These rare accomplishments solidify his place in baseball lore, as a no-hitter, where a pitcher completes a game without allowing any opposing batter to reach base via a hit, is one of the most difficult and celebrated achievements in the sport, occurring only a few hundred times in over a century of MLB history.

• Brothers in No-Hitting History: Adding to his unique legacy, Bob Forsch and his brother, Ken Forsch (who pitched a no-hitter for the Houston Astros in 1979), are the only pair of brothers in Major League Baseball history to have each thrown a no-hitter. This shared family achievement highlights their exceptional talent and makes their story a unique footnote in baseball's extensive record books, underscoring the rarity of such a familial feat.

Transition to the Houston Astros

After a storied fourteen-year tenure with the Cardinals, Bob Forsch concluded his MLB career with the Houston Astros, playing for them during the latter part of the 1988 season and through 1989. While a brief period, it marked the final chapter of a highly successful and impactful career in professional baseball, solidifying his status as a durable and effective pitcher.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bob Forsch

What teams did Bob Forsch play for during his MLB career?

Bob Forsch spent the vast majority of his MLB career with the St. Louis Cardinals, playing for them from 1974 to 1988. He then concluded his professional career with the Houston Astros, playing with them from mid-1988 through the 1989 season.

How many no-hitters did Bob Forsch pitch?

Bob Forsch pitched two no-hitters during his career, both while he was with the St. Louis Cardinals. His first was on April 15, 1978, against the Philadelphia Phillies, and his second was on September 26, 1983, against the Montreal Expos. He remains the only pitcher in Cardinals franchise history to have thrown multiple no-hitters.

What were Bob Forsch's most significant achievements with the St. Louis Cardinals?

Beyond his two historic no-hitters, Bob Forsch was a key contributor to the 1982 World Series Champion team. He also helped the Cardinals win National League pennants in 1985 and 1987. Individually, he achieved a prestigious 20-win season in 1977 and ranks fourth all-time in victories for the Cardinals with 163 career wins.

Are Bob and Ken Forsch the only brothers to pitch no-hitters in MLB history?

Yes, Bob Forsch and his brother Ken Forsch are the only set of brothers in Major League Baseball history to have each pitched a no-hitter. Ken Forsch's no-hitter occurred in 1979 while he was pitching for the Houston Astros.