Ken Forsch was a professional baseball player who played as a pitcher for the Houston Astros and the California Angels. He was born on September 8, 1946, in Sacramento, California, and attended Oregon State University. Forsch was drafted by the Houston Astros in 1968 and made his Major League Baseball debut in 1970.
Forsch was known for his consistency and durability as a pitcher. He had a career record of 114-113 with an ERA of 3.37. He pitched 200 or more innings in a season six times and had 10 or more wins in a season eight times. Forsch was also a two-time All-Star, in 1976 and 1981.
Forsch's best season came in 1979 when he went 20-7 with a 2.73 ERA and finished third in the National League Cy Young Award voting. He also won a Gold Glove Award that season for his fielding prowess.
Forsch was traded to the California Angels in 1981 and played there for five seasons. He had a 3.37 ERA in his time with the Angels and helped them win the American League West division in 1982. Forsch retired from baseball in 1986 at the age of 39.
After his playing career, Forsch became a coach and worked in the minor leagues for several years. He also served as a pitching coach for the Milwaukee Brewers and the Houston Astros. Forsch was inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1992.
Forsch's brother, Bob Forsch, was also a Major League Baseball pitcher and played for the St. Louis Cardinals. The two brothers are one of only two sets of brothers to each throw a no-hitter in the Major Leagues.
Overall, Ken Forsch had a successful career as a pitcher in Major League Baseball. He was a consistent and durable player who helped his teams win games and was recognized for his fielding abilities. Forsch's legacy in baseball is cemented by his induction into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame and his place in baseball history as one of two brothers to each throw a no-hitter.
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