Former Chicago Cubs pitcher Milt Pappas has passed away, according to authorities and the team.
Pappas, who was 76, died of natural causes, authorities said. His death was confirmed by the Beecher Police Department, which responded to a call from Pappas’ house on Tuesday afternoon.
Pappas pitched for the final four years of his big league career with the Cubs, racking up a 209-164 record and a 3.40 ERA in 17 seasons of baseball. He holds the distinction of being the last Cubs pitcher to throw a no-hitter at Wrigley Field, accomplishing the feat in 1972.
“The Cubs organization is sad to learn of the passing of Milt Pappas, who not only had a special place on the field with the team in the early 1970s, but also maintained a relationship with Cubs fans as a frequent guest at Wrigley Field, the Cubs Convention and other team events," Cubs Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts said in a statement. "Milt will forever be remembered for one of the most dramatic pitching performances in team history as he delivered a no-hitter that neared perfection in 1972. Pappas ended his impressive career wearing a Cubs uniform and we will always consider him part of the Chicago Cubs family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends, relatives and fans as we mourn this loss.”