The world of sports has lost one of its greats with the passing of former pitcher Randy Moffitt. The 69-year-old was best known for his time with the Giants, Astros, and Blue Jays, but his legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments on the field. Moffitt was also the brother of Dodgers co-owner and tennis legend, Billie Jean King.
Born on October 13, 1950, in Long Beach, California, Randy Moffitt was the youngest of four children. His father, Bill Moffitt, was a firefighter and his mother, Betty, was a homemaker. From a young age, Randy showed a natural talent for athletics, excelling in both baseball and tennis.
After graduating from high school, Moffitt attended Fresno City College before transferring to Long Beach State University. It was during his time at Long Beach State that Moffitt’s baseball skills caught the attention of the San Francisco Giants. In 1972, he was drafted in the first round and began his professional career.
Over the next decade, Moffitt played for the Giants, Astros, and Blue Jays, making a name for himself as a reliable and consistent pitcher. He was known for his curveball and his ability to keep his composure under pressure. Moffitt’s career statistics speak for themselves, with a total of 43 wins, 44 losses, and 106 saves.
But Randy Moffitt was more than just a talented athlete. He was a devoted brother and a loving uncle to Billie Jean King’s two children, Randy and Tatum. The siblings were incredibly close, with Billie Jean often crediting Randy as one of her biggest supporters and role models.
In a statement, King said, “My brother was my hero. He was always there for me, supporting me in everything I did. He was my best friend and my biggest fan.” The bond between the two siblings was unbreakable, and their love for each other was evident to all who knew them.
Despite their busy schedules, Billie Jean and Randy always made time for each other. They were often seen attending each other’s matches and games, cheering each other on from the sidelines. Their relationship was a beautiful example of the unbreakable bond of family.
After retiring from baseball, Moffitt remained involved in the sports world, working as an agent for athletes. He also continued to support his sister’s endeavors, including her activism for gender equality and LGBTQ rights. Moffitt was a strong advocate for equality and diversity, and his support for his sister’s causes was unwavering.
In addition to his love for sports, Randy Moffitt also had a passion for music. He was an accomplished guitar player and often performed at charity events. His love for music was another bond that he shared with his sister, who was often seen singing along to his performances.
On January 10, 2020, Randy Moffitt passed away at the age of 69 after a long battle with cancer. His death was met with an outpouring of love and support from the sports community. Many of his former teammates and colleagues shared their memories and paid tribute to a man who was not only a talented athlete but also a kind and generous human being.
Randy Moffitt’s legacy will live on through his achievements on the field, his impact on the sports world, and his unwavering love for his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will continue to inspire and motivate future generations.
In the words of Billie Jean King, “My brother will always be my hero, and I will carry his love and support with me always.” Randy Moffitt’s legacy is one of love, strength, and determination, and his memory will forever be cherished by those who were lucky enough to know him. Rest in peace, Randy Moffitt.
