Cardinals Great Bob Forsch Dies One Week After Throwing Game First Pitch

Just a week ago, Bob Forsch stood on the mound in Busch Stadium and threw out the first pitch before the climactic Game 7 of the 2011 World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers.

This morning brings the shocking and sad news that the former Cardinals right-hander suddenly collapsed and died at his home near Tampa, Florida Thursday night.

Early reports are that Forsch, 61, suffered an aneurysm in his upper chest, according to Stltoday.com.

A member of the of the Whitey Herzog led Cardinals, Forsch appeared in the 1982, 1985 and 1987 World Series. Forsch won 20 games in 1977 and 10 or more games in 10 seasons.

Forsch is also one of the small group of players to throw two no-hitters, in 1978 and 1983, during his 16-season big league career. He spent all but one season with the Cardinals organization and ranks third, behind Bob Gibson and Jesse Haines, on the Cardinals all-time wins list with 168.

With a lifetime ERA of 3.75, and 1,133 strikeouts, Forsch had a wonderful career. Forsch is also the only Cardinals pitcher to throw multiple no-hitters with the team.

Forsch has remained active with the Cardinals through the Cardinals Care program and alumni events. His brother, Ken, also played 16 seasons in MLB, splitting time between the Astros and Angels.

The thoughts and prayers of the baseball world go out to the Forsch family.