Who was Randy Moffitt? All about Billy Jean King’s brother as he dies at 76

Former baseball player Randy Moffitt who was the younger brother of tennis icon Billie Jean King, passed away earlier this week on August 28. The news of his passing was announced by his representative in a statement to the Associated Press. Moffitt had been suffering from a prolonged illness before his death on Thursday; details have not been released.

Randy Moffitt began his professional baseball career after being drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 1970. He first played for the Fresno Giants, a minor league team and later made his major league debut two years later in 1972. During his career, which spanned from 1970 until his retirement in 1983, he also played for the Houston Astros and Toronto Blue Jays.

More about Randy Moffitt, as legendary baseball player passes away

Randy Moffitt, whose full name was Randy James Moffitt was born on October 13, 1948, to Betty and Bill Moffitt. He and his older sister, Billie Jean King grew up in Long Beach, California, where he attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School. Moffitt went on to study at California State University, Long Beach, where he played for the university's official team.

Randy Moffitt, who made ninety-six saves throughout his career shared a close bond with his sister, Billie Jean King, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce his passing. She wrote:

"Randy Moffitt, my younger brother, passed away following an illness on Thursday, August 28. My childhood dream of having a sibling came true on October 13, 1948, the day he was born. We grew up as close siblings who rarely fought. We had such love and admiration for each other. And as two very competitive athletes, both fortunate enough to play in the pros, we respected each other's journey, drive, and determination. Randy was a relief pitcher who played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball. He played 10 seasons with the @SFGiants, one season with the Houston Astros, and one with the Toronto Blue Jays."

She further added:

"Randy was loyal, kind, and caring. He was a father who loved his daughters, Miranda and Alysha, and a grandfather who loved his four grandchildren. Ilana and I will miss him deeply. Our bond was solid. Our relationship was special. And our shared history marks some of my life's most important moments. I will never forget the seven decades of memories Randy and I made together. I love you, Randy, and always will."

Trending

Randy Moffitt also faced major health challenges during his stint with the San Francisco Giants. According to Distractify, in 1979 Moffitt was diagnosed with cryptosporidiosis enteritis, condition that is caused by consuming contaminated water, which can lead to severe complications, like a weakened immune system. Although he later recovered, he was released by the San Francisco Giants in 1981, after which, he went on to play one season with the Houston Astros and another with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Randy Moffitt, who was seventy-six years old at the time of his death, is survived by his elder sister, Billie Jean King and her wife, Illana Kloss, as well as his two daughters, their spouses, and his four grandchildren.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback