On August 28, 2025, the baseball world lost a remarkable figure, Randy Moffitt, a former Major League Baseball (MLB) reliever and the younger brother of tennis icon Billie Jean King. Moffitt passed away at the age of 76 in his hometown of Long Beach, California, after a prolonged illness.
His death marked the end of a life that intertwined athletic prowess, family legacy, and a quiet resilience that defined his 12-year career in professional baseball. While often recognized as the brother of one of the greatest tennis players in history, Randy Moffitt carved out his own legacy as a dependable pitcher, primarily with the San Francisco Giants, and left an indelible mark on the sport.
A Stellar Career in Major League Baseball
Randy Moffitt’s journey to the major leagues began in Long Beach, California, where he was born on October 13, 1948, to Bill and Betty Moffitt. A product of Long Beach’s rich athletic tradition, Moffitt attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School and later California State University, Long Beach, where he honed his skills as a pitcher. His talent on the mound was evident early on. During the summer between his freshman and sophomore years at Long Beach State, Moffitt led the Long Beach team to the Connie Mack National Championship, showcasing his potential as a dominant pitcher.
In 1970, the San Francisco Giants selected Moffitt in the first round (18th overall pick) of the MLB Draft. His transition from college to professional baseball was swift. After a successful stint as a starting pitcher for the Class-A Fresno Giants, where he posted a 9-6 record with a 1.60 ERA, he was converted to a relief pitcher with the Triple-A Phoenix Giants in 1971. This move proved pivotal, as it defined his role for the entirety of his MLB career. Moffitt made his major league debut with the Giants on June 11, 1972, stepping into the high-pressure world of relief pitching.
Over the next 12 seasons, Moffitt established himself as a reliable reliever, appearing in 534 games, all but one in relief. His career statistics include a 43-52 win-loss record, a 3.65 ERA, 455 strikeouts, and 96 saves. Moffitt spent 10 of his 12 seasons with the Giants, becoming a cornerstone of their bullpen.
His best season came in 1976, when he pitched 103 innings with an impressive 2.27 ERA and 14 saves. Known for his durability and a baffling sinker that frustrated hitters, Moffitt ranked among the National League’s top-10 in saves four times during his tenure with the Giants. He finished 306 games and notched 83 saves with San Francisco, placing him ninth all-time in saves and sixth in games pitched (459) in Giants franchise history.
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Moffitt’s career wasn’t limited to the Giants. After a challenging period marked by health struggles, he played one season each with the Houston Astros (1982) and the Toronto Blue Jays (1983). With the Blue Jays, he went 6-2 with a 3.77 ERA and 10 saves in 45 appearances, proving he could still compete at a high level. His contributions to baseball were recognized with his induction into the Long Beach State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1986 and a spot on the San Francisco Giants Wall of Fame in 2008, cementing his legacy as one of the franchise’s most dependable relievers.
Randy Moffitt, my younger brother, passed away following an
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) August 30, 2025
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… pic.twitter.com/wA0Wksq58L
Despite his achievements, Moffitt faced significant challenges. In 1979, he contracted cryptosporidiosis, a parasitic infection that caused severe exhaustion, frequent vomiting, and a weight loss of about 25 pounds. Initially misdiagnosed and even dismissed as psychological, the illness took a toll on his performance, leading to a 7.00 ERA in his final three seasons with the Giants. Yet, Moffitt’s resilience shone through. Once properly diagnosed, he fought his way back to the majors, finishing his career with the Astros and Blue Jays. His ability to overcome adversity while maintaining a high level of performance underscored his determination and professionalism.
The Moffitt Family Legacy and Bond with Billie Jean King
Randy Moffitt’s story is inseparable from his connection to his sister, Billie Jean King, a tennis legend and advocate for equality who won 12 Grand Slam singles titles and transformed women’s sports. Born Billie Jean Moffitt, she and Randy grew up in a close-knit, competitive household in Long Beach. Their parents, Bill and Betty, fostered an environment where discipline and drive were paramount, nurturing two professional athletes who excelled in their respective fields.
As Billie Jean King wrote in an Instagram post earlier in 2025, “My brother Randy Moffitt and I are alike in so many ways. We were both competitive kids, right from the start. He enjoyed a great career as an MLB pitcher, and spent most of his time with the San Francisco Giants. We were so fortunate to grow up in a loving home, and are very close today. Love you, baby brother.”
The siblings’ bond was evident in their mutual support. While Billie Jean was breaking barriers in tennis and founding the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), Randy was carving out his own path in baseball. Their competitive spirit was a shared trait, but so was their loyalty to each other. In a 2018 interview, Billie Jean noted that she and Randy “grew up bleeding Dodger blue” in Long Beach, a nod to their shared love for baseball.
Ironically, this connection added a layer to the Giants-Dodgers rivalry when Billie Jean became a minority owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018. Despite their allegiance to rival teams, the siblings remained close, with Randy often joking that Billie Jean was the better athlete in the family.
Their relationship extended beyond personal support to a shared legacy in sports. While Billie Jean’s achievements in tennis and advocacy for gender equality made her a global icon, Randy’s steady presence in the Giants’ bullpen complemented her trailblazing efforts. Together, they represented a family that defied expectations, with each sibling achieving excellence in their chosen sport.
Randy’s pride in his sister’s accomplishments was evident, and Billie Jean’s tributes to her brother, including her heartfelt social media posts, highlighted the depth of their connection. Following his passing, the Los Angeles Dodgers and MLB Communications joined the Giants in expressing condolences, acknowledging the unique bond between the Moffitt siblings and their contributions to sports.
A Lasting Impact Beyond the Mound
Randy Moffitt’s legacy extends beyond his statistical achievements and familial ties. He was a figure who embodied the grit and perseverance of a bygone era in baseball, when relievers were not yet celebrated as “closers” but were trusted to handle high-pressure situations. His sinker baffled hitters, with some, like Mets players Doug Flynn and Ron Hodges, finding success against him, while others, like John Milner, struggled. Even Tom Seaver, a Hall of Fame pitcher, went 1-for-1 against Moffitt, and Moffitt himself hit 1-for-2 against Mets pitcher Harry Parker, showcasing the unpredictable nature of baseball.
Moffitt’s impact was felt in Long Beach, where he remained rooted throughout his life. His contributions to the community were recognized with his induction into the Long Beach State Athletics Hall of Fame, and his role in leading the Connie Mack team to a national championship remains a point of pride for the city. Fans remembered him not just for his pitching but for his character. One fan, posting on social media, described Moffitt as “a very nice man” and recalled learning about his connection to Billie Jean King as a “fun fact” in school.
Moffitt’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from the baseball community. The San Francisco Giants, MLB Communications, and even their rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers, expressed their sorrow. Fans shared memories of his reliability in the bullpen, with one noting his 1973 season, where he posted a 2.42 ERA with 14 saves in 60 outings. Another highlighted his place on the Giants’ Wall of Fame, a testament to his enduring impact on the franchise.
Randy Moffitt is survived by his two daughters, Miranda Harrah (and her husband, Rusty) and Alysha Gosse (and her husband, James), four grandchildren (Evan, Cason, Byron, and Derek), and his sister, Billie Jean King, along with her wife, Ilana Kloss. His death leaves a void in the hearts of fans, teammates, and family, but his legacy endures through his contributions to baseball and the inspiration he provided as part of a remarkable sporting family.
In reflecting on Randy Moffitt’s life, we see a man who was more than “Billie Jean King’s brother.” He was a competitor, a survivor, and a beloved figure in baseball history. His 12-year career, marked by 96 saves and a place on the Giants’ Wall of Fame, stands as a testament to his skill and dedication. As the baseball world mourns his loss, Randy Moffitt’s story reminds us that behind every box score is a person who battled, persevered, and left a lasting mark on the game.