http://www.foxsportsmidwest.com/11/04/11/Former-Cardinals-pitching-great-passes-a/landing_stlcardinals.html?blockID=596614&feedID=8745Former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Bob Forsch, who only a week ago threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 7 of the World Series, collapsed at his home near Tampa, Fla., and died Thursday night.
Forsch, 61, died from an aneurysm in his upper chest, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.
"We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Bob Forsch," Cardinals Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. said, "Bob was a one of the best pitchers in the history of our organization and a valued member of the Cardinals family."
"Having been with Bob just last week, we are all stunned by this news," DeWitt said, "The entire Cardinals organization extends its sincere condolences to Bob’s wife Janice, his two daughters Amy and Kristin, and his countless friends."
Forsch is the only pitcher in Cardinals history to throw two no-hitters. He ranks third on the team's all-time wins list with 163, trailing Bob Gibson (251) and Jesse Haines (210). Forsch also is third in strikeouts with 1,079.
In 15 seasons (1974-88) with the Cardinals, Forsch went 163-127 and posted a 3.67 ERA. The right-hander helped the Cardinals to World Series appearances in 1982, 1985 and 1987.
He made two starts in the 1982 Fall Classic in which the Cardinals defeated the Milwaukee Brewers in seven games to win the World Series title.
Forsch won 20 games in 1977, posted a 3.48 ERA and had eight complete games.
The right-hander was traded to the Houston Astros during the 1988 season and played one final season with them in 1989.
He posted 67 complete games in his career and had 11 seasons with at least 10 wins.
Forsch spent the past few years as a minor league pitching coach in the Cincinnati Reds organization.
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