Former Cubs pitcher and long-time Major Leaguer, Milt Pappas passed away Tuesday at the age of 76. Pappas pitched for the Cubs from 1970-73.
Milt Pappas stayed connected with the Cubs after his excellent playing career. Pappas was a regular at the Cubs Convention and was seen often at Wrigley Field.
Milt Pappas broke in with the Orioles in 1957. Pappas earned two trips to an All-Star game during his time in Baltimore. Pappas was traded to the Reds, along with Jack Baldschun and Dick Simpson, for Frank Robinson on Dec. 9, 1965. The Cubs purchased Pappas from the Braves in June 1970.
Pappas pitched in 115 games, 112 starts, over four seasons with the Cubs. Pappas was 51-41 with a 3.33 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 3.73 FIP.
On Sept. 2, 1972, Pappas came within a pitch of a perfect game. Pappas no-hit the Padres at Wrigley Field. Pappas’ no-hitter stood as the last one at Wrigley until last season when the Cubs streak ended on July 25.
Milt Pappas finished his 17-year career after the 1973 season. Pappas was 209-164 in 520 games, 465 starts, with a 3.40 ERA and 1.22 WHIP. Pappas allowed 1,331 runs, 1,203 earned, on 3,046 hits with 858 walks and 1,728 strikeouts in 3,186 innings.
Tom Ricketts issued the following statement on the passing of Milt Pappas.
“The Cubs organization is sad to learn of the passing of Milt Pappas, who not only had a special place on the field with the team in the early 1970s, but also maintained a relationship with Cubs fans as a frequent guest at Wrigley Field, the Cubs Convention and other team events. Milt will forever be remembered for one of the most dramatic pitching performances in team history as he delivered a no-hitter that neared perfection in 1972. Pappas ended his impressive career wearing a Cubs uniform and we will always consider him part of the Chicago Cubs family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends, relatives and fans as we mourn this loss.”