Eastern Michigan Athletics
Photo by: Eastern Michigan University Athletics
EMU Mourns the Passing of Baseball Legend Bob Welch
6/10/2014 3:45:00 PM | Baseball
The former Cy Young Award winner passed away at the age of 57
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Former Eastern Michigan University student-athlete and E-Club Athletic Hall of Famer Bob Welch passed away today, June 10, in Seal Beach, Calif. at the age of 57. Welch had an outstanding career at EMU before playing 17 seasons and becoming a legend in Major League Baseball as a two-time All-Star and the 1990 Cy Young Award winner.
"With the passing of Bob Welch, the Eastern Michigan University baseball family has lost one of its greatest ambassadors," said Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Heather Lyke. "Bob left a lasting impression on the program leading EMU baseball to its most historic run in school history with two trips to the College World Series. The University sends its condolences to Bob's family, friends and former teammates at this difficult time."
In just two seasons at Eastern Michigan, Welch compiled a 17-6 record on the mound and led the then-Hurons to back-to-back appearances at the College World Series, including a runner-up finish in 1976. As a freshman in 1975, he was 7-4 with a 1.49 ERA and 94 strikeouts to earn All-Mid-American Conference First Team accolades as EMU won the MAC crown as well as the Mid-East Regional Championship before taking fifth at the College World Series. Welch was later recognized for his career at Eastern as an inductee into the E-Club Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988.
The right-hander continued his pitching dominance into his sophomore campaign, posting a 10-3 record with a 1.82 ERA and 111 strikeouts in 94 innings during the 1976 season to earn All-American honors. Before taking the team to a second-place showing at the College World Series, Welch threw a no-hitter at Central Michigan University, April 24, and pitched a perfect game against University of Detroit, May 23. Following the season, he was named to the United State Federation team.
Welch was a first-round draft choice of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1977, signing with the National League team after missing most of his junior year at EMU due to arm injuries. Throughout his 10 years in with the Dodgers (1978-87), Welch recorded 115 wins with an ERA of 3.14. He struck out 1,292 batters in 1,186 innings and posted 23 shutouts. He turned in one of the most dramatic moments in World Series history when he struck out New York Yankee slugger Reggie Jackson to end the second game of the 1978 World Series and preserve a 4-3 victory.
He was traded the Oakland Athletics in 1988, finishing his career with the club in 1994. Welch was an important piece to the A's pitching staff, as Oakland claimed three American League pennants in-a-row from 1988-90, winning the World Series in 1989 with a sweep over the San Francisco Giants in the famous series known for being interrupted by an earthquake. During the 1990 season, Welch claimed the Cy Young Award with an impressive 27-6 record, remaining the last pitcher to win at least 25 games in a single season.
Following his playing career, Welch remained in the majors as a coach. He was the pitching coach for the 2001 World Series Champion Arizona Diamondbacks before returning to Oakland as a special instructor, working primarily in the minor leagues while also assisting the team during spring training.
Memorial services have yet to be announced. Welch is survived by his sons Dylan (25) and Riley (23), daughter Kelly (18) and former wife Mary Ellen.
"With the passing of Bob Welch, the Eastern Michigan University baseball family has lost one of its greatest ambassadors," said Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Heather Lyke. "Bob left a lasting impression on the program leading EMU baseball to its most historic run in school history with two trips to the College World Series. The University sends its condolences to Bob's family, friends and former teammates at this difficult time."
In just two seasons at Eastern Michigan, Welch compiled a 17-6 record on the mound and led the then-Hurons to back-to-back appearances at the College World Series, including a runner-up finish in 1976. As a freshman in 1975, he was 7-4 with a 1.49 ERA and 94 strikeouts to earn All-Mid-American Conference First Team accolades as EMU won the MAC crown as well as the Mid-East Regional Championship before taking fifth at the College World Series. Welch was later recognized for his career at Eastern as an inductee into the E-Club Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988.
The right-hander continued his pitching dominance into his sophomore campaign, posting a 10-3 record with a 1.82 ERA and 111 strikeouts in 94 innings during the 1976 season to earn All-American honors. Before taking the team to a second-place showing at the College World Series, Welch threw a no-hitter at Central Michigan University, April 24, and pitched a perfect game against University of Detroit, May 23. Following the season, he was named to the United State Federation team.
Welch was a first-round draft choice of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1977, signing with the National League team after missing most of his junior year at EMU due to arm injuries. Throughout his 10 years in with the Dodgers (1978-87), Welch recorded 115 wins with an ERA of 3.14. He struck out 1,292 batters in 1,186 innings and posted 23 shutouts. He turned in one of the most dramatic moments in World Series history when he struck out New York Yankee slugger Reggie Jackson to end the second game of the 1978 World Series and preserve a 4-3 victory.
He was traded the Oakland Athletics in 1988, finishing his career with the club in 1994. Welch was an important piece to the A's pitching staff, as Oakland claimed three American League pennants in-a-row from 1988-90, winning the World Series in 1989 with a sweep over the San Francisco Giants in the famous series known for being interrupted by an earthquake. During the 1990 season, Welch claimed the Cy Young Award with an impressive 27-6 record, remaining the last pitcher to win at least 25 games in a single season.
Following his playing career, Welch remained in the majors as a coach. He was the pitching coach for the 2001 World Series Champion Arizona Diamondbacks before returning to Oakland as a special instructor, working primarily in the minor leagues while also assisting the team during spring training.
Memorial services have yet to be announced. Welch is survived by his sons Dylan (25) and Riley (23), daughter Kelly (18) and former wife Mary Ellen.
Jim Streeter - MAC Hall of Fame Induction Video
Wednesday, May 27
Jim Streeter’s Lifetime of Service Earns MAC Hall of Fame Honor
Wednesday, May 27
Closed it out right!👏
Tuesday, May 19
2026 EMU Baseball Senior Day Cinematic Recap
Sunday, May 17