Pat Zachry (April 12, 1952 – April 4, 2024) was an American professional baseball pitcher who left an indelible mark on Major League Baseball. Over his career spanning from 1976 to 1985, Zachry showcased his talent with the Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Philadelphia Phillies. His journey began with the Reds, where he earned the Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award in 1976 and contributed to the team's 1976 World Series triumph. However, his legacy was further defined by his role in one of the Mets' most significant trades, known as the "Midnight Massacre," involving the iconic Tom Seaver. Zachry's resilience and dedication to the game earned him an MLB All-Star nod in 1978, solidifying his place among baseball's elite. Despite facing challenges and transitions throughout his career, Zachry's passion for the game remained unwavering. His unexpected passing on April 4, 2024, on the eve of the Mets' matchup against the Reds, serves as a reminder of his enduring impact on the baseball world. As we reflect on Zachry's journey, we celebrate his contributions to the sport and honor his memory with gratitude and respect.
I had the opportunity to interview Pat during his playing days as well for my radio show in August of 2008. In that candid interview Zachry reflected on his experiences, offering insights into his transition from the powerhouse Reds to the struggling Mets, the pressures he faced following the Seaver trade, and his fondest memories of playing in New York.
Zachry's journey began with a whirlwind trade, just days before his wedding, which uprooted him from the celebrated ranks of the Big Red Machine to the challenges of Shea Stadium. Despite initial apprehensions, Zachry embraced the opportunity, driven by his passion for the game and the allure of New York City.Reflecting on the trade, Zachry remarked, "Initially, I was upset because I was so close to being married. This trade was three days before my wedding, and it threw everything off, the whole deal." Despite the upheaval, he remained resolute, stating, "As long as it was a big league team, I didn't care where they sent me."
The weight of replacing Tom Seaver, a baseball legend, loomed large over Zachry. Recalling the pressure, he noted, "Everybody knew that his legacy was going to be historically significant, and you wanted to play better." However, Zachry remained undaunted, determined to prove himself worthy of the trade.
As Zachry integrated into the Mets clubhouse, he encountered a mix of sentiments. "The fans took us in," he recalled, "They thought Seaver was, for the most part, kind of a bad guy and wanted to leave." However, teammates mourned Seaver's departure, with Zachry acknowledging, "The people in the clubhouse hated to lose Tom."
Despite the challenges, Zachry found moments of joy and accomplishment during his tenure with the Mets. "Just making the All-Star team," he reflected, "Having my parents up there when my wife and I had given birth to our son." These memories, along with celebrating anniversaries at the World Trade Center, became cherished highlights of his time in New York.
Following his retirement from Major League Baseball, Zachry continued to pitch through his participation in the senior league. Reflecting on his time in the league, he shared, "When we started it, I know personally going into the initial meeting, I thought that it was going to be more of an old-timers setting. But actually, no, it was actually very competitive, highly competitive." Despite the slower pace and aging bodies, Zachry found joy in the camaraderie and competitiveness of the senior league, reminiscing, "It was good. It's like all the outfielders had their backs almost on the warning track. A lot of Texas leaguers hit in that league." Embracing the opportunity to continue playing the game he loved, Zachry's involvement in the senior league underscored his enduring passion for baseball. Unfortunately Pat's time in the Senior league was memorialized with a baseball card that incorrectly used a photo of teammate Dick Bosman.
Beyond his senior league playing days, Zachry remained connected to baseball through fantasy camps and community involvement. "I still do some fantasy camps," he remarked, "Both the Reds and the Mets have an interest in that." Embracing retirement, Zachry found solace in simple pleasures, sharing, "I do my yard work around here and play as much golf as I can stand."
Looking back on his journey, Pat Zachry's from the hallowed halls of the Big Red Machine to the storied grounds of Shea Stadium, Zachry's imprint on baseball endures as a testament to the power of the bonds forged through his love and joy for the game.
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