Ken Johnson
The only brother pair in MLB history to each pitch a no-hitter alongside Bob Forsch.
Kenneth Roth Forsch (born September 8, 1946) is an American former professional baseball player who pitched in Major League Baseball from 1970 to 1984. A right-handed pitcher, he is best known for his tenure with the Houston Astros, where he helped the franchise secure its first-ever National League Western Division title and a postseason berth in 1980. Forsch was a two-time All-Star and achieved a rare feat on April 7, 1979, by pitching a no-hitter against the Atlanta Braves. His career concluded with the California Angels after 16 seasons.
- Role
- Starting Pitcher
- Affiliation
- Houston Astros (1970–1981), California Angels (1981–1986)
- Notable Record
- Pitched a no-hitter on April 7, 1979; part of the only brother pair to pitch no-
- Status
- Retired
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Forsch's time with the Astros featured one of baseball's most unique family connections: he and his brother, Bob Forsch, became the only set of brothers to pitch no-hitters in Major League Baseball history. While Ken no-hit the Atlanta Braves 6–0 at the Astrodome on April 7, 1979, Bob later hurled two no-hitters for the St. Louis Cardinals. The 1980 season was a defining moment for Forsch and the Astros. Going 12-13 with a 3.20 ERA over a career-high 222.1 innings, he anchored a rotation alongside Nolan Ryan, Joe Niekro, and J. R. Richard. Although the team missed the title by one game in 1979, they returned to force a one-game playoff on October 6, 1980, against the Los Angeles Dodgers after losing three straight games at Dodger Stadium.
In Their Own Story
The 1980 postseason remains the only time Forsch appeared in the playoffs. After losing Game 1 of the tiebreaker series to the Dodgers when Ron Cey hit a home run in the 10th inning, the Astros won the next game thanks to Joe Niekro. In Game 5 of the National League Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, Forsch faced Steve Carlton at Veterans Stadium on October 7. He pitched eight innings, allowing three runs on eight hits with one walk and five strikeouts before giving up a two-run homer to Greg Luzinski in the sixth. The drama peaked in Game 5 when the Astros held a 5-2 lead entering the eighth inning. After Nolan Ryan exited, Forsch entered with bases loaded and one out. He struck out Mike Schmidt but allowed a tying single by Del Unser. Facing Manny Trillo next, Forsch surrendered a triple that cleared the bases, giving the Phillies a 7-5 lead. Forsch was pinch-hit for in the ninth as the game eventually went to extra innings, resulting in an Astros loss.
Reader's Guide
Forsch's career trajectory offers a clear path through late-era baseball success and transition. Selected by Houston in the 18th round of the 1968 draft (399th overall), he debuted on September 7, 1970. His peak came with back-to-back All-Star selections in 1976 and 1981. In April 1981, he was traded to the California Angels for Dickie Thon, demanding a move after the Astros acquired Don Sutton and Bob Knepper. With the Angels, he pitched 153 innings in the strike-shortened 1981 season, recording 11 wins, seven losses, a 2.88 ERA, and a league-high four shutouts. His career ended abruptly due to injury; on April 7, 1984, while diving for a bag, he landed on his right elbow, dislocating his shoulder. He returned briefly in 1986 before retiring with 114 wins, 1,047 strikeouts, and a 3.37 ERA.
Did You Know?
- Forsch and his brother Bob are the only set of brothers in MLB history to each pitch a no-hitter.
- He pitched exactly eight innings in the first-ever playoff game for the Houston Astros on October 7, 1980.
- In the strike-shortened 1981 season with the Angels, he led the league with four shutouts.
- His career ended after a fielding play on April 7, 1984, where diving for a bag caused him to dislocate his shoulder.
- After retiring as a player, he worked as an assistant general manager for the Angels and won a World Series ring in 2002.