​ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — On Friday afternoon at Staunton Park, family members and friends gathered to honor the memory of Al Holland, a Roanoke native and former Major League Baseball pitcher who passed away on July 4 at the age of 73. Holland’s life story wove through several sports and communities, beginning with his early years at Lucy Addison High School, where he played multiple sports and laid the groundwork for a diverse athletic career. He later pursued football and baseball at North Carolina A&T, where his talents continued to shine and earned him a lasting place in Aggies lore, with his No. 17 jersey retired in his honor.
Holland’s professional baseball journey spanned ten seasons in the Major Leagues. The peak of his career arrived in 1983, a standout year in which he played a crucial role in helping the Philadelphia Phillies clinch the National League pennant and advance to the World Series. That season also earned him the National League Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award, underscoring his success as a reliable bullpen contributor and a key figure in the Phillies’ ascent that year.
After his time in Major League Baseball, Holland returned to his hometown with a strong commitment to education and mentorship. He served as an educator and coach at William Fleming High School, where his influence extended well beyond the diamond. Through his work with students and young athletes, Holland left an enduring imprint on the Roanoke community, remembered for his dedication, leadership, and the encouragement he offered to generations of young people aspiring to succeed both on the field and in life.
Holland’s legacy in Roanoke is defined not only by his athletic accomplishments but also by the ways in which he invested in the community. He exemplified resilience, teamwork, and a commitment to helping others, traits that resonated with students, players, and families who had the privilege of knowing him. As Roanoke and the surrounding area reflect on his life, the impact of his work as a mentor, coach, and role model remains a guiding light for many who followed in his footsteps.
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