The American Spectator

Former big league relief pitcher Pedro Borbon, Sr. has passed away of cancer. He was 65.

Borbon, a native of the Dominican Republic, spent the bulk of his 12-year MLB career with the Cincinnati Reds. Borbon pitched in three World Series (1972, 1975, 1976) and his 531 appearances are the most by a pitcher in Reds’ history. Borbon’s best season came in 1973 when in 80 appearances,he went 11-4 with a 2.16 ERA along with 14 saves. However, Borbon may be best remembered for his role in the fight between Pete Rose and Bud Harrelson during the ‘73 NLCS against the New York Mets. After the melee, Borbon somehow had a Mets cap on his head. Upon seeing it, he tore up the cap with his teeth inciting the crowd at Shea Stadium.

Borbon was as much a part of the Big Red Machine as Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, Tony Perez, Joe Morgan and Dave Concepcion. Borbon was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 2010. He also had stints with the California Angels, St. Louis Cardinals and the San Francisco Giants.

His son Pedro Borbon, Jr. also pitched in the big leagues during the 1990s and 2000s.