Milt Pappas has passed away, the Beecher Police Department confirmed Tuesday according to multiple media outlets.
The former Cubs pitcher — best known for his no-hitter in 1972 — has reportedly died of natural causes at age 76.
Pappas spent the last four years of his career with the Cubs, going 51-41 with a 3.33 ERA and 1.258 WHIP in 763 innings.
He went 17-7 with a 2.77 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in that 1972 season.
Pappas' no-hitter on Sept. 2, 1972 was shrouded in controversy. He very nearly had a perfect game, but home plate umpire Bruce Froemming called a full-count pitch "Ball Four" on the 27th batter.
Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts released the following statement Tuesday afternoon:
“The Cubs organization is sad to learn of the passing of Milt Pappas, who not only had a special place on the field with the team in the early 1970s but also maintained a relationship with Cubs fans as a frequent guest at Wrigley Field, the Cubs Convention and other team events. Milt will forever be remembered for one of the most dramatic pitching performances in team history as he delivered a no-hitter that neared perfection in 1972. Pappas ended his impressive career wearing a Cubs uniform, and we will always consider him part of the Chicago Cubs family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends, relatives and fans as we mourn this loss.”