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Cincinnati Reds say Jim O'Toole, 1960s star pitcher and '61 World Series starter, dies at 78

CINCINNATI - Jim O'Toole, a star pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds in the 1960s, has died after a long battle with cancer. O'Toole was 78.

The team said O'Toole died Saturday at his home, a day after celebrating Christmas with his large family.

The lefty started the opening game of the 1961 World Series, losing to Yankees ace Whitey Ford 2-0. He also lost Game 4 to Ford, as a New York team featuring Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris and Yogi Berra won the series in five games. O'Toole gave up four earned runs over 12 innings.

He was the National League's starting pitcher in the 1963 All-Star Game.