Mickey Lolich, the last pitcher in Major League Baseball to achieve three complete-game victories in the 1968 World Series for the Detroit Tigers, passed away at the age of 85 on Wednesday. The Tigers confirmed his death following a brief hospice stay, with no specific cause disclosed.
While Denny McLain stood out as the pitching star for Detroit in 1968 with 31 regular-season wins, it was Lolich who shone as the Series’ Most Valuable Player. He boasted an impressive ERA of 1.67 and secured a crucial Game 7 triumph on the road against Bob Gibson and the St. Louis Cardinals.
The iconic moment of Detroit’s championship season was captured when Bill Freehan made the final out by catching a foul pop-up from Tim McCarver, with Lolich ecstatically jumping into Freehan’s arms. Reflecting on his career, Lolich expressed his long-awaited triumph, stating, “It was always somebody else, but my day had finally come.”
Ranked 23rd in career strikeouts with 2,832, Lolich outstripped several Hall of Famers, placing fifth among left-handed pitchers. Despite unexpected setbacks in 1968, he rebounded impressively in the World Series, ultimately becoming a hero for Detroit.
After his exceptional performance in the World Series, Lolich pitched Game 7 with only two days of rest. He anticipated receiving a Corvette as the Series MVP but settled for a Dodge Charger GT due to sponsorship arrangements.
Following Lolich’s outstanding achievements, only Randy Johnson in 2001 has matched his three-game World Series win record, albeit as a relief pitcher. Lolich’s remarkable career spanned 16 years, primarily with the Tigers, ending with brief stints in New York and San Diego.
The Tigers paid tribute to Lolich’s enduring legacy and extended condolences to his family. Post-retirement, Lolich transitioned into the doughnut business in suburban Detroit, a unique move for a former baseball star.