Mickey Lolich Passes Away, Remembering a Tigers World Series Hero

Remembering Mickey Lolich: A Tigers Legend’s Enduring Legacy

This article pays tribute to Mickey Lolich, the legendary Detroit Tigers pitcher, after the news of his passing at 85. It highlights his unforgettable role in the 1968 World Series and digs into his career stats and lasting impact on the game.

The Unforgettable ’68 World Series: A Pitching Masterclass

Mickey Lolich’s name will always be tied to one of baseball’s all-time great World Series performances. His grit and determination in 1968 grabbed the country’s attention and made him a Tigers legend.

Game 7 Heroics and World Series MVP

Back then, teams expected starting pitchers to finish what they started. Lolich took the mound for Game 2, Game 5, and the winner-take-all Game 7—starting and finishing each one.

Across those three starts, he allowed only five runs on 20 hits and six walks. He struck out 21, posting a 1.67 ERA. That Game 7 win, just two days after his previous start, came against the powerhouse St. Louis Cardinals. The 4-1 victory still stands out as one of the gutsiest pitching feats you’ll ever see.

A Stellar Career Beyond the Fall Classic

The 1968 World Series was his crowning moment, but Lolich’s excellence stretched over a decade. He kept dominating hitters long after that magical October.

Accolades and Statistical Dominance

Lolich broke into the majors with Detroit in 1963 at just 22. He quickly became a mainstay in their rotation and earned his first All-Star nod in 1969.

In the early ’70s, he kept getting better. He finished second in Cy Young voting in both 1971 and 1972 and cracked the top 10 in AL MVP voting during those years. In 1971, he led the league with 45 starts and 376 innings, finishing 29 games with a 2.92 ERA. Those numbers are almost unheard of now—he just kept taking the ball.

Career Longevity and Impressive Milestones

After 13 seasons with Detroit, Lolich went to the Mets in December 1975. He retired for a bit, then came back as a reliever with the Padres in 1978 and 1979. After 16 seasons, he finally hung it up for good.

His career numbers speak for themselves:

* 217–191 record
* 3.44 ERA
* 2,832 strikeouts
* 3,638 1/3 innings pitched

At the time of this writing, he sat 23rd all-time in strikeouts, right up there with the best. With 217 wins, he joined a select group of just 122 pitchers who’ve reached 200 victories.

Remembering a True Baseball Giant

Mickey Lolich was more than a pitcher. He was a competitor, a fan favorite, and one of the game’s true icons. His legacy isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the memories, the big moments, and his unwavering dedication to the sport.

A Lasting Impact on the Detroit Tigers and Beyond

The Detroit Tigers organization, along with so many fans, mourns the loss of Mickey Lolich. His contributions to the team’s history are hard to measure.

He played a huge part in bringing the 1968 World Series championship to Detroit. Lolich’s name sticks in your mind when you think of courage, determination, and pitching skill.

We send our deepest condolences to Lolich’s family, friends, and the fans who admired his incredible career. His legacy within the Tigers and the wider baseball world will keep inspiring people for years to come.
 
Here is the source article for this story: Mickey Lolich Passes Away