Mickey Lolich, the last Major League Baseball pitcher to achieve three complete-game victories for the Detroit Tigers in the 1968 World Series, passed away at the age of 85 on Wednesday. The Tigers confirmed his death, which occurred following a brief period in hospice care, as relayed by Lolich’s wife without specific details on the cause.
While Denny McLain stood out as the pitching star for Detroit in 1968 with 31 regular-season wins, it was Lolich who earned the Most Valuable Player title for the Series. He boasted an impressive ERA of 1.67 and clinched a crucial Game 7 road victory over Bob Gibson and the St. Louis Cardinals.
One of the iconic moments from the championship season was when Bill Freehan caught a foul pop-up by Tim McCarver for the final out, prompting Lolich to leap into Freehan’s arms in celebration. Reflecting on his career, Lolich expressed that despite being ranked 23rd in career strikeouts with 2,832, surpassing several Hall of Fame pitchers, he was often overlooked.
An unlikely hero in 1968, Lolich recounted how a setback led to his resurgence, culminating in his pivotal performance during the World Series. Pitching Game 7 with minimal rest, Lolich went on to secure the Series MVP title. Following his baseball career, Lolich ventured into the doughnut business in suburban Detroit, a transition he humorously noted as unique among former ballplayers.
The Tigers extended their sympathies to Lolich’s family, acknowledging his enduring legacy. Mickey Lolich, a native of Portland, Oregon, left a lasting impact on the baseball world and beyond, with his remarkable achievements and post-baseball endeavors.