Mickey Lolich, Detroit Tigers 1968 World Series Hero, Dies at 85

Mickey Lolich, Detroit Tigers Legend, Dies at 85

Mickey Lolich, the left-handed pitcher whose dominant performances fueled the Detroit Tigers’ 1968 World Series championship, has died at the age of 85, according to reports from the Detroit Free Press and other news outlets.

Lolich, often described as a durable and competitive pitcher, was a cornerstone of the Tigers’ pitching staff throughout the 1960s and 70s. He famously referred to himself as “a beer drinker’s idol,” a testament to his approachable personality and consistent performance.

Throughout his 16-year major league career, Lolich achieved significant milestones. He recorded 15 or more wins in eight seasons, completed 195 games, and struck out 200 or more batters in seven seasons. He only missed one start due to injury. He remains the Tigers’ all-time leader in strikeouts (2,679), starts (459), and shutouts (39).

A World Series for the Ages

Lolich’s most celebrated achievement came during the 1968 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. While the pitching matchup initially focused on a battle between Cardinals ace Bob Gibson and Tigers’ MVP and Cy Young Award winner Denny McLain, it was Lolich who ultimately stole the show.

Despite Gibson’s record-breaking 17 strikeouts in Game 1, Lolich delivered three complete-game victories against a formidable Cardinals lineup featuring stars like Lou Brock, Curt Flood, and Orlando Cepeda. In Game 2, he pitched a six-hit complete game and hit the only home run of his major league career in an 8-1 win. Down three games to one in the series, Lolich pitched another complete game, helping the Tigers win 5-3 at Tiger Stadium.

In Game 7, Lolich was asked to pitch on just two days’ rest. He skillfully picked off both Brock and Flood at first base, thwarting potential Cardinals rallies. The Tigers ultimately won the game 4-1, securing their first championship since 1935.

Lolich pitched 27 innings in the 1968 World Series, allowing just five runs.

Early Life and Career

Born Michael Steven Lolich, he developed his left-handed pitching style somewhat by accident. As a child, he broke his left arm while riding a tricycle, and his parents encouraged him to use his left arm during recovery, leading him to throw left-handed. He didn’t begin playing baseball until age 11.

Lolich signed with the Detroit Tigers in 1958 and spent several years in the minor leagues before making his major league debut in 1963. He briefly considered quitting baseball in 1962, but a stint with the Portland Beavers and guidance from pitching coach Gerry Staley helped him refine his skills.

He served in the Air National Guard during the Detroit riots of 1967, being activated for 10 days and stationed in downtown Detroit.

Later Career and Legacy

After being traded to the New York Mets in 1975, Lolich briefly retired before returning to play for the San Diego Padres in 1979. Following his retirement from baseball, he owned and operated a donut shop.

Former teammate Reggie Jackson praised Lolich’s consistency and durability, calling him “a gallon of ice cream when you only wanted a cone” and noting his ability to consistently pitch deep into games. Jon Warden, a 1968 teammate, said Lolich didn’t fully realize how good he was.

Lolich is survived by his wife, Joyce, of 61 years, and their daughters, Kimberly, Stacy, and Jody, as well as three grandsons.