Mickey Lolich, the left-handed pitching star who delivered three complete-game victories in the 1968 World Series to propel the Detroit Tigers to a championship, has died. He was 85 years old.
Lolich passed away on Wednesday, according to a statement released by the Tigers, following a brief stay in hospice care. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
While saw Denny McLain capture the attention of baseball with a remarkable 31-win regular season, it was Lolich who shone brightest on the October stage. He earned the World Series Most Valuable Player award after posting a 1.67 ERA across four starts against the St. Louis Cardinals, culminating in a decisive Game 7 victory over Cardinals’ ace Bob Gibson.
The final out of that championship series remains an iconic moment in Detroit Tigers history. Catcher Bill Freehan threw his mask aside and secured a fly ball from Tim McCarver, then was immediately embraced by Lolich in a jubilant celebration. That image encapsulates the Tigers’ long-awaited triumph.
“It was always someone else,” Lolich reflected in a interview with the Detroit Free Press, “but my day had finally come.”
Lolich’s career spanned 16 major league seasons, during which he established himself as one of the most durable and effective left-handed pitchers of his era. He recorded 15 or more wins in eight separate seasons, completed 195 games, and registered 200 or more strikeouts in seven campaigns. Remarkably, he only missed one scheduled start due to injury throughout his entire career.
His impact on the Tigers franchise is undeniable. Lolich remains the team’s all-time leader in strikeouts (2,679), starts (459), and shutouts (39). He ranks 23rd in major league history with 2,832 career strikeouts, surpassing numerous Hall of Fame pitchers, including Bob Feller, Warren Spahn, Don Drysdale, Christy Mathewson, Cy Young, and Whitey Ford.
Among left-handed pitchers, Lolich stands fifth all-time in strikeouts, trailing only Randy Johnson, Steve Carlton, CC Sabathia, and Clayton Kershaw. This statistic underscores his sustained excellence and dominance over a lengthy career.
The Detroit Tigers organization expressed their deep sorrow upon learning of Lolich’s passing. “The Tigers are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mickey Lolich and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones,” the team posted on social media on Wednesday.
Longtime teammate Willie Horton also shared his grief, stating, “Lolich was a great pitcher, teammate and champion, but he was more than that to me. He was like a brother for over 60 years. I will keep the memories close to my heart and will never forget the close bond we shared. My condolences to Joyce and their family and to everyone who loved him.”
Lolich’s World Series performance remains a unique achievement in baseball history. His three complete-game victories in a single World Series have not been duplicated by any pitcher since. He defeated the Cardinals in Games 2, 5, and 7, consistently delivering under immense pressure.
The championship marked the last Major League Baseball title for the Detroit Tigers. Lolich’s contribution to that victory cemented his legacy as a Detroit sports icon and a beloved figure among Tigers fans.
