Mickey Lolich, the longtime left-handed pitcher who won three All-Star games and then became an even bigger hero for the Detroit Tigers’ 1968 World Series title, has passed away at 85 years old. The Tigers on Wednesday announced that he had died and called him the most reliable and popular player in franchise history. Lolich had a reputation as a workhorse; nobody ever backed down from the biggest moments, a tough, durable competitor.Lolich was one of the most fearsome pitchers of his generation as he pitched for 16 seasons in the major leagues. He is synonymous with Detroit baseball, having provided some of the best pitching performances in the history of the organization. The numbers are impressive, and the accolades are numerous, but above all, every fan throughout Michigan will remember the heart and determination he took the mound with every time he pitched.
The remarkable career of Mickey Lolich
Michael Stephen Lolich signed with the Tigers as a teenager and made his big league debut in 1963. After that, he became the ace of the Tigers’ staff and one of the most steady starters in the game. Lolich pitched for the New York Mets and San Diego Padres after spending the first 13 of his 16 seasons with the Tigers.One of the greatest of the game, he ended his career with 217 wins, 191 losses, and a 3.44 earned run average. When he retired, his 2,832 strikeouts were the most ever by a left-handed pitcher and remain among the top totals in baseball history. In 1969, 1971, and 1972, Lolich was chosen as an American League All-Star, seasons in which he was often among the league leaders in innings pitched and complete games.
Mickey Lolich and the unforgettable 1968 World Series
It was during the 1968 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals that Lolich’s fate was permanently cast. Facing elimination in Game 5 of a series, the Tigers were down three games to one, he threw one of the greatest postseason games in the history of Baseball. The series featured three complete games from Lolich, including a nail-biting Game 7 win after two days’ rest.He even earned the World Series MVP for his efforts and became the catalyst for Detroit’s first title in 41 years. The grace with which he was able to overcome adversity made him a franchise icon and an embodiment of that championship squad.
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