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

DETROIT — Mickey Lolich, renowned for his extraordinary performance in the 1968 World Series, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 85. This former Detroit Tigers pitcher leaves behind a legacy marked by three complete-game victories during that series, a feat not seen again in Major League Baseball.

According to the Detroit Tigers organization, Lolich’s wife shared that he passed after a brief period receiving hospice care, though no specific cause of death was disclosed. Mickey Lolich played a crucial role on a team where Denny McLain was the regular season star, winning 31 games. However, it was Lolich who shone brightest in the Championship, earning the title of Most Valuable Player with an impressive 1.67 ERA, culminating in a Game 7 triumph against Bob Gibson and the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Detroit Tigers celebrated their World Series victory by lifting Lolich into the air after their win over the Cardinals at Busch Stadium in 1968. The battery of Bill Freehan and Lolich famously clinched the series when Freehan caught a foul pop-up for the final out, an iconic moment immortalizing Detroit’s championship triumph.

“It was always somebody else,” Lolich reflected to the Detroit Free Press in 2018, “but my day had finally come.”

Ranked 23rd in career strikeouts with 2,832, Lolich surpasses many Hall of Famers in this regard and stands as the fifth greatest among left-handed pitchers, according to baseball-reference.com. His heroics in 1968 were not anticipated, as he had spent part of the season in the bullpen before returning to the starting rotation with a strong finish, going 6-1.

Lolich recalled, during a series reunion, that he had promised manager Mayo Smith that if the team was to succeed, it would be due in part to him. At the time, he was referring to the season, not anticipating his Series success. His determination and achievements came full circle in the World Series.

Lolich’s courage was epitomized when he took the mound for Game 7, despite having just two days of rest. He humorously recounted his expectation of being awarded a Corvette for his MVP performance, only to receive a Dodge Charger GT due to sponsorship reasons.

“Nothing against Chargers, nothing at all,” Lolich wrote in his book, “Joy in Tigertown,” emphasizing his affinity for the car despite owning two already.

Since Lolich, only Randy Johnson has matched a three-win performance in a World Series, but with different circumstances. Over his 16-year baseball career, Lolich held a 220-192 record, predominantly with the Tigers. Post-retirement saw him leave the sport in 1976, yet he briefly returned to play with the San Diego Padres in 1978-79.

In 2018, Lolich made an appearance to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a game between the Tigers and the Pirates in Detroit, a testament to his storied career.

He achieved significant career milestones, including a 25-14 record in 1971 with 308 strikeouts, nearly claiming the AL Cy Young award. His success continued in 1972 with a 22-14 record and 250 strikeouts.

Expressing their condolences, the Tigers organization stated Lolich’s impactful legacy would be “forever cherished.”

After retiring from baseball, Lolich transitioned to a unique career path in the doughnut business in suburban Detroit. A native of Portland, Oregon, he spent 18 years in this venture.

“I doubt any other ballplayer has ever made that transition — from the diamond to doughnuts. But I did,” he shared in his memoir.