Mickey Lolich, the last pitcher in Major League Baseball to achieve three complete-game victories for the Detroit Tigers during the 1968 World Series, passed away at 85, as confirmed by his wife to the Tigers after a brief hospice stay. The exact cause of his death remains undisclosed.
While Denny McLain shone as Detroit’s pitching star in 1968 with 31 regular-season wins, Lolich’s standout performance earned him the Series’ Most Valuable Player title, boasting an impressive 1.67 ERA and clinching a crucial Game 7 road victory against the St. Louis Cardinals and Bob Gibson.
The iconic moment of the final out saw Bill Freehan catching a foul pop-up by Tim McCarver, with Lolich jubilantly leaping into Freehan’s arms, symbolizing Detroit’s victorious championship season.
Ranked 23rd in career strikeouts with 2,832, Lolich surpassed several Hall of Famers and ranks fifth among left-handed pitchers, according to baseball-reference.com.
In an unexpected turn of events in 1968, Lolich emerged as a hero during the World Series, recalling a pivotal moment when manager Mayo Smith relegated him to the bullpen in August. Despite his initial frustration, Lolich returned to the starting rotation and ended the season with a remarkable 6-1 record.
Pitching Game 7 with only two days of rest, Lolich anticipated a Corvette as the Series MVP prize but received a Dodge Charger GT due to Chrysler’s sponsorship in 1968. Despite already owning two Chargers, Lolich graciously accepted the award.
Following Lolich’s feat, only Randy Johnson of the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001 has achieved three World Series victories, albeit with fewer innings and as a relief pitcher in Game 7. Lolich’s illustrious 16-year career, primarily with the Tigers, culminated in a record of 220-192, including postseason games.
The Tigers conveyed their condolences to Lolich’s family, hailing his enduring legacy. Post-retirement, Lolich ventured into the doughnut business in suburban Detroit for 18 years, a unique transition from the baseball diamond to the bakery industry.