Mickey Lolich, the pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who achieved three complete-game victories in the 1968 World Series, a remarkable accomplishment unmatched since, passed away at the age of 85 on Wednesday.
The Detroit Tigers announced that Lolich’s wife informed them of his passing following a brief period in hospice care, although the specific cause of death was not disclosed.
While Denny McLain was the standout pitcher for Detroit in 1968, clinching 31 regular-season wins, it was Lolich who earned the title of Most Valuable Player in the Series. His impressive performance included an ERA of 1.67 and a crucial Game 7 victory on the road against Bob Gibson and the St. Louis Cardinals.
Celebratory moment as Detroit Tigers catcher Bill Freehan and pitcher Mickey Lolich jubilantly embrace after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 4-1 in the final game of the 1968 World Series at Busch Stadium. Also pictured is Norm Cash (25). Lolich joined the elite ranks of pitchers with three World Series wins. (The Associated Press/File Photo)
The final out of the decisive game saw Bill Freehan catching a foul pop-up by Tim McCarver, with Lolich leaping into Freehan’s arms, etching an enduring image of Detroit’s championship triumph.
Reflecting on his historic achievement, Lolich expressed to the Detroit Free Press in 2018, “It was always somebody else, but my day had finally come.”
Lolich’s legacy includes ranking 23rd in career strikeouts with 2,832, surpassing several Hall of Famers. Among left-handed pitchers, he stands fifth in this category, according to baseball-reference.com.
1968 image capturing Detroit Tigers Pitcher Mickey Lolich dousing himself with champagne in the clubhouse following the 4-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 7 of the World Series. (The Associated Press/File Photo)
In a surprising turn of events in 1968, Lolich emerged as an unlikely hero. Recalling the World Series team reunion, he recounted his temporary bullpen stint in August, orchestrated by manager Mayo Smith. Despite initial setbacks, he returned to the Tigers’ starting rotation and closed the season with a remarkable 6-1 record.
“I was having a few problems, but I had been a starting pitcher ever since 1964,” Lolich expressed his disappointment about the bullpen shift. “I remember telling him, ‘If we win this thing this year it’s going to be because of me.’ But I was only talking about the season. I wasn’t talking about the World Series.”
Reflecting on his redemption in the World Series, he added, “I got my revenge back in the World Series.”
Despite minimal rest, Lolich pitched Game 7, eventually receiving a Dodge Charger GT instead of the anticipated Corvette for being the Series MVP, owing to Chrysler’s sponsorship in 1968.</