The legendary left-hander who etched his name in baseball history with a World Series-clinching performance has passed away at the age of 85. Mickey Lolich, a name synonymous with grit and determination, was far more than just a pitcher; he was a titan for the Detroit Tigers, a hero who rose to the occasion when his team needed him most.
Willie Horton, a former teammate and close friend for over six decades, shared a heartfelt tribute, 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." This profound connection highlights the deep impact Lolich had not only on the game but on the lives of those around him.
But here's where it gets controversial: while his teammate Denny McLain garnered MVP honors in 1968 for his astounding 31-win season, it was Lolich who truly stole the show in the World Series. He was awarded the World Series MVP for his three complete-game victories against the heavily favored St. Louis Cardinals. Imagine the pressure: two of those crucial wins came when the Tigers were facing elimination, and the final, Game 7 triumph, saw him outduel the legendary Bob Gibson with a masterful five-hit, one-run performance, all on just two days' rest! That's the stuff of legends.
This incredible World Series performance was the culmination of a remarkable journey for Lolich. In the 1968 regular season, he quietly racked up 17 wins, often pitching in McLain's considerable shadow. The year before, in 1967, he led the majors with six shutouts and achieved 14 wins, including an astonishing streak of three consecutive shutouts and 28 2/3 scoreless innings in the season's final month. And this is the part most people miss: during that same 1967 season, Lolich was called to serve in the Michigan Air National Guard for two weeks amidst the Detroit riots, guarding a radio tower and working in a motor pool. He described this experience in his biography, "Joy in Tigertown," noting, "I neither fired my weapon at anyone, nor was I fired upon." He was a soldier when his city needed him, and then he returned to being a star pitcher.
Born in Portland, Oregon, on September 12, 1940, Michael Stephen Lolich's love for the outdoors and a strong arm were evident from a young age. He was a standout in youth baseball, competing in national tournaments. By 17 years old, he signed with the Tigers for $30,000 and began his professional career in 1959. His early minor league days weren't without their challenges; he even considered quitting baseball in 1962 before a strong semi-pro outing led to a chance in Triple-A, where he showcased his potential with a 10-9 record and 138 strikeouts.
His Major League debut came on May 12, 1963, with a solid two innings of relief. After a few more appearances, he earned his first start on May 21, a hard-fought 4-2 loss where he still managed seven strikeouts. Just a week later, he secured his first MLB win with a complete game, allowing only one unearned run.
The Detroit Tigers organization expressed their deep sorrow, tweeting, "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. One of the finest pitchers in franchise history, Lolich was a three-time All-Star who pitched for Detroit for 13 seasons and holds…"
Lolich's durability was a hallmark of the Tigers in the 1970s. After McLain's departure, Lolich ascended to ace status, earning three All-Star selections between 1969 and 1972. In an extraordinary 1971 season, he led the majors with 25 wins, an astounding 308 strikeouts, and pitched 376 innings over 45 starts, including 29 complete games. He followed that up with 22 wins in 1972, helping Detroit clinch an AL East title.
He consistently pitched 41 or more starts for four consecutive seasons through 1974, logging at least 308 innings each year. His unique method for managing arm fatigue involved soaking his left arm in scalding hot water for 30 minutes after every start to combat swelling – a testament to his dedication and resilience.
After 13 seasons with Detroit, Lolich was traded to the Mets. Following a challenging year in New York, he retired for a year before returning to pitch two seasons for the Padres. His 2,679 strikeouts as a Tiger set an American League record for left-handers that stood for over four decades, until CC Sabathia surpassed him in 2017.
Post-baseball, Lolich returned to Michigan, where he became a successful owner of donut shops, embodying the same tireless work ethic he displayed on the mound. He even quipped, "I frittered away the years after I played baseball. You could even say I apple frittered them away," a playful nod to his business venture.
His career was as multifaceted as his personality, marked by motorcycle rides and even an on-stage performance in Las Vegas. But here's a thought-provoking question for you: Does Mickey Lolich's incredible World Series performance and his sheer durability make him one of the most underrated pitchers in baseball history, or is his Hall of Fame case stronger than many realize?
Despite his remarkable achievements, Lolich's Hall of Fame case is often debated. He finished his 16-year career with a 217-191 record, 2,832 strikeouts, and a 3.44 ERA. Nearly 40 percent of his 496 career starts were complete games. While he received votes on the BBWAA ballot, he never reached the required percentage, and the Veterans Committee considered his case multiple times. He was rightfully inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1982 and the Croatian American Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.
What are your thoughts on Mickey Lolich's legacy? Do you believe he deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame? Share your opinions in the comments below!
