World Series MVP and Detroit baseball legend Mickey Lolich lifeless at 85: Tributes pour in for three-time All-Star
The world of baseball is mourning the death of legendary Detroit Tigers pitcher and 1968 World Series MVP Mickey Lolich at the age of 85.
Lolich is a three-time All-Star and widely described as one of the Tigers‘ best ever players not to make it into the Hall of Fame, surprisingly missing out on each of his 15 opportunities.
News of his death was first reported by the Detroit Free Press, but no cause has yet been revealed.
Lolich made his major league debut for the Tigers in 1963 and stayed with the team until 1975, before joining the New York Mets and then ending his career with the San Diego Padres in 1979.
When he retired, he held the record for the most strikeouts in history by a left-handed pitcher, and he currently sits fifth having been overtaken by Hall of Famers Randy Johnson, Steve Carlton and CC Sabathia, as well as Clayton Kershaw.
He is best remembered for his incredible World Series showing in 1968, in which he pitched three complete games, including a Game 7 victory over future Hall of Famer Bob Gibson, which sealed him the MVP award.
Mickey Lolich is pictured during a Tigers’ Q&A session back in September 2018
Lolich pitched three complete games on the way to winning the World Series MVP award in ’68
He recorded 217 wins in his career, striking out close to 3,000 batters, and will forever hold a place in Detroit sports folklore.
In a statement, the Tigers wrote: ‘[We] 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 several Tigers team records.
‘He was a member of the 1968 World Series Champion Tigers team, earning World Series MVP honors after posting a 3-0 record with a 1.67 ERA. Lolich will be remembered as one of the most durable and dominant left-handed pitchers of his era and a cornerstone of Detroit’s pitching staff for more than a decade.’
Sports reporter John Keating wrote of Lolich: ‘Rest east, Mick. A truly nice guy.’
One fan, meanwhile, added: ‘Really saddens me. The Tigers never truly honored Lolich’s accomplishments, what he did in the World Series.’
Another said: ‘A childhood hero of mine. I grew up watching Mickey Lolich play. Years later saw him a few times around town. Always a nice guy.’
