Mickey Lolich, Detroit Tigers pitching legend and 1968 World Series hero, dies at 85

[catbyte]

A three-time All-Star (1969, 1971, 1972), Lolich was a top contender for the American League’s Cy Young Award, finishing second in 1971 and third in 1972. He also ranked among the league’s MVP candidates, placing fifth in 1971 and 10th in 1972.

Lolich’s most memorable achievement came in the 1968 World Series, where he pitched three complete-game victories, including a decisive Game 7 win over Hall of Famer Bob Gibson, helping the Tigers secure the championship.

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https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2026/02/04/mickey-lolich-detroit-tigers-pitching-legend-and-1968-world-series-hero-dies-at-85/
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I'll always be grateful to Mickey Lolich and the '68 Tigers because my Nana was a Detroit Tigers superfan. I remember her being so excited when they won the World Series that she ran around her house waving her arms. So many times during the summer she's have one of their games on the radio or TV.

She passed away suddenly on New Years Day 1969 when I was 13. She passed knowing that her beloved Tigers were World Champoions and I'll always love thm for that.

[Xavier Breath]

1. That can be a melancholy part of your team winning a championship.

Remembering those who were fans but didn't live to see it. At least she got to enjoy it.

[yorkster]

3. Very true. Happened to me watching the Red Sox

finally win in 2004. Thought of grandparents, Aunts and a dear father who
would have been really happy...

[BeyondGeography]

2. If there is a better pitcher not in the Hall of Fame

I don’t know who it is. From 68-72 he was dominant. A couple of down years toward the end brought his numbers down a little bit but, still…

RIP, Mickey.

[bucolic_frolic]

4. 1968 was one of the greatest series ever

Big money had not completely taken over sports, the TV was simple but had replays, the interviews were tame.

Mickey Lolich's delivery kept batters guessing. Most of the time he seemed to be throwing the ball from around his knees. And he could pick corners.

The entire series replay is available on YouTube.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1968_World_Series

Catch the center field angle on the second base tag. Looks safe to me.

[Crowman2009]

5. He use to do color commentary for the Lansing Lugnuts broadcasts.

RIP

[WestMichRad]

6. Very deserving of the Hall of Fame

He was THE workhorse pitcher of his era. 12 consecutive seasons of 200+ innings pitched, including four consecutive over 300 innings, topping out at 376 in 1971. Compare that to today’s pitchers, who rarely reach even 200 innings. He averaged over 200 strikeouts per year over his 13 seasons with the Tigers, topping out at 308 in 1971. And as noted, three complete games in the 1968 World Series.

[BeyondGeography]

7. His '71 numbers are insane

Twenty-nine complete games. Here is what he did game-by-game:

https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/pitchinglogs.php?p=lolicmi01&y=1971

My favorite among many others: He pitched an 11-inning game on July 27 and followed that up with a 12-inning outing on July 31. Five out of his next six outings were complete games. The lone exception he threw eight innings. He was a marine.