Mickey Lolich, famed for securing three complete-game wins for the Detroit Tigers in the 1968 World Series, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 85. The Tigers organization reported that his wife communicated his passing followed a brief stay in hospice care, though no specific cause of death was shared.
While Denny McLain led Detroit's pitching staff that year by winning 31 regular-season games, it was Lolich's outstanding performances that earned him the title of Most Valuable Player of the World Series. With an earned run average (ERA) of 1.67 throughout the Series, Lolich secured a decisive Game 7 road victory against Bob Gibson and the St. Louis Cardinals.
The culmination of the Series featured catcher Bill Freehan capturing the final out by snagging a foul pop fly from Tim McCarver. In an iconic celebration, Lolich leaped into Freehan's embrace, symbolizing the Tigers' triumphant championship run. Reflecting on the moment in 2018 with the Detroit Free Press, Lolich remarked, "It was always somebody else, but my day had finally come."
In terms of career achievements, Lolich ranked 23rd in strikeouts with 2,832, surpassing numerous players who have since been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Among left-handed pitchers, he holds the fifth spot, according to baseball-reference.com.
His journey to World Series heroics was not without challenges. During an alumni reunion of the 1968 team, Lolich recounted being relegated to the bullpen for much of August by manager Mayo Smith. Despite his dissatisfaction, he rejoined the starting rotation in the final weeks, posting a 6-1 record.
"I was having a few problems, but I had been a starting pitcher ever since 1964," Lolich said. Expressing his frustration over the temporary bullpen assignment, he added, "I remember telling [the manager], 'If we win this thing this year it's going to be because of me.' However, I was only referring to the regular season, not anticipating my World Series impact." He later acknowledged, "I got my revenge back in the World Series."
Incredibly, Lolich pitched Game 7 after just two days' rest. Expecting to receive a Corvette from General Motors as Series MVP, he instead was given a Dodge Charger GT since Chrysler was the sponsor in 1968. In his book "Joy in Tigertown," Lolich quipped that the Charger was a fine vehicle but joked, "I already had two of them in my driveway."
Since Lolich’s accomplishment, only Randy Johnson of the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001 has matched the feat of winning three games in a World Series. Johnson pitched fewer innings and served in relief during Game 7, distinguishing his performance from Lolich’s all-starting role.
Over a 16-year career, Lolich amassed a win-loss record of 220-192 including postseason play. Nearly all of his career was spent with Detroit, save for brief periods with the New York Mets in 1976 and the San Diego Padres from 1978-79.
Highlight seasons include 1971, when he achieved a 25-14 record, hurled 376 innings, and struck out 308 batters, earning second place in American League Cy Young award voting. The following year, he went 22-14 with 250 strikeouts.
The Tigers extended condolences to Lolich’s family and affirmed that his legacy would be eternally honored by the franchise.
Post-retirement, Lolich, who was born in Portland, Oregon, engaged in the doughnut business within the Detroit suburbs for 18 years. He remarked in his book that this career switch from major league baseball to doughnut making was unprecedented among ballplayers, reflecting a unique transition.