Former Detroit Tigers pitcher Mickey Lolich, the last Major League Baseball player to achieve three complete-game victories in the 1968 World Series, passed away at the age of 85. Lolich’s death was confirmed by the Tigers, following a brief period in hospice care. The exact cause of his passing has not been disclosed.
While Denny McLain shined in the 1968 season with 31 regular-season wins, it was Lolich who emerged as the Series’ Most Valuable Player, boasting an impressive ERA of 1.67 and securing a crucial Game 7 victory against the St. Louis Cardinals.
An iconic moment captured Lolich jumping into the arms of catcher Bill Freehan after clinching the World Series title, symbolizing Detroit’s victorious season. Lolich, reflecting on his career, expressed his long-awaited moment of triumph in 2018.
Ranked 23rd in career strikeouts with 2,832, Lolich’s prowess on the mound surpassed many Hall of Fame pitchers. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the 1968 World Series, pitching Game 7 with just two days of rest and leading the Tigers to victory.
Following his retirement from baseball, Lolich ventured into the doughnut business in Detroit, showcasing his versatility off the field. The Detroit Tigers paid tribute to Lolich, acknowledging his enduring legacy in the world of baseball.
