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 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.
Tigers official site
Mickey Lolich, MVP of Tigers' World Series rally in '68, dies at 85.
Tigers official site
Mickey Lolich made his last public appearance at Comerica Park in 2023. He was in a wheelchair. When he left, he insisted on standing up to say goodbye. Willie Horton & Mickey Stanley helped lift him up and he waved goodbye. Photo taken by person who was there, feeling the gravity of the moment.
A statement from Willie Horton on the passing of his teammate Mickey Lolich:
RIP Mickey Lolich. In 1971, Lolich put up 8.5 WAR, 308 strikeouts, and an almost unthinkable 45 games started, going 25–14 with a 2.92 ERA. A workhorse ace in every sense, a season that simply doesn’t exist in today’s game. One of the best to wear number 29.
Mickey Lolich’s legacy, on and off the field, will forever be cherished.
The hero of the ‘68 World Series, Lolich remains one of the best southpaws of all-time.
www.blessyouboys.com
Detroit Tigers’ great Mickey Lolich passes at age 85.
The hero of the ‘68 World Series, Lolich remains one of the best southpaws of all-time.
BYBTB
Mickey Lolich, Detroit Tigers 1968 World Series hero, dies at 85.
Freep
Mickey Lolich's greatest games for Tigers: Whiffs, wins and a huge HR. paywall.
Freep
Mickey Lolich death draws memories from Detroit Tigers greats.
Freep
The durable left-hander spent 13 seasons with Detroit and authored one of the greatest World Series performances in MLB history.
www.mlive.com
Tigers legend, 1968 World Series MVP Mickey Lolich dies at 85.
Mlive
Tigers legend and 1968 World Series hero Mickey Lolich passed away at 85. Read about his remarkable career at MLB Trade Rumors.
www.mlbtraderumors.com
Mickey Lolich Passes Away.
MLBTR
Mickey Lolich, who pitched three complete-game victories to help the Detroit Tigers win the 1968 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, died Wednesday at the age of 85.
www.espn.com
Mickey Lolich, 1968 World Series hero for the Tigers, dies at 85.
espn
I was blessed to spend an hour with Willie Horton. He told me that the first time he showed up to spring ball, he was not allowed to get a taxi to the stadium because he was black. He said Lolich and Kaline found out and drove him everywhere. He said they made sure he was always safe and got wherever he needed. He said they very publicly played basketball together in their free time at a time when most white guys wouldn’t do that. Mickey was the real deal in every sense of the word.
Father Joe Krupp
Mickey Lolich: How Ilitch dashed his pizza career dream. from June 2018.
Read an excerpt from his new book, 'Joy in Tigertown,' in which the World Series hero works for the pizza king.
Detnews
Sharing a piece I had written about Mickey Lolich, who passed away today at the age of 85.
John Keating
"Mickey Lolich was starting with one less day of rest. He pitched the first two innings like a man defusing a live bomb, working slowly and unhappily, and studying the problem at length before each new move.”
Roger Angell.
“When we got to the World Series, the people of St. Louis were convinced that the Tigers were no match for their team. I met Bob Gibson at an autograph signing function years later and he told me that as far as St. Louis was concerned, the 1968 World Series never happened.
”Mickey Lolich."
Mickey Lolich was far from a conventional athlete. Labeled as too heavy, too slow, and too unconventional, Lolich was dismissed by scouts and sportswriters early in his career.But with a devastating fastball and deceptive left-handed delivery, he steadily rose through the ranks, eventually joining the Detroit Tigers in 1963. Over the next 13 seasons, Mickey Lolich would become one of the most durable pitchers of his era, known for throwing complete games with near-superhuman consistency. Lolich won 14 games and started 30+ games for 11 years straight (1964-1974). His HOF credentials rival some who are there and I think he deserves some consideration.
3.44 ERA, over 200 wins and over 2,800 Ks. World Series MVP. In my HOF!!! Go easy.
Jim Koenigsberger
Just spoke with Denny McLain, who said of his longtime
Tigers teammate Mickey Lolich: "He had the greatest arm I've ever seen in my life. The guy could pitch every day, every hour, every minute, and not worry about any pain. The guy was just unbelievable."
Tony Paul
There are only 18 LHP in the HOF. Mickey Lolich never got the consideration he earned - certainly at the same level as Rube Marquard, Eppa Rixey, Jim Kaat.
And he treated everybody on that field with respect.
Keith Olbermann
Mickey Lolich baseball cards 1940-2026.
Mickey Lolich dying the day of Skubal’s arbitration is pretty ironic. Lolich would probably have gone longer in Game 5 vs Seattle than Skubal did.
Jeff Moss
In August 1968, Mickey Lolich was banished to the Tigers' bullpen. Two months later he became a World Series hero.
gregeno.substack.com
Mickey Lolich's 1968 season ended well but only after some turbulence.
In August 1968, Mickey Lolich was banished to the Tigers' bullpen. Two months later he became a World Series hero.
Greg Eno
Mickey Lolich started 496 games during his career and threw a complete game in 195 of them. Absolute Workhorse.
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