MLB Legend Mickey Lolich Dies at 82

Emerson Raymont

Published: February 4, 2026 4:34 PM ET

MLB legend Mickey Lolich, a three-time American League All-Star and 1968 World Series MVP, has passed away at the age of 82. His remarkable career left an indelible mark on the game and the Detroit Tigers, where he became a key player for over a decade.

Mickey Lolich’s Early Career

Debuting at just 22 years old in 1963, Lolich quickly became an essential part of the Tigers’ rotation. He played alongside Hall of Famer Jim Bunning and two-time Cy Young winner Denny McLain, solidifying his place in baseball history.

1968 World Series Performance

Lolich’s legacy was cemented during the 1968 World Series, where he delivered one of the most memorable performances in baseball history. He started in Games 2, 5, and 7 against the St. Louis Cardinals, achieving three victories. In a stunning display of endurance, Lolich completed all three games, allowing only five runs while striking out 21 batters, resulting in an impressive 1.67 ERA.

Game 2: Complete game victory
Game 5: Complete game victory
Game 7: Complete game victory on two days’ rest

In Game 7, Lolich limited the Cardinals to just one run, leading the Tigers to a 4-1 win, further securing his place in the franchise’s history.

Achievements and Honors

The following season, Lolich was named an All-Star for the first of three times. He also excelled in the early 1970s, finishing in the top three for the American League Cy Young Award in both 1971 and 1972. Lolich’s 1971 season was particularly noteworthy, as he led the league with:

45 games started
376 innings pitched
29 complete games

His impressive ERA during this season was 2.92. Both his innings and starts are among the highest single-season records in the last century, second only to Wilbur Wood.

Later Career and Retirement

After spending 13 seasons with the Tigers, Lolich was traded to the New York Mets in December 1975. Following a brief retirement after his time with the Mets, he returned to the mound as a reliever for the San Diego Padres in 1978–79 before retiring for good.

Over 16 seasons, Lolich compiled a record of 217-191 with a 3.44 ERA across 3,638 1/3 innings. He struck out 2,832 batters, ranking 23rd all-time, and is one of the 122 pitchers in MLB history to achieve 200 career wins.

Legacy

Mickey Lolich is remembered not only for his exceptional skills on the mound but also for his significant contributions to the Detroit Tigers franchise. He left a lasting impact on the sport and will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and fans.