Mickey Lolich, a three-time All-Star and 1968 World Series MVP, has passed away at the age of 85. His passing marks the end of an era in baseball, as he was a stalwart for the Detroit Tigers for over a decade. But here's where it gets controversial: while his historic performance in the 1968 World Series is widely celebrated, some argue that his career was defined by more than just that one moment. Let's delve into the life and career of this legendary pitcher, and explore the many reasons why he is considered one of the greatest in the sport's history.
Lolich's journey began in 1963, when he was just 22 years old. He quickly became a fixture in Detroit's rotation, and over the next decade-plus, he was a teammate to some of the sport's greatest names, including Hall of Famer Jim Bunning and two-time Cy Young winner Denny McLain. But it was his performance in the 1968 World Series that truly cemented his legacy.
In that series, Lolich started three games, securing three victories and pitching a complete game in each of them. He held the St. Louis Cardinals to just five runs on 20 hits and six walks, and punched out 21 opponents. His final start of the series came just two days after his previous start, but he still managed to hold Lou Brock and company to one run on five hits and three walks in a 4-1 victory. This performance alone would have been enough to secure his place in Tigers lore, but it was just the beginning of his stellar career.
Over the next few years, Lolich continued to shine, making the All-Star team in 1969 and finishing in the top three of the American League Cy Young voting in 1971 and 1972. He finished in the top 10 of the American League MVP voting in both of those seasons, and in 1971, he led the American League with 45 games started and 376 innings pitched. His 29 complete games that year were the second-highest single-season mark for any pitcher in the past century, and his 3.44 ERA over the life of 3638 1/3 innings is a testament to his consistency and skill.
Despite his success, Lolich's career was not without controversy. In 1975, he was traded to the New York Mets, and after a brief retirement, he returned to the game as a reliever with the San Diego Padres in 1978-79. Some argue that his later career was not as impressive as his earlier years, but his impact on the game cannot be denied. After all, he is one of just 122 pitchers to ever record 200 wins in his career, and his 2832 career strikeouts rank 23rd all-time.
Lolich's passing is a reminder of the impact that one player can have on a sport, and it invites us to reflect on the many ways in which he was a legend on and off the field. As we remember him, let's also consider the many ways in which his career was defined by more than just one moment. And this is the part most people miss: while his historic performance in the 1968 World Series is widely celebrated, it was just one of many highlights over a stellar career that spanned 16 major league seasons. His legacy will live on, and his impact on the sport will never be forgotten.
