A baseball legend has passed away, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be cherished. Mickey Lolich, the Detroit Tigers' hero of the 1968 World Series, has left us at the age of 85. His impact on the game and the Tigers' success is undeniable, and his story is one that deserves to be told and remembered.
Lolich's achievement as the last MLB pitcher to win three games in the World Series is truly remarkable. It's a feat that has only been matched by two other pitchers since, and even then, they fell short in terms of innings pitched. His dominance in the 1968 Series earned him the World Series MVP title, a well-deserved recognition for his outstanding performance.
But here's where it gets intriguing. Lolich's journey to becoming a World Series hero was not without its challenges. He was sent to the bullpen by manager Mayo Smith during the 1968 season, a move that Lolich was not happy about. However, he proved his worth by returning to the starting rotation and finishing the season with a strong 6-1 record in the final weeks. It's a testament to his resilience and determination.
And this is the part most people miss. Lolich's revenge was sweet. He pitched in Game 7 of the World Series with only two days' rest, a true testament to his skill and dedication. He expected a Corvette from General Motors as a reward for his Series MVP win, but fate had other plans, and he received a Dodge Charger GT instead. Lolich, in his book "Joy in Tigertown," humorously acknowledged his disappointment, stating, "Nothing against Chargers, but I already had two in my driveway."
Since Lolich's remarkable achievement, only two other pitchers have managed to win three games in a single World Series. However, they did not match his innings pitched, and their third victories came in relief appearances.
After his baseball career, Lolich ventured into the doughnut business, spending 18 years making and selling doughnuts in the Detroit suburbs. A true entrepreneur, he left his mark off the field as well.
The Tigers have expressed their condolences to Lolich's family and friends, and his legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of baseball fans and the Detroit community.
What do you think? Is Lolich's achievement as the last pitcher to win three World Series games in a row one of the greatest in baseball history? Or do you believe there are other feats that surpass it? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below. We'd love to hear from you!
