The Detroit Tigers announced the passing of franchise great lefty Mickey Lolich on Wednesday.
He was 85.
A native of Portland, Lolich was named Most Valuable Player of the 1968 World Series as the Tigers defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games.
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.
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) February 4, 2026
One of the finest pitchers in franchise history, Lolich was a three-time All-Star who pitched for Detroit for 13 seasons and holds… pic.twitter.com/r74ABB7vjU
Lolich spent 13 of his 16 big league seasons with the Tigers, making his debut in 1963. A three-time All-Star, Lolich led the American League with 25 wins in 1971. He finished as runner-up to Vida Blue of the Oakland Athletics for the AL Cy Young Award that season.
“Lolich was a great pitcher, teammate and champion, but he was more than that to me,” Lolich’s Tigers teammate Willie Horton told the team’s website. “He was like a brother for over 60 years. I will keep the memories close to my heart and will never forget the close bond we shared. My condolences to [widow] Joyce and their family and to everyone who loved him.”
After leaving the Tigers, Lolich spent three more seasons in the majors, one with the New York Mets and two with the San Diego Padres, retiring after the 1979 season. During the 1979 season, Lolich attempted to add a knuckleball to his repertoire.
He finished his career with a record of 217-191 in 586 games with an earned run average of 3.44 and 1.227 WHIP over 3,638.1 innings pitched.
In 1982, Lolich was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.
