Detroit Tigers Great Mickey Lolich Dies at 85

Lolich was the last MLB pitcher to win three complete games in a single World Series, leading the Tigers to the 1968 title.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 9:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Mickey Lolich, the legendary Detroit Tigers pitcher who won three complete games in the 1968 World Series to lead the team to the championship, has died at the age of 85. Lolich, who was recently in hospice care, was the last MLB pitcher to accomplish the rare feat of winning three games in a single World Series. He was named the 1968 World Series MVP for his historic performance.

Why it matters

Lolich's 1968 World Series heroics cemented his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers in Tigers history. His ability to win three complete games in the championship series is a remarkable accomplishment that has only been matched by a few other pitchers in the modern era of baseball.

The details

Lolich, who ranks 23rd on the all-time MLB career strikeouts list with 2,832 punchouts, was an unlikely star of the Tigers' 1968 title run. After being sent to the bullpen for much of August that season, Lolich returned to the starting rotation and went 6-1 in the final weeks to help the Tigers reach the World Series. In the championship, he pitched Game 7 on just two days of rest to complete his historic three-win performance.

  • Lolich died in February 2026 at the age of 85.
  • Lolich won three complete games in the 1968 World Series to lead the Detroit Tigers to the championship.

The players

Mickey Lolich

A legendary pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who won three complete games in the 1968 World Series, leading the team to the championship. He was named World Series MVP that year and ranks 23rd on the all-time MLB career strikeouts list.

Mayo Smith

The manager of the 1968 Detroit Tigers who initially sent Lolich to the bullpen before he returned to the starting rotation and led the team to the World Series title.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I was having a few problems, but I had been a starting pitcher ever since 1964. I remember telling him, 'If we win this thing this year it's going to be because of me.' But I was only talking about the season. I wasn't talking about the World Series.”

— Mickey Lolich (Joy in Tigertown)

“Nothing against Chargers, nothing at all. It's just that I already had two of them in my driveway.”

— Mickey Lolich (Joy in Tigertown)

What’s next

The Tigers organization is expected to hold a memorial service to honor Lolich's legacy and contributions to the franchise.

The takeaway

Lolich's historic 1968 World Series performance cemented his status as one of the greatest pitchers in Detroit Tigers history. His ability to win three complete games in a single championship series is a remarkable feat that has only been matched by a few other MLB pitchers, solidifying Lolich's place among the game's all-time greats.