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It’s Time The Detroit Tigers Retire Mickey Lolich’s Number

By Bob Heyrman

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 06: Former Detroit Tigers player Mickey Lolich throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Tigers hosting the Oakland Athletics during Game One of the American League Divisional Series at Comerica Park on October 6, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 06: Former Detroit Tigers player Mickey Lolich throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Tigers hosting the Oakland Athletics during Game One of the American League Divisional Series at Comerica Park on October 6, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Have you ever wondered why the great Mickey Lolich isn’t in the Professional Baseball Hall of Fame?  Yes, so have I.  It’s a shame that Detroit Tigers legendary starting hurdler isn’t represented in the Hall, it’s even more disappointing he’s not represented on the bricks beyond centerfield inside Comerica Park.

If there is one thing, and it may be the only thing the late Mike Ilitch struggled with was retiring the numbers of some of the great players of the cities rich sports past.  It’s not just with the Detroit Tigers; the same can be said for the Detroit Red Wings.

It appears as though if you are not represented in the Hall of Fame, your number isn’t going on the bricks, and your jersey won’t be suspended in the rafters above center ice.

I just don’t understand how a player like Mickey Lolich isn’t represented by the Hall or the Tigers.

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We will get to his stats in a bit, but what Lolich was able to achieve in the 1968 Detroit Tigers World Series victory alone should be enough to have him represented on the bricks inside Comerica Park.

In the ’68 World Series, Lolich tossed three complete games, all for victories.  The most memorable coming in game seven on just TWO days rest, outdueling the great Bob Gibson en route to a Detroit Tigers championship.  Lolich also launched a home run in game two of the series.  He was also named World Series MVP in 1968.  Later in 1971, Mickey would lead the league with 25 wins and 308 strikeouts.  Lolich was a three-time All-Star.

Lolich’s 2832 career strikeouts currently place him at 20th all-time.  He currently ranks fourth behind Randy Johnson, Steve Carlton, and CC Sabathia, in total strikeouts by a left-handed pitcher.  No pitcher in Detroit Tigers history has started more games than Lolich (459). His 207 wins rank third in Tigers’ history only behind Hooks Dauss and George Mullen.  As you’d likely expect, he ranks third behind the two players just mentioned in all-time innings pitched as a Tiger.

Mickey currently holds Detroit Tigers records for complete game shutouts and total strikeouts. Those 308 strikeouts in ’71 are the most ever in a single season by a Tigers pitcher. Also, he’s the only Tigers pitcher ever to surpass 300 strikeouts in a single season. He also started 45 games once in a single season.  Lolich also started 41 or more games in a single season four times throughout his career.

It’s incredible that Lolich only made five career postseason starts, but when he was called upon in the playoffs, he delivered.  He was 3-1 with a career 1.57 era in the postseason in 46 innings of work.  Imagine that, he averaged 9.2 innings of work in his postseason career yet only gets credit for 3 complete games.

One thing missing from Mickey’s resume was a Cy Young award.  During that stellar statistical season in ’71, he missed out on the award to Vida Blue of the Oakland A’s.  That year Blue was 24-8 with an era of 1.82 in 39 starts.  In 312 innings of work, Blue allowed a mere 63 earned runs while striking out 301 batters.  Lolich would finish second in Cy Young voting that year. In ’72 he finished third in the voting.

So, once again, why isn’t his number on the bricks inside of Comerica Park?  The HOF is a whole other conversation.  I’m convinced they have no clue what they are doing anymore.  In more cases than one, it simply makes no sense.  I mean, look how long it took before Jack Morris, and Alan Trammell received their call.  Yet, Bill Freehan and Lou Whitaker somehow continue to wait…

There is no doubt in my mind that Mickey Lolich is a Hall of Famer.  His 217-191 career record holds him back.  The win target had always been 300; if you achieve 300 wins as a starting pitcher or perhaps 3000 strikeouts, you can punch your own ticket to the hall.  Lolich was on the HOF ballot for fifteen years, but in his best showing only received 25% of the vote.  Nowhere near the 75% needed.  He hasn’t had any luck on the veterans list either.

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Just because Major League Baseball and it’s underwhelming voting system can’t appreciate greatness, it shouldn’t stop the Detroit Tigers from retiring number 29.  In a dark time in Detroit Tigers history, coming off of one of the worst seasons in MLB history, maybe the Tigers could give the fans a day to remember by painting that 29 on the wall.  You’re up, Mr. Chris Ilitch.

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