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Chet Lemon, 1984 Tigers World Series Champion and All-Star, Dies at 70

The former center fielder, known for his athleticism and youth baseball advocacy, passed away after decades of health struggles.

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Chet Lemon of the Detroit Tigers slides under the tag of Alan Wiggins at second base during World Series game three between the San Diego Padres and Detroit Tigers on October 12, 1984 at Tiger Stadium in Detroit, Michigan.
Former Detroit Tigers center fielder Chet Lemon throws out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 4 of the MLB American League Championship Series baseball playoffs in Detroit, Michigan, October 12, 2011. REUTERS/Mike Cassese/File Photo
Former White Sox center fielder Chet Lemon, who died Thursday, May 8, 2025, at age 70. (Ernie Cox Jr./Chicago Tribune)

Overview

  • Chet Lemon, a three-time MLB All-Star and key member of the Detroit Tigers' 1984 World Series team, died on May 8, 2025, at his home in Apopka, Florida.
  • Over a 16-season career with the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers, Lemon recorded a .273 batting average, 215 home runs, and 884 RBIs.
  • Diagnosed with a rare blood disorder, polycythemia vera, in 1990, Lemon endured over 13 strokes, leaving him unable to walk or talk in recent years.
  • Post-retirement, Lemon founded the Chet Lemon Foundation, focusing on youth baseball development and support for stroke and aphasia survivors.
  • The Detroit Tigers and members of the baseball community have paid tribute, highlighting his contributions both on and off the field.