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Chet Lemon, Tigers Legend and 1984 World Series Champion, Dies at 70

The three-time All-Star and youth baseball advocate passed away at his Florida home 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 key member of the Detroit Tigers' 1984 World Series-winning team, passed away on May 8, 2025, at age 70 in Apopka, Florida.
  • Lemon battled polycythemia vera, a rare blood disease, and suffered 13 strokes over 30 years, which left him unable to walk or talk in his later years.
  • Drafted in 1972, Lemon played 16 MLB seasons with the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers, earning three All-Star selections and setting an AL record for outfield putouts in 1977.
  • Off the field, Lemon founded the Chet Lemon Foundation and coached youth baseball, mentoring future MLB players and supporting stroke survivors.
  • The Detroit Tigers and former teammates, including Alan Trammell and Lance Parrish, issued heartfelt tributes highlighting his impact as both a player and a person.