Tigers Make Heartbreaking Announcement on Former All-Star Outfielder
The Tigers confirmed Lemon's death in a statement before their road game against the Colorado Rockies. Lemon spent the final nine years of his career in Detroit, hitting .263 with 142 home runs, a .786 OPS, and 30.7 bWAR from 1982-90.
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Lemon's most notable Tigers season came in 1984, when he hit .287 and earned All-Star honors for the AL East champions. Although he only batted .167 in the postseason, he nonetheless helped Detroit to its fourth and most recent World Series title.
'While he was a World Series Champion and All-Star on the field, perhaps his biggest impact came off of it,' the Tigers said Thursday. 'That includes creating the Chet Lemon Foundation and dedicating much of his post-playing career to youth baseball development.'
Per its official website, the Chet Lemon Foundation has 'impactful initiatives supporting stroke, aphasia awareness, and empowering youth in sports.'
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According to the Detroit Free Press, Lemon had suffered at least 13 strokes since retiring. The Free Press reported Lemon had been to the hospital over 300 times and had been diagnosed with polycythemia vera, a rare blood disease.
Although the strokes affected Lemon's ability to walk and communicate, he attended last summer's 1984 Tigers reunion at Comerica Park.
'I'm so thankful for the time we spent together last summer,' former Tigers shortstop Alan Trammell said Thursday. 'Today is a sad day for us. He will be dearly missed.'
Detroit Tigers players Lance Parrish, Lou Whitaker, Alan Trammell and Chet LemonMary Schroeder, Detroit Free Press, Detroit Free Press via Imagn Content Services, LLC
A 1972 first-round pick of the then-Oakland Athletics, Lemon debuted for the Chicago White Sox three years later. Lemon hit .288 and totaled 24.9 bWAR over seven seasons in Chicago, making the All-Star Game in 1978 and 1979; he and Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Cecil Cooper tied for the American League lead in doubles (44) during the latter season.
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'Chet was the kindest of men and always had that great smile on his face,' former Tigers catcher Lance Parrish said in a statement.
'He was also a fierce competitor on the baseball field and a great teammate,' Parrish added. 'I loved him like a brother.'
Related: Former Red Sox Prospect Tragically Dead at 43
Related: Tributes Pour in After Octavio Dotel Tragically Dies at 51
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