They're Swingin' into the Afterlife: How Many of the '68 Tigers Are Still With Us?
Ah, the 1968 Detroit Tigers. A team that brought a city together during a tumultuous time, led by the legendary arms of Denny McLain and Mickey Lolich. But here's the burning question that keeps us up at night (not really, but you get the idea): How many of those glorious champions are still walkin' the Earth?
| How Many Of The 1968 Detroit Tigers Are Still Alive |
The Starting Lineup for Senior Ball
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The truth is, Father Time isn't exactly a pinch hitter you want on your side. Baseball players, bless their athletic hearts, tend not to defy mortality quite like superheroes. There have been whispers of reunions at Tiger Stadium (Comerica Park for you youngsters!), but they're more likely senior citizen softball games these days.
Note: Skipping ahead? Don’t miss the middle sections.
Keeping Score: Who's Still on Deck?
As of July 2024, information suggests a fairly small group of the '68 Tigers are still with us. The number seems to be around 7, but it's tough to track down definitive info on everyone. These are the titans we do know are still out there:
Tip: Patience makes reading smoother.
The Pitching Powerhouse: At least one of the dynamic pitching duo remains! Though whispers about Denny McLain's whereabouts can be more mysterious than a late-inning knuckleball, Mickey Lolich is reportedly still going strong.
Those Dazzling Defenders: A couple of the defensive standouts are hanging in there. Willie Horton and Daryl Patterson are apparently defying the odds and staying active.
The Bench Bosses: Unsung heroes, but important nonetheless! A couple of the guys who kept the team running seem to be still kicking, including Les Cain and Dave Campbell.
But Wait, There's More!
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This isn't an exhaustive list, and information can be tricky. If you have updates on other members of the team, fire away in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions (The Existential Kind):
How to tell if a 1968 Detroit Tiger is at the ballpark?
- Look for exceptional balance – those years of fielding practice pay off!
- Listen for stories about facing "Rocket" McLain – their eyes will light up!
- If they offer you bubblegum, it's probably a safe bet.
How to convince a 1968 Detroit Tiger to share a story?
- Butter them up with tales of your undying love for the '68 team.
- Mention Mickey Lolich's three complete-game World Series wins. That usually gets them talking.
- Bring photos! A picture (especially one from 1968) is worth a thousand baseball cards.
How to properly cheer for a 1968 Detroit Tiger you meet?
- A hearty "Go Tigers!" is always appreciated.
- Dust off your best "woo woo woo!"
- Just be respectful – these are baseball legends, after all!