Chet Lemon

Chet Lemon, an all-star centerfielder with the Detroit Tigers who won a World Series with the team in 1984, died May 8, 2025, in Apopka, Florida after a series of health issues at the age of 70.

Lemon was, in many ways, one of the overlooked stars of the late 1970s and early 1980s, a centerfielder with an exceptional glove and a good bat. He debuted with the Chicago White Sox in 1975, and by his fourth year with the team, he had made his first of three All-Star appearances. In 1977, he set an American League record that still stands, recording 524 total chances and 512 putouts in the outfield. Lemon may be best known for his time with the Tigers. He was traded to the team late in 1981 and spent the rest of his career there, helping hold down a squad that ended up winning the 1984 World Series. He had the third most home runs (20) and RBIs (76) on the team that year. He was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder in 1990 and retired shortly thereafter, the start of a series of health problems that would dog him the rest of his days. In later years, he coached youth baseball and founded the Chet Lemon Baseball School.

"RIP to a true pioneer in youth sports," former pro ballplayer Sheldon Fuse said on Facebook. "Chet Lemon was a mentor to me as well as many others, showing us that we could achieve big things in sports and life overall. Chet and GiGi Lemon were the pioneers of competitive sports, allowing the youth to travel the country and face competition from all over the continent. Thanks for everything Chet and family!"

By Eric San Juan

(Image: Bettmann/Getty Images)