Beloved 1984 Detroit Tigees champion chet Lemon Dies at 70 Baseball world mourns Loss of a Legend …
Chet Lemon, a three-time All-Star and integral member of the Detroit Tigers’ 1984 World Series championship team, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Apopka, Florida, on May 8, 2025. He was 70 years old. His wife, Gigi, confirmed his passing, noting that he died on his reclining sofa, unresponsive upon discovery. Born on February 12, 1955, in Jackson, Mississippi, and raised in Los Angeles, Lemon was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 1972. He debuted in the majors with the Chicago White Sox in 1975, where he transitioned from third base to center field under manager Chuck Tanner’s guidance. Lemon quickly became a defensive standout, setting American League records in 1977 for outfield chances and putouts in a season—records that still stand today. In 1982, Lemon was traded to the Detroit Tigers, where he played a pivotal role in their 1984 World Series victory. That season, he earned his third All-Star selection and was known for his exceptional defense and career-high 24 home runs in 1983. Over his 16-season MLB career, Lemon compiled a .273 batting average, 215 home runs, and 884 RBIs across 1,988 games. ,
Beyond his on-field achievements, Lemon was deeply committed to youth baseball development. In 1993, he founded the Chet Lemon Baseball School in Lake Mary, Florida, and coached two successful AAU teams, Chet Lemon’s Juice (18 and under) and Chet Lemon’s Juice II (14 and under) in Eustis, Florida. Several players who played on those teams eventually became MLB players, most notably Zack Greinke and Prince Fielder. He also led Eustis High School to a state championship in 2003.
Lemon’s later years were marked by health challenges. Diagnosed with polycythemia vera, a rare blood disorder, in 1990, he suffered multiple strokes over the years, which eventually left him unable to walk or talk. Despite these hardships, Lemon remained active in the baseball community, attending the 40th anniversary celebration of the Tigers’ championship in 2023.
Tributes have poured in from former teammates and the Detroit Tigers organization, honoring Lemon not only as an exceptional player but also as a cherished friend and mentor. The Tigers held a moment of silence in his memory during a recent broadcast, reflecting on his lasting impact on the team and its fans. Chet Lemon is survived by his wife, Gigi, and his children, including sons David and Marcus, who followed in their father’s footsteps into baseball. His legacy endures both on and off the field, remembered for his spirited play, vibrant personality, and unwavering dedication to the sport he loved.)
For a visual tribute to Chet Lemon’s life and career, you can watch the following video: