June 11, 2003 Maybe when he was 15 years old he was 170, but at no point in his major league career was he ever 170. "Bill" Scripps who asked for a radio set to experiment with. As a kid collecting baseball cards and watching ballgames in the '70s, I remember being struck by Lolich's belly. The fact that he pitched four consecutive 300+ inning years; that's like 10 years in today's game. April 27, 2013 You can't be serious. I remember that the Daily News at the time would have a one-page section on Sunday that showed some of the athletes with their families away from the ballpark. But this one defied all logic from the beginning. But then Vail got hurt, and Kranepool and the aging Torre got more playing time.The better plan was to keep Staub, and let Milner and Vail fight for a spot. Then they all got old and the team slid into rebuilding- different than the Mets? The fact of the matter is New York is a what have you done for me lately kind of city, and when Lolich came to the Mets he pitched like a nobody. He started 45 games and completed 29. December 8, 2006 And yes, maybe Koosman had losing years in the late 70's but he had been a Met long enough with a winning record that the fans rooted for him. Maybe Rusty was not in his prime when the Tigers got him, but the man could still swing the bat. But this one defied all logic from the beginning. But this one defied all logic from the beginning. As for his love of donuts, he could have been the prototype for Homer Simpson. He started 45 games and completed 29. Rusty played another decade. April 23, 2003 1968 World Series Team Detroit Tigers MICKEY LOLICH DENNY MCLAIN Signed Ball. Lolich was a good one, underrated and dominating at times. Jamey Bumbalo Its not Rustys fault the Tigers traded for hitting when they already had hitting. I have to respectfully disagree with NYB Buff's claim that Lolich belongs in Cooperstown. My memory is that while the Mets' front office had made dumb and abysmal trades in the past, this was one that just made no sense in any way, shape, or form. Access the best of Getty Images and iStock with our simple subscription plan. Rusty played another decade. Jamey Bumbalo Feat Fan Maybe Rusty was not in his prime when the Tigers got him, but the man could still swing the bat. However, I remember Lolich as being quite portly, so his true weight was a lot more than 170 pounds. 3.50 was more of a mediocre E.R.A in those days.About his profile of 6'1" and 170 lbs., I looked him up in the Baseball Encyclopedia and that's what they have. After one year in New York Lolich retired. An E.R.A of 3.22 in the mid 70's was still pretty respectable. Mickey was a great pitcher but was not happy in New York. I don't know if Mickey belongs in Cooperstown but he sure deserved more than 25% of the vote which was his highest showing. As for his love of donuts, he could have been the prototype for Homer Simpson. End of Line He was overweight and kind of babyfaced but I don't remember anyone being more focused or a battler. This has never happened before? to realizing he was one of the worst trades in Mets history, before Seaver went to the Reds. Mickey Lolich did not pitch badly for the Mets in 1976. (thankfully returning in '81). Maudlin, anecdotal sentiment at its best! We felt the same way when the Mets traded away Seaver and got back mediocre players for him. He started 45 games and completed 29. But keeping 105-RBI Staub would have provided middle lineup power 100% of the time. The fact of the matter is New York is a what have you done for me lately kind of city, and when Lolich came to the Mets he pitched like a nobody. Mickey Lolich did not do too bad with the Mets, He just did not get the November 28, 2001 Mickey was at the tail end of his career when he came to the Mets. May 7, 2013 John, we know the condition the team was in when Lolich got here. But I think the final verdict has to be that neither team would have fared much differently with or without the Lolich/Staub trade. December 8, 2006 An E.R.A of 3.22 in the mid 70's was still pretty respectable. The Tigers had some great years back in the late 60's and early 70's- much like the Mets. Mickey Lolich did not do too bad with the Mets, He just did not get the I look at his numbers as a Met and they're not bad. Raymond Malcuit December 24, 2001 April 6, 2012 3.50 was more of a mediocre E.R.A in those days.About his profile of 6'1" and 170 lbs., I looked him up in the Baseball Encyclopedia and that's what they have. Mickey did a few good games with the Mets as well as a couple shutouts. What an interesting parallel, huh? Raymond Malcuit I agree with Doughnut Shoppe patron. I agree with Doughnut Shoppe patron. Peter April 6, 2012 Lolich was giving one of his typical awful performances in a Mets uniform. They cut blocks of ice from the lake, hauling the cakes to storage houses where they were stored in sawdust until summer, & selling the blocks for people to use in their iceboxes. Robert November 19, 2002 I'll start with full disclosure: I was (and still am) bitter that the Mets gave up one of my favorite players, Rusty Staub, to get Lolich-- who was well past his prime. February 25, 2003 After the season, Lolich rejected claims that his weight was the problem. HmmBaseball Reference.com is usually beyond redoubt, but I would say with almost unimpeachable certainty that Mickey Lolich weighed somewhere in the vicinity of 240 by the time he was huffing and puffing his way up the pitchers mound at Shea in 1976.Another awful trade, courtesy of M. Donald Grant, who couldn't wait to run Rusty Staub (coming off a team-record setting 105 RBI season) out of town, weeks after Mrs. Payson passed away. I remember as a 11 year old when the Mets traded for him thinking "Great, we have Mickey Lolich! According to his profile above, his height and weight are listed as follows:Height: 6.01 Weight: 170170 pounds on a 6 ft. 1 in. Let me say that again, 376 and that's without a pitch count. Raymond Malcuit Jr. But I think the final verdict has to be that neither team would have fared much differently with or without the Lolich/Staub trade. November 19, 2002 But then Vail got hurt, and Kranepool and the aging Torre got more playing time.The better plan was to keep Staub, and let Milner and Vail fight for a spot. Grant was a real hindrance to the Mets. Ok, the height is correct but make no mistake,a consistent, determined winner, Mickey Lolich was in the spotlight throughout his career. Larry Burns 6'1", 170???? Lolich was a fine pitcher. April 27, 2013 No contest. October 4, 2005 I used to think that Lolich sucked with the Mets, but after reviewing his stats and starts from that year, he was a damn effective #4 starter. July 15, 2016 But then Vail got hurt, and Kranepool and the aging Torre got more playing time.The better plan was to keep Staub, and let Milner and Vail fight for a spot. December 8, 2006 I saw Lolich pitch at Shea on July 29, 1976, a Thursday afternoon game following morning showers, probably a getaway game, attended by a sparse crowd of 12,588. December 8, 2006 Joe Figliola I saw Lolich pitch at Shea on July 29, 1976, a Thursday afternoon game following morning showers, probably a getaway game, attended by a sparse crowd of 12,588. It was not made for the purpose of improving the team. The Mets acquiring him for Rusty Staub was another trade made by M. Donald Grant out of spite for Staub's salary request. But I think the final verdict has to be that neither team would have fared much differently with or without the Lolich/Staub trade. September 24, 2005 I wish the Mets had a pitcher today with a 3.22 ERA. 170 lbs.? Mickey Lolich so despised the Mets experience that he sat home and ate donuts for a year rather than play again in New York. My memory is that while the Mets' front office had made dumb and abysmal trades in the past, this was one that just made no sense in any way, shape, or form. In one of his best games as a Met, hefty lefty Lolich (no doubt the prototype for David Wells), tossed 8 innings, allowing 8 hits and 2 walks while striking out 4, the only run scoring on a fourth-inning groundout by a young Dave Parker.Alas, with the Mets historically typical poor run support, Lolich left, trailing 1-0, for pinch hitter Mike Phillips, who fanned for the 2nd out of the ninth, before singles by Ed Kranepool (batting for Leon Brown) and Bruce Boisclair and a walk to John Milner loaded the bases for Joe Torre. 6'1", 170???? October 13, 2008 6'1", 170???? ''I was embarrassed at the way people were looking at me,'' he said. Peter May 6, 2003 November 3, 2006 Mickey Lolich did not do too bad with the Mets, He just did not get the The Staub trade was ridiculous but not Lolich's fault. The point is he made a bad team worse. Raymond Malcuit He was overweight and kind of babyfaced but I don't remember anyone being more focused or a battler. Dianna Jeanneh Jones What a sore disapppointment it was to see Staub take over rightfield (with his gnat's piss arm) after watching Kaline out in right all of those years in Detroit. All of you New Yorkers are forgetting how the Tigers fared in this deal of Staub/Lolich. That's more realistic but generous, I think! I simply loved to see him walk onto the mound; I knew that we as a ball club would be a winner any time he pitched, but as they always say time moves on, but our memory is always around. Thanks for the memories, Mick! In that same year he went 13, 13, 12, 11 and 10 innings in 5 games. The Staub trade was ridiculous but not Lolich's fault. He later came back to play for the Padres. Really? Bartolo Colon etc). His era of 3.22 is only .09% more than 20-game winner Carlton for the Phils. September 29, 2007 The two 13-inning games didn't even count for complete games because they went 15 innings! October 18, 2008 April 6, 2012 But I think the final verdict has to be that neither team would have fared much differently with or without the Lolich/Staub trade. But the facts are:Lolich spent 16 years in the Majors. After one year in New York Lolich retired. Take a look at his stats on baseball-reference and you will shake your head. But this one defied all logic from the beginning. He started 45 games and completed 29. Lolich - donuts Staub - steak.The food metaphor of trading a steak for a donut is accurate in this and many Mets trades.Would love to see a book written with lists and analysis of all Mets trades. But this one defied all logic from the beginning. support. Although I'd rather have a hitter like Rusty, you have to admit, Mickey Lolich's ERA was a very respectable 3.22. The plan was apparently: Vail LF/RF, Kingman LF/RF/1B, Milner, LF/RF/1B for those three spots. June 2, 2006 Maudlin, anecdotal sentiment at its best! Al Lolich was a newcomer that was a big loser, and he reminded us of how stupid the Mets management was for always going after fading superstars. He started 45 games and completed 29. Common, 39-41 Edge St, Manchester M4 1HW. The Staub trade was ridiculous but not Lolich's fault. We are going all the way!" Only two others, Steve Carlton and Randy Johnson, have surpassed him. Lolich - donuts Staub - steak.The food metaphor of trading a steak for a donut is accurate in this and many Mets trades.Would love to see a book written with lists and analysis of all Mets trades. I looked him up in The Sports Encyclopedia 2002 and they have 6' and 210 lbs. The halved baseball, Lolich said, is from a 1978 relief victory for the Padres, which happened to be the first managing success for Roger Craig, now the Tigers' pitching coach. March 22, 2005 Shari In this World Series, Lolich pitched three complete games and allowed only five runs an ERA of 1.67. Mickey was featured riding his motorcyle. December 20, 2019 (thankfully returning in '81). April 6, 2012 I looked him up in The Sports Encyclopedia 2002 and they have 6' and 210 lbs. snook End of Line 170 lbs.? Peter I don't know if Mickey belongs in Cooperstown but he sure deserved more than 25% of the vote which was his highest showing. Mickey Lolich was the greatest left handed pitcher in the whole world to me in 1968, He was even greater than Denny. Maybe Rusty was not in his prime when the Tigers got him, but the man could still swing the bat. Mickey Lolich was the greatest left handed pitcher in the whole world to me in 1968, He was even greater than Denny. Having this claim (in addition to his World Series MVP) is definitely worthy of the Hall of Fame. feat fan November 28, 2001 snook April 30, 2009 He easily could have won 15 or more games with any support at all. We are going all the way!" I have to respectfully disagree with NYB Buff's claim that Lolich belongs in Cooperstown. But in his final season with the Tigers, he became the all-time leader in strikeouts for left-handed pitchers. He wanted to finish out his career in Detroit, where he had some great years (the photo of him jumping on Bill Freehan after the final out in the 1968 World Series is a classic). Ramblin' Pete Mickey Lolich did not pitch badly for the Mets in 1976. No contest. Mickey Lolich was the greatest left handed pitcher in the whole world to me in 1968, He was even greater than Denny. HmmBaseball Reference.com is usually beyond redoubt, but I would say with almost unimpeachable certainty that Mickey Lolich weighed somewhere in the vicinity of 240 by the time he was huffing and puffing his way up the pitchers mound at Shea in 1976.Another awful trade, courtesy of M. Donald Grant, who couldn't wait to run Rusty Staub (coming off a team-record setting 105 RBI season) out of town, weeks after Mrs. Payson passed away. Lolich committed to playing 2 years for the Mets, but then reneged on that promise. Cut him some slack. The Staub trade was ridiculous but not Lolich's fault. June 2, 2006 You have to remember that any ERA of 3.00 and over back in the 1970's was not a good stat. School was renamed to Proper School after John and Charlotte Proper who were the first to homestead land on Baldwin. Maybe Rusty was not in his prime when the Tigers got him, but the man could still swing the bat. 3.50 was more of a mediocre E.R.A in those days.About his profile of 6'1" and 170 lbs., I looked him up in the Baseball Encyclopedia and that's what they have. I used to think that Lolich sucked with the Mets, but after reviewing his stats and starts from that year, he was a damn effective #4 starter. I find it odd that he didn't play in 1977. His not being elected to Cooperstown is a major oversight. But I have to say, I laughed out loud when I saw his physical statistics on this site. Cut him some slack. Anybody remember how Rusty looked those last few years in New York? I used to think that Lolich sucked with the Mets, but after reviewing his stats and starts from that year, he was a damn effective #4 starter. So he went from being the long-time Tiger Ace (and best Tiger- the 1968 World Series was won by him- and also almost the 1972 Playoffs) to just a nobody for New York- can you blame him for this back-stabbing trade by Tiger management? Mickey was a fantastic pitcher for the Tigers. Raymond Malcuit Jr. Take a look at his stats on baseball-reference and you will shake your head. So he went from being the long-time Tiger Ace (and best Tiger- the 1968 World Series was won by him- and also almost the 1972 Playoffs) to just a nobody for New York- can you blame him for this back-stabbing trade by Tiger management? Maybe Rusty was not in his prime when the Tigers got him, but the man could still swing the bat. We are going all the way!" April 24, 2003 HmmBaseball Reference.com is usually beyond redoubt, but I would say with almost unimpeachable certainty that Mickey Lolich weighed somewhere in the vicinity of 240 by the time he was huffing and puffing his way up the pitchers mound at Shea in 1976.Another awful trade, courtesy of M. Donald Grant, who couldn't wait to run Rusty Staub (coming off a team-record setting 105 RBI season) out of town, weeks after Mrs. Payson passed away. I have to respectfully disagree with NYB Buff's claim that Lolich belongs in Cooperstown. However, I remember Lolich as being quite portly, so his true weight was a lot more than 170 pounds. Lolich was a newcomer that was a big loser, and he reminded us of how stupid the Mets management was for always going after fading superstars. Mickey Lolich 6xInscribed & Signed Detroit Tigers Jersey (JSA COA) 1968 Champion. That would make him a star in today's market. And by the time he left Detroit, he was fatter than Lolich. Mr. Sparkle Other than some one saying he ate donuts rather than come back to NY, does anyone know the real reason why he didn't pitch in 77? September 25, 2013 October 19, 2011 Reading this brings back my memory of the trade that sent Rusty packing to Detroit. That's more realistic but generous, I think! Mickey loved his Harley. Jay Mickey loved his Harley. According to his profile above, his height and weight are listed as follows:Height: 6.01 Weight: 170170 pounds on a 6 ft. 1 in. What an interesting parallel, huh? Really? Mickey Lolich so despised the Mets experience that he sat home and ate donuts for a year rather than play again in New York. Jamey Bumbalo Mickey Lolich was the greatest left handed pitcher in the whole world to me in 1968, He was even greater than Denny. As a kid collecting baseball cards and watching ballgames in the '70s, I remember being struck by Lolich's belly. pete Or even a platoon as Vail was righty, and Milner was lefty.In the days of 4-man rotation, Seaver-Koosman-Matlack had them covered 75% of the time. October 4, 2005 The Lolich for Rusty Staub trade might be the first and only trade where two players who were well known for food establishments were traded for each other. I'll start with full disclosure: I was (and still am) bitter that the Mets gave up one of my favorite players, Rusty Staub, to get Lolich-- who was well past his prime. Al I'll start with full disclosure: I was (and still am) bitter that the Mets gave up one of my favorite players, Rusty Staub, to get Lolich-- who was well past his prime. As a kid collecting baseball cards and watching ballgames in the '70s, I remember being struck by Lolich's belly. He wanted to finish out his career in Detroit, where he had some great years (the photo of him jumping on Bill Freehan after the final out in the 1968 World Series is a classic). 170 pounds, maybe not but here's a fact: hurled 376 innings in the early 70's. pete senor ortiz 170 lbs.? (Note: others featured in that section were the Knicks' Toby Knight and his wife and Rangers enforcer Nick Fotiu and his very leggy wife and kids)I also had the unfortunate opportunity to score the game against the Phillies where pitcher Larry Christensen belted TWO home runs off Lolich on a hot Sunday afternoon. Shari October 18, 2008 November 28, 2001 But then Vail got hurt, and Kranepool and the aging Torre got more playing time.The better plan was to keep Staub, and let Milner and Vail fight for a spot. But there it is, next to the Lake Orion (Mich.) U.S. Post Office, a 45-minute ride from Tiger Stadium. He learned to pitch lefty in order to strengthen his left hand and arm after he lost the use of his right hand for a few years as a child. The Staub trade was ridiculous but not Lolich's fault. Shickhaus Franks Hot Stove Tracker Starting Lineups Transactions Postseason History Injury Report World Baseball Classic MLB Draft All-Star Game MLB Pipeline Great Stories. The Mets acquiring him for Rusty Staub was another trade made by M. Donald Grant out of spite for Staub's salary request. As somebody mentioned previously, this is really all Mike Vail's fault. There were some games where the Mets did not give him support. Shari Mickey liked his doughnuts. (With three lefties and a Seaver, the Mets were lefty killers) But the Mets needed hitting. Mickey had a lifetime 3.44 ERA and 2832 strikeouts. To the guy who scored the game when Lolich gave up two homers to the no name pitcher- big deal? September 25, 2013 So why did you try to destroy the guy? May 24, 2002 November 10, 2002 Mickey pitched to a poor 8-13 record but he also had a 3.22 ERA which is pretty damn good. And yes, maybe Koosman had losing years in the late 70's but he had been a Met long enough with a winning record that the fans rooted for him. As far as who got the better of the Staub for Lolich deal: Rusty went on to have several excellent seasons in a Tiger uniform. Really? September 25, 2013 Mickey loved his Harley. I saw Lolich pitch at Shea on July 29, 1976, a Thursday afternoon game following morning showers, probably a getaway game, attended by a sparse crowd of 12,588. May 7, 2013 6'1", 170???? I'll take Mickey's pitching line - except for W&L - any time. But in his final season with the Tigers, he became the all-time leader in strikeouts for left-handed pitchers. As a kid collecting baseball cards and watching ballgames in the '70s, I remember being struck by Lolich's belly. Mickey had a lifetime 3.44 ERA and 2832 strikeouts. May 7, 2013 The plan was apparently: Vail LF/RF, Kingman LF/RF/1B, Milner, LF/RF/1B for those three spots. I used to think that Lolich sucked with the Mets, but after reviewing his stats and starts from that year, he was a damn effective #4 starter. Fact is Lolich was always overweight. John Bruce Like Seaver and Koosman, Mickey had pretty meager run support throughout his career. GoMets2006 Let me say that again, 376 and that's without a pitch count. In my opinion, there are only three candidates for worst trade in Mets history:1) Staub for Lolich 2) the Ryan trade 3) the Seaver tradeI believe the Seaver trade was the worst, for obvious reasons. I used to think that Lolich sucked with the Mets, but after reviewing his stats and starts from that year, he was a damn effective #4 starter. eddiek Ok, the height is correct but make no mistake,a consistent, determined winner, Mickey Lolich was in the spotlight throughout his career. He has played in several PGA and Nationwide Tour events in the 1990s. What a sore disapppointment it was to see Staub take over rightfield (with his gnat's piss arm) after watching Kaline out in right all of those years in Detroit. Bartolo Colon etc). Lolich may have been a great pitcher once, but by 1976 he was a has-been. Raymond Malcuit Jr. Lolich pitched fairly well with the Mets, in fact I recall a 2-0 shutout at Shea he pitched against the Cardinals in about two hours. As a kid collecting baseball cards and watching ballgames in the '70s, I remember being struck by Lolich's belly. Mickey Lolich was one of the greatest left-handers of all-time, no matter his size or shape. August 7, 2018 May 8, 2003 senor ortiz Another guy who didn't get enough run support, and - yes - he ended up being blamed for the Staub trade rather than Grant himself. Then they all got old and the team slid into rebuilding- different than the Mets? He later resurfaced with the Padres. So when your "inning eater" goes 220 and gets a bonus it's beyond comprehension. Lolich committed to playing 2 years for the Mets, but then reneged on that promise. Let me say that again, 376 and that's without a pitch count. End of Line McLain got all the publicity but Lolich got the wins in post season 1968. Fact is Lolich was always overweight. He pitched over 300 innings for 4 years in a row, coming close to 400 one year. Bartolo Colon etc). The point is he made a bad team worse. Mickey did a few good games with the Mets as well as a couple shutouts. October 4, 2006 Mike B While serving Provost duty in Washington he arrived a few minutes after Lincoln was assassinated. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. Reading this brings back my memory of the trade that sent Rusty packing to Detroit. October 19, 2011 And Rusty Staub? I guess the idea that everyone loves a jolly fat guy is true. Bobster1985 Lolich was a good one, underrated and dominating at times. Shari As for all the innings Lolich pitched in Detroit, in today's game 300 innings is comparable to two full seasons, what with pitch counts and constantly babying starting pitchers. Two quick points that haven't been mentioned:- It was Mike Vail's fantastic debut that led the Mets to believe they had a replacement for Staub.

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