The Detroit Tigers have confirmed the passing of former pitcher and 1984 World Series champion Willie Hernandez at the age of 69. Hernandez was a relief pitcher who earned American League MVP and Cy Young Award honors in 1984, during his time with the Tigers. He began his MLB career with the Chicago Cubs in 1977, before joining the Philadelphia Phillies in 1983 and eventually becoming a key member of the Tigers’ championship team in 1984.
Hernandez was a three-time All-Star and recorded an impressive career with the Tigers, including 147 saves, a 70-63 win-loss record, 788 strikeouts, and a 3.39 ERA. The Tigers organization expressed their deep sadness at his passing and released a statement honoring his contributions to the team’s success. Alan Trammell, Tigers Special Assistant to the President of Baseball Operations, also shared fond memories of Hernandez as a teammate and expressed his condolences to his family.