Detroit Tigers Pitcher and 1984 World Series Champion Willie Hernández Dies

The Detroit Tigers confirmed the death of former pitcher and 1984 World Series champion, Willie Hernández, on Tuesday at the age of 69. Hernández was a relief pitcher who won numerous accolades during his MLB career. He began his career with the Chicago Cubs in 1977 before joining the Philadelphia Phillies in 1983 and eventually becoming a key member of the Tigers’ 1984 World Series championship team.

Hernández’s impressive performance during that season earned him American League MVP and Cy Young Award honors. He also recorded 147 saves during his six seasons in Detroit, finishing with a win-loss record of 70-63, striking out 788 batters and maintaining an ERA of just 3.39.

The Tigers released a statement expressing their deep sadness over Hernandez’s passing, while Alan Trammell, Tigers Special Assistant to the President of Baseball Operations, also released a statement paying tribute to his late teammate and reminiscing about their time together on the field.