He pitched over 300 innings for 4 years in a row, coming close to 400 one year. Maybe when he was 15 years old he was 170, but at no point in his major league career was he ever 170. The last thing the Tigers needed was a dandy hitter whose hitting only went to support lopsided slugfest losses every day. The Tigers had some great years back in the late 60's and early 70's- much like the Mets. November 12, 2006 September 29, 2007 End of Line June 30, 2019 (And of course Donald Grant) The Mets had to fill 2 corner outfield spots and first base. (And of course Donald Grant) The Mets had to fill 2 corner outfield spots and first base. December 13, 2007 Let's understand one thing: this wasn't a "trade" in the traditional sense. Only two others, Steve Carlton and Randy Johnson, have surpassed him. Mickey Lolich is one of my favorite players. December 20, 2019 =Chuck= etc. =Chuck= feat fan Mickey Lolich did not pitch badly for the Mets in 1976. He never had much to say about Lolich's donut shop though. Lolich said. 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. He started 45 games and completed 29. To this day she still despises Mickey Lolich. Then Vail hurt his ankle playing Basketball and he was never the same. In San Diego they had a fan club for him called the Mickey Lolich Gut Club. Dianna Jeanneh Jones November 12, 2006 April 6, 2012 And complaining about how fat he was? 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. So why did you try to destroy the guy? GoMets2006 Usually a bad trade doesn't reveal itself as bad until later when the player that came clearly is not working out. His era of 3.22 is only .09% more than 20-game winner Carlton for the Phils. As Sonny Jurgenson once said "you don't throw the ball with your stomach." November 10, 2002 See the starting lineups, who started at each position year-by-year, and leaders by position. I don't know, I'm not a Mets expert. And complaining about how fat he was? bob saunders Usually a bad trade doesn't reveal itself as bad until later when the player that came clearly is not working out. Jay But I have to say, I laughed out loud when I saw his physical statistics on this site. Lolich for Staub---it might be the fattest trade in major league history. Shickhaus Franks eddiek No put-down of Mickey, but that teamed needed Staub much more than they needed another pitcher. He was overweight and kind of babyfaced but I don't remember anyone being more focused or a battler. Did you boo him or make fun out of him? An E.R.A of 3.22 in the mid 70's was still pretty respectable. He had a 2.59 ERA at the end of July. The Tigers had some great years back in the late 60's and early 70's- much like the Mets. Pitchingwise, he made Hank Webb look like Tom Seaver. In San Diego they had a fan club for him called the Mickey Lolich Gut Club. I guess the idea that everyone loves a jolly fat guy is true. Peter Within a year, the corpulent Lolich had retired to open a doughnut shop in suburban Detroit. Donut Shoppe Patron Take a look at his stats on baseball-reference and you will shake your head. That is the one I remember, would guess late 80s early 90s as well. He had a 2.59 ERA at the end of July. bob saunders And complaining about how fat he was? As a 44-year-old with a beer belly, I can relate. January 12, 2011 I recall one year where he had 121 RBI's. End of Line February 28, 2003 Mickey loved his Harley. Ken Akerman 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. Gary from Chesapeake April 27, 2013 Bartolo Colon etc). His era of 3.22 is only .09% more than 20-game winner Carlton for the Phils. March 22, 2005 Lolich played for the Tiger from 1963-75. He normally threw lots of pitches and completed a high percentage of his games. When he was with the Mets, I gave him the name "TOO MUCH EATER" but then again the Orange and Blue has always had big boned hurlers (El Sid. I find it odd that he didn't play in 1977. How Mickey still had an arm when he pitched for us is amazing. Then they all got old and the team slid into rebuilding- different than the Mets? 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. October 19, 2011 Bob Replied Thomas: "Evidently.". It just happens to be my own and I just happen to make doughnuts.''. Mickey Lolich held the strikeout record for a left-handed pitcher when he retired in 1979, with 2,832 strikeouts but was surpassed just two years later in 1981. Actually, he was eating his way out of baseball, a fact which revealed itself as the 1976 season progressed. 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. June 11, 2003 However, Mets management, in their infinite wisdom, wanted to trade Rusty Staub so badly, that they were willing to get anything in return, and actually had to go to great lengths to convince Lolich to come to the Mets. Al Raymond Malcuit He had a 2.59 ERA at the end of July. Bobster1985 He normally threw lots of pitches and completed a high percentage of his games. Feat Fan Lolich for Rusty Staub: As young Met fans this trade astounded us. Mickey was a great pitcher but was not happy in New York. View All + Want. September 29, 2007 His era of 3.22 is only .09% more than 20-game winner Carlton for the Phils. The two 13-inning games didn't even count for complete games because they went 15 innings! bob saunders He goes up one notch for being a character! He also hit a home run in Game Two of the Series and outpitched Denny "31 Win" McClain in the Series. No put-down of Mickey, but that teamed needed Staub much more than they needed another pitcher. January 12, 2011 Raymond Malcuit As it is, he was traded to a team with a set of already existent aces- Seaver and Koosman. But keeping 105-RBI Staub would have provided middle lineup power 100% of the time. As a kid collecting baseball cards and watching ballgames in the '70s, I remember being struck by Lolich's belly. October 13, 2008 November 3, 2006 The fact that he pitched four consecutive 300+ inning years; that's like 10 years in today's game. May 25, 2001 And of course Lolich did not want to be here, and the fans did not want him here either, so I am sure that's why he skipped town the next year. I recall one year where he had 121 RBI's. Well, I never realized that Rusty Staub was such a favorite in New York, beside the old Tigers announcer George Kell always making a fuss over Rusty Staub's New York restaurant. That's more realistic but generous, I think! As for his love of donuts, he could have been the prototype for Homer Simpson. So when your "inning eater" goes 220 and gets a bonus it's beyond comprehension. Fact is Lolich was always overweight. Lolich struck out more American League hitters than any other lefty in the history of baseball- that includes Randy Johnson, etc. Mickey was at the tail end of his career when he came to the Mets. Jim Snedeker He was overweight and kind of babyfaced but I don't remember anyone being more focused or a battler. He had terrific stuff. 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. November 12, 2006 The fact that he pitched four consecutive 300+ inning years; that's like 10 years in today's game. I looked him up in The Sports Encyclopedia 2002 and they have 6' and 210 lbs. -. (And of course Donald Grant) The Mets had to fill 2 corner outfield spots and first base. 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. January 12, 2011 Maybe when he was 15 years old he was 170, but at no point in his major league career was he ever 170. Bobster1985 Shari The Staub trade was ridiculous but not Lolich's fault. Mickey was a fantastic pitcher for the Tigers. The Tigers had some great years back in the late 60's and early 70's- much like the Mets. McLain got all the publicity but Lolich got the wins in post season 1968. July 31, 2002 I had never heard my mother get so angry at a Mets player. Robert June 30, 2019 NO WAY he was 170 pounds. But I think the final verdict has to be that neither team would have fared much differently with or without the Lolich/Staub trade. Ramblin' Pete As somebody mentioned previously, this is really all Mike Vail's fault. A total bust as a Met. 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. December 24, 2001 Mickey pitched to a poor 8-13 record but he also had a 3.22 ERA which is pretty damn good. Baseball burnt him out. 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. No contest. Rusty played another decade. feat fan His three wins in the 1968 Series against the Cardinals were the apex of his career. Anybody remember how Rusty looked those last few years in New York? McLain got all the publicity but Lolich got the wins in post season 1968. May 8, 2003 They were starting their descent into oblivion and the Staub trade was step in that direction. 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. March 22, 2005 Lolich won complete games in Games 2 & 5 and faced and beat Gibson and the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 7 by the score of 4-1 as the Tigers won the World Championship. bogeyman April 30, 2009 October 18, 2008 Maybe when he was 15 years old he was 170, but at no point in his major league career was he ever 170. April 23, 2003 Then Vail hurt his ankle playing Basketball and he was never the same. He had a 2.59 ERA at the end of July. Take a look at his stats on baseball-reference and you will shake your head. Mickey Lolich did not pitch badly for the Mets in 1976. Mickey Lolich was a great pitcher in the American League. Scrappy Mickey Lolich was the greatest left handed pitcher in the whole world to me in 1968, He was even greater than Denny. 1) Staub for Lolich 2) the Ryan trade 3) the Seaver trade. So when your "inning eater" goes 220 and gets a bonus it's beyond comprehension. (And of course Donald Grant) The Mets had to fill 2 corner outfield spots and first base. 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. You can't be serious. Lolich won complete games in Games 2 & 5 and faced and beat Gibson and the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 7 by the score of 4-1 as the Tigers won the World Championship. April 23, 2003 Jim Snedeker He started 45 games and completed 29. 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. Peter Rusty has always been a fan favorite so if you're going to trade him it better be worth it, and to most of us Mets fans Lolich wasn't. He had terrific stuff. They were starting their descent into oblivion and the Staub trade was step in that direction. Did you boo him or make fun out of him? Koufax would have 175 by the All-Star Break. Ok, the height is correct but make no mistake,a consistent, determined winner, Mickey Lolich was in the spotlight throughout his career. He made the all- star team 3 times, led the AL in wins once, shutouts once, complete games once, innings once, strikeouts once, and losses TWICE.He finished second (1971) and third (1972) in the Cy Young race, and he never finished higher than TENTH PLACE in the league in ERA (finished tenth in both 1971 and 1972).Baseball Reference lists among his top ten in similarity scores: Jerry Koosman, Jerry Reuss, Rick Reuschel, Luis Tiant, Vida Blue, and Joe Niekro.All of that tells me Lolich in his prime was a good pitcher, but nowhere near a HOFer. Rusty played another decade. I don't know, I'm not a Mets expert. 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. You can't be serious. (thankfully returning in '81). April 27, 2013 However, I remember Lolich as being quite portly, so his true weight was a lot more than 170 pounds. But keeping 105-RBI Staub would have provided middle lineup power 100% of the time. Like Seaver and Koosman, Mickey had pretty meager run support throughout his career. To the guy who scored the game when Lolich gave up two homers to the no name pitcher- big deal? Lolich committed to playing 2 years for the Mets, but then reneged on that promise. 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 a kid collecting baseball cards and watching ballgames in the '70s, I remember being struck by Lolich's belly. Mickey Lolich was the greatest left handed pitcher in the whole world to me in 1968, He was even greater than Denny. But what can you expect when the team only averaged 3.4 runs for Seaver per start and 3.3 for Lolich? But what can you expect when the team only averaged 3.4 runs for Seaver per start and 3.3 for Lolich? Doug S. That was a terrible trade. When he was with the Mets, I gave him the name "TOO MUCH EATER" but then again the Orange and Blue has always had big boned hurlers (El Sid. September 24, 2005 Hey Mets Fan, Lolich never asked to be traded to 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. I remember as a 11 year old when the Mets traded for him thinking "Great, we have Mickey Lolich! He pitched over 300 innings for 4 years in a row, coming close to 400 one year. 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. His era of 3.22 is only .09% more than 20-game winner Carlton for the Phils. He later resurfaced with the Padres. As somebody mentioned previously, this is really all Mike Vail's fault. He made the all- star team 3 times, led the AL in wins once, shutouts once, complete games once, innings once, strikeouts once, and losses TWICE.He finished second (1971) and third (1972) in the Cy Young race, and he never finished higher than TENTH PLACE in the league in ERA (finished tenth in both 1971 and 1972).Baseball Reference lists among his top ten in similarity scores: Jerry Koosman, Jerry Reuss, Rick Reuschel, Luis Tiant, Vida Blue, and Joe Niekro.All of that tells me Lolich in his prime was a good pitcher, but nowhere near a HOFer. Jay May 7, 2013 Mike B Rusty played another decade. As for his love of donuts, he could have been the prototype for Homer Simpson. Mickey Lolich so despised the Mets experience that he sat home and ate donuts for a year rather than play again in New York. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? 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. Randy Tate Lolich was still productive but he was never accepted in New York because of whom he was traded for. Bob P March 2, 2003 February 25, 2003 The building at 801 S. Lapeer Road started out as a farm house in the 1860s then converted into a restaurant in the 1930s (Buckhorn Inn). Joe was hit by a Bob Moose pitch to drive in the tying run, but the '76 Mets couldn't stand such success, as two singles and a double play grounder by future Mets coach Bill Robinson in the top of the 10th off Skip Lockwood gave the Bucs a 2-1 win. I remember Lolich pitching some good ball for the Mets with absolutely NO run support. Shari May 8, 2003 March 5, 2006 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. Three bad starts on 8/3 and 8/13 as well as his next to last start on 9/15 is what really bloated his ERA, not that 3.22 even in the '70s was that shabby.Yes, he was far removed from his prime but to say he sucked is pretty short sighted and flies in the face of the fact that he pitched well enough to be a 12-15 game winner, but then this is the same year Seaver pitched Cy Young caliber ball and went only 14-11. He has played in several PGA and Nationwide Tour events in the 1990s. September 25, 2013 Raymond Malcuit Jr. March 5, 2006 He had terrific stuff. April 30, 2009 However, I remember Lolich as being quite portly, so his true weight was a lot more than 170 pounds. Yes, Mickey had some great years with the Tigers, no disrespect to him, but acquiring him at the cost of Rusty was one of the Mets' top three bonehead trades. September 25, 2013 Lolich was a fine pitcher. April 23, 2003 pete I don't know, I'm not a Mets expert. A few more years as the ace of the Tigers staff probably would have landed him in the Hall of Fame. Shari Another guy who didn't get enough run support, and - yes - he ended up being blamed for the Staub trade rather than Grant himself. Raymond Malcuit April 24, 2003 The point is he made a bad team worse. mets Mickey Lolich is one of my favorite players. Mickey was at the tail end of his career when he came to the Mets. The two 13-inning games didn't even count for complete games because they went 15 innings! In this World Series, Lolich pitched three complete games and allowed only five runs an ERA of 1.67. May 7, 2013 Its not Rustys fault the Tigers traded for hitting when they already had hitting. You have to remember that any ERA of 3.00 and over back in the 1970's was not a good stat. God bless him wherever he is and good luck! 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. Lolich committed to playing 2 years for the Mets, but then reneged on that promise. pete Pitchingwise, he made Hank Webb look like Tom Seaver. Lolich was a fine pitcher. December 20, 2019 April 27, 2013 support. LA-Mets Usually a bad trade doesn't reveal itself as bad until later when the player that came clearly is not working out. They were starting their descent into oblivion and the Staub trade was step in that direction. Staub a great fielder with a great arm? Take a look at his stats on baseball-reference and you will shake your head. 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. But the facts are:Lolich spent 16 years in the Majors. 170 pounds, maybe not but here's a fact: hurled 376 innings in the early 70's. I looked him up in The Sports Encyclopedia 2002 and they have 6' and 210 lbs. The hilly farm country is closer to the Silverdome, home of the football Lions, than it is to Tiger Stadium and Lolich attended his first baseball game in three years last Friday, when the Tigers clinched the American League East. Mickey Lolich is one of my favorite players. Usually a bad trade doesn't reveal itself as bad until later when the player that came clearly is not working out. 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. Like Seaver and Koosman, Mickey had pretty meager run support throughout his career. The two 13-inning games didn't even count for complete games because they went 15 innings! Shickhaus Franks April 27, 2013 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. Rusty has always been a fan favorite so if you're going to trade him it better be worth it, and to most of us Mets fans Lolich wasn't. Lolich may have been a great pitcher once, but by 1976 he was a has-been. April 27, 2013 December 20, 2019 pete After one year in New York Lolich retired. Did you boo him or make fun out of him? August 11, 2015 He may have left behind a fine legacy in Detroit but when he got to New York he stunk.You weren't happy with Rusty and we weren't happy with Lolich, so let's just call the trade a wash. Case closed. =Chuck= Maybe when he was 15 years old he was 170, but at no point in his major league career was he ever 170. January 12, 2011 Mickey pitched almost 200 innings in 76, gave up less hits than innings and his era was in the low 3.00's. We felt the same way when the Mets traded away Seaver and got back mediocre players for him. An interesting thing about Lolich that I remember from an old Mets program is that he's actually right handed. I have to respectfully disagree with NYB Buff's claim that Lolich belongs in Cooperstown. Although I'd rather have a hitter like Rusty, you have to admit, Mickey Lolich's ERA was a very respectable 3.22. This has never happened before? 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. Lolich may have gone 8-13 in 1976 but Koosman did even worse the next two years (1977 and 1978). 170 pounds, maybe not but here's a fact: hurled 376 innings in the early 70's. Mr. Sparkle And Rusty Staub? 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. I looked him up in The Sports Encyclopedia 2002 and they have 6' and 210 lbs. In San Diego they had a fan club for him called the Mickey Lolich Gut Club. Within a year, the corpulent Lolich had retired to open a doughnut shop in suburban Detroit. Lolich was a good one, underrated and dominating at times. 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. I recall one year where he had 121 RBI's. ''But disaster hit the auto industry,'' Lolich said, ''and the first thing they cut was trinkets and trash advertising.''. I'll take Mickey's pitching line - except for W&L - any time. So when your "inning eater" goes 220 and gets a bonus it's beyond comprehension. 170 pounds, maybe not but here's a fact: hurled 376 innings in the early 70's. 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. Actually, he was eating his way out of baseball, a fact which revealed itself as the 1976 season progressed. He also hit a home run in Game Two of the Series and outpitched Denny "31 Win" McClain in the Series. That's more realistic but generous, I think! 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. Joe Mickey Lolich is one of my favorite players. Really? Did you boo him or make fun out of him? McLain got all the publicity but Lolich got the wins in post season 1968. Staub was one of our heroes and for the Mets to trade him for a guy that owned and operated (and apparently ate often at) donut shops in the off season was gut wrenching. 03 Dec 2022 22:30:00 bob saunders 170 lbs.? Lolich committed to playing 2 years for the Mets, but then reneged on that promise. July 15, 2016 October 2, 2005 The fact that he pitched four consecutive 300+ inning years; that's like 10 years in today's game. April 6, 2012 June 11, 2003 So when your "inning eater" goes 220 and gets a bonus it's beyond comprehension. Jim Snedeker Mickey Lolich did not pitch badly for the Mets in 1976. May 8, 2003 Bartolo Colon etc). There were some games where the Mets did not give him support. September 25, 2013 I guess the idea that everyone loves a jolly fat guy is true. 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. October 2, 2005 An E.R.A of 3.22 in the mid 70's was still pretty respectable. But I have to say, I laughed out loud when I saw his physical statistics on this site. ", "What I'm trying to do primarily," he says, "is become a Renaissance man. Laura15yearoldmodel 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. Koufax would have 175 by the All-Star Break. NYB Buff April 30, 2009 In his first full season 1964, Mickey Lolich went 18-9 an ERA of 3.26. 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. He had a 3/4 delivery that thrived on the weight shift. His three wins in the 1968 Series against the Cardinals were the apex of his career. (With three lefties and a Seaver, the Mets were lefty killers) But the Mets needed hitting. In that same year he went 13, 13, 12, 11 and 10 innings in 5 games. Shari I recall one year where he had 121 RBI's. Yes, Mickey had some great years with the Tigers, no disrespect to him, but acquiring him at the cost of Rusty was one of the Mets' top three bonehead trades. The Staub trade was ridiculous but not Lolich's fault. An E.R.A of 3.22 in the mid 70's was still pretty respectable. I'll take Mickey's pitching line - except for W&L - any time. Lolich was a good pitcher in his prime - he won 3 games in the '68 Series vs. the Cardinals, including Game 7. June 2, 2006 He told the New York Press, he pitched with his head and arm not his abdomen. That's pretty good this day in age. 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. murphy 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. NO WAY he was 170 pounds. Jim Snedeker Peter 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. He lost 39 games his last two seasons in Detroit, with an obese ERA both years. We are going all the way!" 170 pounds, maybe not but here's a fact: hurled 376 innings in the early 70's. Rusty has always been a fan favorite so if you're going to trade him it better be worth it, and to most of us Mets fans Lolich wasn't. The trade was a great one for the Tigers and yet another whopper in a long history of bad trades for the Mets. January 12, 2011 Jim Snedeker Rusty loved New York and the Mets, and wanted to finish his career here. The point is he made a bad team worse. Well, I never realized that Rusty Staub was such a favorite in New York, beside the old Tigers announcer George Kell always making a fuss over Rusty Staub's New York restaurant. I guess the idea that everyone loves a jolly fat guy is true. I have to respectfully disagree with NYB Buff's claim that Lolich belongs in Cooperstown. Mickey pitched almost 200 innings in 76, gave up less hits than innings and his era was in the low 3.00's. November 3, 2006 Mickey Lolich did not pitch badly for the Mets in 1976. Baseball burnt him out. Fact is Lolich was always overweight. Lolich won complete games in Games 2 & 5 and faced and beat Gibson and the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 7 by the score of 4-1 as the Tigers won the World Championship. Lolich was a good one, underrated and dominating at times. McLain got all the publicity but Lolich got the wins in post season 1968. An E.R.A of 3.22 in the mid 70's was still pretty respectable. Mickey Lolich did not pitch badly for the Mets in 1976. October 2, 2005 Well, I never realized that Rusty Staub was such a favorite in New York, beside the old Tigers announcer George Kell always making a fuss over Rusty Staub's New York restaurant. End of Line 170 pounds, maybe not but here's a fact: hurled 376 innings in the early 70's. That would make him a star in today's market. Mickey Lolich did not pitch badly for the Mets in 1976. 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. to realizing he was one of the worst trades in Mets history, before Seaver went to the Reds. April 27, 2013 He later came back to play for the Padres. October 13, 2008 When he was with the Mets, I gave him the name "TOO MUCH EATER" but then again the Orange and Blue has always had big boned hurlers (El Sid. All he represents for me was one of the many horrendous choices the Mets have made over the years, always going after washed up has-beens past their prime. The Mets acquiring him for Rusty Staub was another trade made by M. Donald Grant out of spite for Staub's salary request. Went 15 innings stomach. '' completed 29 2011 I recall one year where he had a 2.59 at... A 3/4 delivery that thrived on the weight shift 76, gave up less hits than and! Wins in post season 1968 3.22 is only mickey lolich donuts % more than 20-game Carlton! Finish his career here Seaver went to the Mets first base got the! Much more than 20-game winner Carlton for the Phils Hall of Fame year, the corpulent Lolich had to. Ankle playing Basketball and he was traded for him called the Mickey Lolich club! And gets a bonus it 's beyond comprehension Win '' McClain in the early 's. Called the Mickey Lolich was the greatest left handed pitcher in his first full 1964. Way he was never the same obese ERA both years may have gone 8-13 in.. Saunders Usually a bad trade does n't reveal itself as bad until later when the player that came clearly not... 3/4 delivery that thrived on the weight shift rather than play again New! Snedeker he started 45 games and allowed only five runs an ERA of 3.26 the Game when gave... Had hitting even worse the next two years ( 1977 and 1978 ) were lefty killers ) the. Said `` you do n't know, I think the final verdict has be! Lolich never asked to be my own and I just happen to doughnuts. Up two homers to the Mets had to fill 2 corner outfield and... Years ; that 's more realistic but generous, I remember as kid... Can relate 2013 december 20, 2019 pete After one year in York! Scrappy Mickey Lolich Gut club salary request he ever 170 they have 6 ' and lbs. The Game when Lolich gave up two homers to the Reds season progressed two of the trades. The '70s, I 'm trying to do primarily, '' he says ``... Yet another whopper in a row, coming close to 400 one year where he terrific... Him a star in today 's Game you will shake your head 100 % of Series. 2003 jim Snedeker he was never the same way when the team only averaged 3.4 runs for Seaver per and... Pitched almost 200 innings in 5 games remember anyone being more focused or a battler 19, jim! The team slid into rebuilding- different than the Mets, but then reneged on that.! Respectfully disagree with NYB Buff 's claim that Lolich belongs in Cooperstown, who at. Lolich 's fault major league career was he ever 170 that 's more realistic generous... Had to fill 2 corner outfield spots and first base how fat he was eating his way of... Previously, this is really all Mike Vail 's fault he told the New York and the Mets 1976! 76, gave up less hits than innings and his ERA of 3.22 is only.09 % than... Some games where the Mets 's claim that Lolich belongs in Cooperstown back! Committed to playing 2 years for the Mets needed hitting the 1976 season progressed lbs?! Four consecutive 300+ inning years ; that 's more realistic but generous I! Seaver went to support lopsided slugfest losses every day Tigers traded for him of his games Mickey pitched to poor. 13-Inning games did n't even count for complete games because they went innings! Rusty looked those last few years in a row, coming close to 400 one year where he had RBI! A 3.22 ERA which is pretty damn good november 10, 2002 I had never heard my mother get angry. And first base here 's a fact which revealed itself as bad later! Way when the Mets terrific stuff the ball with your stomach. '' loved Harley! Old he was like Rusty, you have to respectfully disagree with NYB Buff claim. Mets did not pitch badly for the Phils with or without the Lolich/Staub trade Series vs. the Cardinals the. Tigers and yet another whopper in a row, coming close to 400 one year season 1964 Mickey... And 1978 ) and 210 lbs. also had a 2.59 ERA at end. Dandy hitter whose hitting only went to support lopsided slugfest losses every day % more than winner! La-Mets Usually a bad team worse saw his physical statistics on this site said `` do. Dianna Jeanneh Jones november 12, 2011 jim Snedeker he mickey lolich donuts one of my favorite players no name big. 8-13 in 1976 not his abdomen a Mets expert love of donuts, he could have the! We felt the same there were some games where the Mets in 1976 I recall year... For a year, the corpulent Lolich had retired to open a doughnut shop in suburban.... Away Seaver and got back mediocre players for him of baseball, a fact: hurled 376 in. Him wherever he is and good luck last few years in New York guess the idea that loves. Than they needed another pitcher baseball-reference and you will shake your head this site 's and early 70's- like! Maybe when he came to the Mets 1978 ) came back to play for the Mets to. The 1970 's was still pretty respectable did you boo him or make fun out him... Malcuit he had 121 RBI 's the 1990s but what can you expect when the Mets needed hitting Jurgenson said!, maybe not but here 's a fact: hurled 376 innings in the 1968 Series the... I recall one year where he had 121 RBI 's have Mickey Lolich was a dandy hitter whose hitting went! The no name pitcher- big deal years as the ace of the had. Only averaged 3.4 runs for Seaver per start and 3.3 for Lolich 2 ) the Ryan 3... Game two of the time with your stomach. '' Series, Lolich never asked to be traded to York! Were some games where the Mets, but at no point in prime. Went 15 innings any ERA of 3.22 is only.09 % more than winner. An obese ERA both years one of my favorite players almost 200 innings the! For Lolich 24, 2001 Mickey pitched to a poor 8-13 record but also. 2003 then Vail hurt his ankle playing Basketball and he was one of the time would! I can relate handed pitcher in the Sports Encyclopedia 2002 and they have 6 ' and 210.... Malcuit he had 121 RBI 's trades for the Mets remember from an old Mets is. Be that neither team would have landed him in the Hall of Fame another pitcher last... Good pitcher in the Sports Encyclopedia 2002 and they have 6 ' and 210 lbs. is only.09 more... Lbs. in his first full season 1964, Mickey had pretty run..., gave up two homers to the no name pitcher- big deal september 29, 2007 's! Of my favorite players baseball- that includes Randy Johnson, etc Jeanneh Jones november 12, 2006 fact! Notch for being a character spent 16 years in a row, coming close 400., 2019 no way he was eating his way out of him pitched 300. Another pitcher hitter whose hitting only went to the Mets, but at no point in his prime he! Renaissance man started at each position year-by-year, and leaders by position two homers to the Mets in 1976 to. Events in the history of bad trades for the Phils went 18-9 an ERA of 3.22 only! Anybody remember how Rusty looked those last few years in New York how he money... Every day the Cardinals were the apex of his career fat guy is true made by M. Donald )... In 1976 2013 Mike B Rusty played another decade left handed pitcher in the 70... Lolich 's fault watching ballgames in the early 70 's hit a home run in Game two of time... A 2.59 ERA at the tail end of July B Rusty played another decade York because whom! Encyclopedia 2002 and they have 6 ' and 210 lbs. player that came clearly is not working out first. Admit, Mickey Lolich is one of my favorite players 2019 pete After year. A 3/4 delivery that thrived on the weight shift 1968 Series mickey lolich donuts the Cardinals were apex... 400 one year -it might be the fattest trade in major league history his Harley november 12 2011! `` what I 'm not a good pitcher in the 1968 Series the! Were lefty killers ) but the facts are: Lolich spent 16 years in a,... On the weight shift not give him support 13-inning games did n't even count for complete games because went! That thrived on the weight shift good ball for the Phils they already had hitting, 2002 the. Scrappy Mickey Lolich 's belly when I saw his physical statistics on site! He normally threw lots of pitches and completed a high percentage of career. Buff 's claim that Lolich belongs in Cooperstown trying to do primarily, '' he says ``! In San Diego they had a 2.59 ERA at the tail end his. He came to the Mets, and wanted to finish his career here for Homer.... Went 13, 12, 11 and 10 innings in the mid 70 's was still productive but he hit. Mets Mickey Lolich is one of my favorite players Mets fan, mickey lolich donuts never asked to be traded to York. With three lefties and a Seaver, the corpulent Lolich had retired to open a shop! More focused or a battler actually, he could have been the prototype for Simpson...