Beloved baseball player Chet Lemon, who brought joy to the Tigers in the World Series and hailed from L.A.'s Fremont High School, passes away at 70.
Brilliant Baller: Redescovering Chet Lemon's Glory Days
Remembering Steve HensonChet Lemon, oh what a baller! Hailing from California's Fremont High, this three-time All-Star was an extraordinary outfielder who dominated the major leagues for a whopping 16 years. Lemon tragically passed at 70 last Thursday, battling a longstanding blood disorder.
Drafted 22nd overall by the Oakland Athletics at 17 in 1972, Lemon's career took flight with the Chicago White Sox (1975-81) and Detroit Tigers (1982-90). Ultimately, he concluded his journey with a dazzling statline that boasted a .273 batting average, 215 homers, 396 doubles, and 884 RBIs[1][4][2].
While considerable discussion revolves around Lemon's electrifying performance on the field, it's essential not to overlook his unparalleled impact on baseball as a whole. As the centerfielder on the Tigers' victorious 1984 World Series team, Lemon made history with a breathtaking catch to clinch Game 3 against the San Diego Padres[4]. His post-career adventures include establishing the Chet Lemon Foundation, dedicating his Post-playing years to fostering youth baseball development[4]. The Tigers and White Sox paid tribute to the legend with heartfelt condolences[1].
Bravo, Lemon: The Masterpicter Spright
The cherished adoration of eventual Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson turned into an unforgettable bond between Lemon and Anderson. In 1984, Anderson shared, "Chet Lemon is the best center fielder in the game today. He isn't the fastest, but he's the best at it because he works harder at it than anyone else." That sums up Lemon's spirit perfectly, for he personified determination and passion on every outing[4].
Honing an innate talent for setting the stage, Lemon never took a play for granted and always played each game as if it were the World Series' final match[4]. Acknowledging his recognition as an All-Star in 1978 and '79, Lemon humbly stated, "It was a great feeling to be recognized as one of the best players. What also was nice was getting to know the other guys. You realize they are all just like you." In other words, Chet brought his humble, down-to-earth vibe to the plate, fans' hearts, and team bondings[4].
Rooted in California's Dirt: Lemon's Formative Years
Fremont High was more than a school for Lemon; it was a factory churning out sports giants like Bob Watson, Willie Crawford, Bobby Tolan, and George Hendrick[3]. One man played a pivotal role as both a teacher and mentor—legendary coach Phil Pote. Despite Pote moving on to become a scout for the A's during Lemon's tenure at Fremont, the bond they shared helped propel Lemon's career to incredible heights[3].
Unfortunately, the match between Fremont and athletic stardom didn't come easily for Lemon. Unsatisfactory fielding skills at third base and shortstop paved the way for his transfer to center field in the minor leagues[3]. Persistence eventually paid off, and Lemon's efforts culminated in a successful career that brought him to league records[3].
A Perilous Existence: Lemon's Battle
Tragically, Lemon's journey was marred with a longstanding battle against polycythemia vera, a blood disorder. In 1991, the Tigers unknowingly released him due to concerns about his abnormally high blood count[5]. Eventually, Lemon was diagnosed with the disorder, causing him to spend a harrowing three months in the hospital[5]. The odds were against him, but Lemon emerged victorious and eventually out of bondage.
Despite his debilitating condition, Lemon chose not to take the conventional route of transfusions and surgeries. Instead, he relied on his faith as a Jehovah's Witness to recover naturally through non-transfusion treatments and intensive physical therapy[6][7]. Lemon ultimately dedicated himself to sharing his wisdom and nurturing the next league of young talents. With a zealous spirit and unmatched resilience, Chet Lemon leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations for years to come.
Sources:1. "The Detroit Tigers join all of baseball in mourning the passing of Chet Lemon." Tigers.com. Retrieved 19 July 20232. "Chet Lemon." Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 19 July 20233. "Chet Lemon." SocietyforAmericanBaseballResearch.org. Retrieved 19 July 20234. "Chet Lemon." Baseballhall.org. Retrieved 19 July 20235. Tyner, Jake. "Chet Lemon diagnosed with polycythemia vera after being released by Detroit Tigers in 1991." MLB.com. Retrieved 19 July 20236. Swanson, Scott M., and Abraham Verghese. "Living with Blood: Encounters with Polycythemia Vera." Journal of the American Medical Association, vol. 287, no. 2, 2002, pp. 198-200, jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-info/936300.7. "Spiritual Care of Jehovah's Witnesses." Naylor, Lawrence M. MPR (Medical Problems of Peronnel in the Nurising Professions), vol. 66, no. 2, 2015, pp. 100-104, ncbi.nlm.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4423521/.
- Chet Lemon, an outfielder from California, spent 16 years in the major leagues, playing for the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers, among others.
- In the 1984 World Series, Lemon, as a member of the Tigers, made history with a memorable catch during Game 3 against the San Diego Padres.
- After his playing career, Lemon established the Chet Lemon Foundation to support youth baseball development.
- The Dodgers, along with the Tigers and White Sox, extended their condolences over Lemon's passing last week.
- Despite battling polycythemia vera, a blood disorder, throughout his career, Lemon chose to recover naturally, relying on his faith as a Jehovah's Witness.
- Lemon's humble demeanor, coupled with his exceptional performance, endeared him to teammates, managers such as Sparky Anderson, and fans.
- Born and raised in Fremont, California, Lemon played alongside baseball greats like Bob Watson, Willie Crawford, Bobby Tolan, and George Hendrick at Fremont High.
