Former Detroit Tigers player and three-time All-Star Chet Lemon passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at his residence in Apopka, Florida, according to an announcement by the Tigers. He was 70.
Lemon, a significant figure in the Tigers’ 1984 World Series-winning team, died peacefully, as reported by his wife, Gigi Lemon. She stated that he was unresponsive on his reclining sofa when she attempted to rouse him.
Renowned for his defensive skills in center field and consistent batting, Lemon had been coping with serious health challenges since retiring from baseball in 1990. He had been diagnosed with polycythemia vera, a rare blood cancer that results in the bone marrow producing an excessive amount of red blood cells, causing blood clots and other issues.
Over the last 30 years, Lemon experienced at least 13 strokes and had over 300 hospital visits. His ongoing health problems eventually led to a loss of mobility and speech.
Even with his health challenges, Lemon attended the 40th anniversary event of the 1984 World Series champion team at Comerica Park in August 2024. Reuniting with his former teammates seemed to invigorate him during his last months.
“The trip to Detroit, I think, it just sparked him,” Gigi Lemon said. “I don’t know the medical terms, or if there was such a thing as more blood flowing through some areas, but he just seemed to be so happy.”
Lemon was born in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1955 and moved to Los Angeles, California, shortly after. The Oakland Athletics selected him as the 22nd overall pick in the 1972 MLB draft from Fremont High School in Los Angeles.
After being traded to the Chicago White Sox in 1975, Lemon debuted in the major leagues in September at age 20. He gained recognition as a top outfielder, setting an American League record with 512 putouts in 1977. His performance led to All-Star selections in 1978 and 1979.
In November 1981, the White Sox traded Lemon to the Tigers for outfielder Steve Kemp. This move was pivotal for Detroit as Lemon became an essential part of their 1984 team, which began the season with a 35-5 record and won the World Series against the San Diego Padres. That year, Lemon received his third and final All-Star selection, hitting .287 with 20 home runs and 76 RBIs.
Beyond his playing career, Lemon founded the Chet Lemon Baseball School in Lake Mary, Florida, and developed an elite travel baseball program that produced many professional players. His efforts in youth baseball development reportedly contributed to 70 first-round draft picks over three decades, including current Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter.
He also established the Chet Lemon Foundation, which offers scholarships for young athletes and resources for stroke and aphasia sufferers, conditions Lemon himself faced.
The Tigers organization recognized both facets of Lemon’s legacy in announcing his death.
Former Tigers catcher Lance Parrish expressed his esteem for Lemon, mentioning that beyond his skills on the field, Lemon was a valued friend. Parrish noted Lemon’s kindness, competitive spirit, and camaraderie as a teammate.
Similarly, former Tigers pitcher Dan Petry emphasized Lemon’s defensive abilities in center field, which made pitching easier. Petry also highlighted Lemon’s remarkable qualities as a teammate and friend.
Lemon’s career statistics reveal his versatile talents. Across 16 major league seasons and 1,988 games, he achieved a .273 batting average with 215 home runs, 884 RBIs, and 1,875 hits. Known for being hit by pitches, he led the American League in this category four times from 1979 to 1983.
Aside from his career, Lemon was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife, Gigi, whom he married in the early 1990s, and five children: Geneva, Chester Jr., David, Marcus, and Brianna.
The reunion with the 1984 Tigers team last year offered Lemon a meaningful final chapter, allowing him to reconnect with teammates despite his health struggles. During the event, former shortstop Alan Trammell shared a moment with Lemon, saying, “We wouldn’t have won it without you. You know that.”
