Former Detroit Tigers outfielder and three-time All-Star Chet Lemon passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at his residence in Apopka, Florida, as announced by the Tigers. Lemon was 70 years old.
According to his wife, Gigi Lemon, he died peacefully. She stated that he was found unresponsive while resting on his reclining sofa.
Lemon was recognized for his defensive skills in center field and reliable batting. Since retiring from baseball in 1990, he had been dealing with significant health issues, including a diagnosis of polycythemia vera. This rare blood cancer causes excessive production of red blood cells, leading to complications such as blood clots.
In the last 30 years, Lemon experienced at least 13 strokes and had more than 300 hospital visits, which eventually led to his inability to walk or speak.
Despite his health challenges, Lemon attended the 40th anniversary celebration of the 1984 World Series championship team at Comerica Park in August 2024. This reunion with his former teammates seemed to give him renewed vigor in his final 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 later moved to Los Angeles, California, as a baby. The Oakland Athletics drafted him with the 22nd overall pick in the 1972 MLB draft from Fremont High School in Los Angeles.
After a trade to the Chicago White Sox in 1975, Lemon debuted in the major leagues that September at the age of 20. He quickly established himself as an outstanding outfielder, setting an American League record with 512 putouts in 1977, which earned him All-Star selections in 1978 and 1979.
In November 1981, Lemon was traded to the Tigers for outfielder Steve Kemp. This move proved significant for Detroit, as Lemon became a vital part of the Tigers’ 1984 team that began the season with a 35-5 start and captured the World Series title against the San Diego Padres. That year, Lemon earned 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 led to 70 first-round draft picks over the past three decades, including current Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter.
He also started the Chet Lemon Foundation, which offers scholarships for young athletes and resources for individuals affected by strokes and aphasia, conditions Lemon personally faced.
The Tigers organization recognized his playing legacy and post-career contributions in announcing his passing.
Former Tigers catcher and teammate Lance Parrish expressed his admiration for Lemon, highlighting that beyond his on-field talents, he was a valued friend. Parrish described Lemon as consistently kind and with an infectious smile, a fierce competitor, and an excellent teammate.
Similarly, former Tigers pitcher Dan Petry noted how Lemon’s defensive skills in center field eased his responsibilities on the mound. Petry emphasized Lemon’s athletic abilities and remarked that his qualities as a teammate and friend were even more outstanding.
Lemon’s career statistics reflect his comprehensive skill set. Over 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 his unique ability to get hit by pitches, he led the American League in that category four times from 1979 to 1983.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Lemon was devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife, Gigi, whom he married in the early 1990s, and their five children: Geneva, Chester Jr., David, Marcus, and Brianna.
The 2024 reunion with the 1984 Tigers team was a significant final chapter for Lemon, allowing him to reconnect with former teammates despite his health challenges. During this celebration, former shortstop Alan Trammell shared a meaningful moment with Lemon, stating, “We wouldn’t have won it without you. You know that.”
