Remembering the Talented Mr. Chet Lemon
Some people are just born with God given abilities and then do something remarkable with those gifts. Born in Jackson (Miss.) in 1955, raised in Los Angeles, Chester “Chet” Earl Lemon was destined for the Big Leagues. His fast track to MLB turned into a memorable 20-year career.
A first-round pick by the Oakland Athletics in 1972, No. 22 overall, as a third baseman, three years later at the age of 19, Lemon, now with the Chicago White Sox, made his MLB debut as a centerfielder.
Consistent at the plate and one to rack up extra base hits, Lemon was a ballhawk in center setting a record with 512 putouts and 524 chances in 1977. On downtrodden White Sox teams in the late 70’s, Lemon stood out earning All-Star selections in 1978 and 1979.
Statistically speaking, the 1979 season was Lemon’s best batting .318 with 177 hits, 44 doubles, and 17 home runs.
After a trade with the White Sox for Steve Kemp in November of 1981, the Detroit Tigers acquired Lemon.
In 1983, Tigers’ legendary manager Sparky Anderson spoke to the media about Lemon’s defensive abilities, “The best defensive centerfielder I’ve been around.”
The 1984 season would prove to be a memorable one for Lemon and the Tigers. Lemon hit .287 smacking 20 dingers with a career-high 76 runs batted in earning his third All-Star selection. The Tigers posted an 104-58 record in ’84 winning the World Series 4-1 over the San Diego Padres. Lemon hit .294 in the series helping bring the city of Detroit their first championship since 1968.
Due to health issues, Lemon’s last MLB season was in 1990 with the Tigers. Lemon collected 1,875 hits and 215 homers while carrying a .273 batting average over his 20-year career.
Per family reports, Lemon suffered from repeated medical issues that included blood clots and strokes stemming from polycythemia vera diagnosis. Lemon passed on Thursday, May 8, at the age of 70 at home in his sleep.
Upon his passing, former teammates shared their appreciation of Lemon:
“Chet was the kindest of men and always had that great smile on his face,” former Tigers’ teammate Lance Parrish shared in a statement. “He was also a fierce competitor on the baseball field and a great teammate. I loved him like a brother.”
