Chet Lemon, a former center fielder for the Detroit Tigers and a member of the 1984 World Series champions, passed away on May 8 at his residence in Apopka, Florida at the age of 70. His wife, Gigi Lemon, shared that he was found unresponsive while sleeping on his reclining sofa.
Following his retirement from the Tigers in 1990, Chet faced health challenges, including multiple clots and over a dozen strokes, which left him unable to walk or communicate. He was diagnosed with polycythemia vera, a rare blood disorder that increases red blood cell production. Over three decades, he had been hospitalized more than 300 times.
In September 2024, Chet Lemon returned to Detroit for a celebration honoring the 1984 World Series champions. During his time with the Tigers, he played a pivotal role alongside teammates such as Alan Trammell and Kirk Gibson. At the celebration, Lemon and Trammell shared a heartfelt moment reminiscing about their shared experiences on the field.
Despite his health struggles, Lemon found joy in reuniting with his former teammates and participating in events such as throwing the first pitch at a college baseball game. His wife noted that the trip to Detroit had a positive impact on his spirits, leading to happier moments in his final days.
Chet Lemon’s baseball career spanned from 1975 to 1990, starting with the Chicago White Sox before joining the Tigers in 1982. A three-time All-Star, he was remembered by fellow players like Lance Parrish and Dan Petry for his kindness, competitiveness, and athleticism on the field.
After retiring from baseball, Lemon dedicated his time to coaching youth baseball in Florida. He was known for his infectious smile, fierce competitiveness, and unwavering support for his teammates both on and off the field.
Chet Lemon led the Panthers to a state championship in 2003 and also established Chet Lemon’s Juice, a prestigious travel baseball program that produced numerous future MLB players, such as Prince Fielder and Zack Greinke. On Chet Lemon’s 70th birthday, Tigers fans came together to create a touching tribute. The Detroit Tigers expressed their condolences on the passing of Chet Lemon, recognizing his significant contributions both on and off the field. Lemon’s impact extended beyond his baseball achievements, as he founded the Chet Lemon Foundation and dedicated much of his later years to youth baseball development. Chet Lemon was previously married to Valerie Jones, with whom he had four children. After their divorce in 1990, Lemon married Gigi Partee in the early 1990s, and they had a daughter named Brianna. Memorial details for Chet Lemon are yet to be announced, as shared by his son Marcus on Instagram. For more insights into the history of the Detroit Tigers, you can purchase “Roar of 125: The Epic History of the Detroit Tigers!” by the Free Press at Tigers125.PictorialBook.com. Stay informed with the USA TODAY app, offering top-notch news coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper, and more.
