Chet Lemon, a beloved former Major League Baseball outfielder and 1984 World Series winner, died at the age of 70. Lemon passed on Thursday, May 8, 2025, after a decades-long battle with polycythemia vera (PV), a rare blood disorder, and its associated complications.
Lemon, a three-time All-Star, was diagnosed with polycythemia vera in 1990, toward the end of his illustrious 16-year career with the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers. Lemon’s disease, a type of blood cancer that causes the bone marrow to create an excessive number of red blood cells, posed severe health concerns over time. He apparently had multiple blood clots and at least 13 strokes, which resulted in hundreds of hospital trips and eventually left him unable to walk or speak.
While a single cause of death was not always stated in early accounts, his death was largely attributed to complications from his long-standing battle with polycythemia vera. Friends and family said that his health had been deteriorating for some years.
Lemon was a notable baseball player recognized for his outstanding defensive skills in center field and contributions to the Detroit Tigers’ 1984 World Series championship. He began his MLB career with the Chicago White Sox, where he was selected to two All-Star games before being traded to the Detroit Tigers. With Detroit, he received another All-Star nod and played a major part in their championship run.
Following his retirement from baseball, Lemon remained interested in the sport, spending much of his time coaching youth and high school baseball in Florida. He also founded the Chet Lemon Foundation, which helps athletes get scholarships and helps those suffering from strokes and aphasia, both of which he has personally experienced.
The baseball community mourns the passing of a gifted player and respected individual. Former teammates remember Lemon not only for his on-field abilities, but also for his friendliness, infectious smile, and competitive nature. His legacy extends beyond his All-Star appearances and World Series ring, impacting the lives of many young players he taught as well as those affected by the health issues he bravely overcame.
Chet Lemon’s death has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and fans. People remember him as a champion on and off the field, who battled his health issues with persistence. His wife, Gigi, was by his side, and sources say he died at their home in Apopka, Florida.
References
“Chet Lemon Passes Away.” MLB Trade Rumors, May 8, 2025, https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/05/chet-lemon-passes-away.html
“Lemon, 1984 Tigers WS champion, passes away at 70.” MLB.com, May 8, 2025, https://www.mlb.com/news/chet-lemon-dies
“Chet Lemon, former White Sox star and World Series champion, dies at 70.” NBC Chicago, May 8, 2025, https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chet-lemon-former-white-sox-star-and-world-series-champion-dies-at-70/3741559/
“Chet Lemon, 1984 Tigers World Series champion, dies at 70.” FOX 2 Detroit, May 9, 2025, https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/chet-lemon-1984-tigers-world-series-champion-dies-70
