Dennis Dale (Denny) McLain

Dennis Dale “Denny” McLain

Detroit Tigers Player (1963 – 1970)

Denny McLain was born in Markham, Illinois and played baseball at Mt. Carmel High School. After graduation, he was signed by the Chicago White Sox as an amateur free agent. He went on to be picked up by the Detroit Tigers and advanced quickly through the Tigers minor league system. He made his major league debut at the end of the 1963 season and over the next six seasons established himself as one of the American League’s top pitchers. McLain helped the Tigers win the 1968 World Series with one of the best pitching seasons in Major League history. His 31 wins set a standard that has not been topped since. In his eight-year Tiger career, McLain compiled a 117 - 62 recoord with a 3.13 ERA, winning two Cy Young Awards, one Most Valuable Player Award and was a three-time All Star. Denny McLain was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1991.