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Tigers Mourn World Series-Winning Pitcher’s Death at 81

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 10:13 AM ET

The Detroit Tigers and the baseball world mourn former relief pitcher Daryl Patterson, who passed away earlier this week at 81.

Originally from California, Patterson went 11-9 with a 4.09 ERA over parts of five big-league seasons. Patterson spent most of that time with the Tigers, providing a 3.55 ERA and nine saves in 177 2/3 innings from 1968-71.

Patterson quietly played a pivotal role for the 1968 World Series-winning Tigers, recording a 2.12 ERA and seven saves in 68 innings. He also pitched three scoreless innings in the Tigers’ seven-game victory over Bob Gibson’s St. Louis Cardinals.

Detroit traded Patterson to the Athletics in May 1971, shortly after manager Billy Martin accused Patterson of intentionally balking in a run. Patterson split the rest of 1971 between the Athletics and Cardinals but spent the next two years in the minors.

The Tigers mourn the passing of former player Daryl Patterson and share our condolences with his loved ones.

Patterson pitched in Detroit for four seasons, helping the Tigers win the World Series in 1968. pic.twitter.com/RDpF9Vcrad
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) August 28, 2025

Although Patterson posted a 7.29 ERA in 21 innings for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1974, his most memorable moment with the team didn’t even occur on the mound. During a July 1974 brawl, Reds pitcher Pedro Borbón allegedly bit him and pulled his hair, leading Patterson to later receive a tetanus shot.

Reds manager Sparky Anderson questioned an accusation about Borbón ambushing Patterson from behind, noting that the Pirates’ reliever had a mark under his left eye.

“He hit him in the eye,” Anderson said. “How can you hit a guy in the eye from behind?”

Patterson retired after the season and later spent 20 years working for Pacific Gas & Electric.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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