Chet Lemon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chet Lemon
Lemon in 2012
Outfielder
Born: (1955-02-12)February 12, 1955 Jackson, Mississippi, U.S.
Died: May 8, 2025(2025-05-08) (aged 70) Apopka, Florida, U.S.
Batted: Right Threw: Right
debut
September 9, 1975, for the Chicago White Sox
Last appearance
October 3, 1990, for the Detroit Tigers
MLB statistics
Batting average	.273
Home runs	215
Runs batted in	884
Teams
Chicago White Sox (1975–1981) Detroit Tigers (1982–1990)
Career highlights and awards
3× All-Star (1978, 1979, 1984) World Series champion (1984)

Chester Earl Lemon (born February 12, 1955 – died May 8, 2025) was an American professional baseball player. He was an outfielder, which means he played in the large grassy area of the baseball field.

Chet Lemon grew up in Los Angeles, California. He was chosen in the first round of the 1972 Major League Baseball draft. He became an American League All-Star three times: in 1978, 1979, and 1984. In 1984, he was the main center fielder for the Detroit Tigers team that won the 1984 World Series.

Lemon was known as one of the best defensive center fielders in baseball for many years. He was great at catching balls hit into the outfield. After his playing career, he became a baseball instructor and coach.

Chet Lemon's Early Life

Chet Lemon was born in 1955 in Jackson, Mississippi. When he was just six months old, his family moved to Los Angeles. He went to John C. Fremont High School. There, he played both football and baseball, showing his athletic talent early on.

Chet Lemon's Baseball Career

Starting in the Minor Leagues

Chet Lemon began his professional baseball journey in 1972. He was drafted by the Oakland Athletics. He played for their minor league teams, learning and improving his skills.

In 1975, Lemon was traded to the Chicago White Sox. He was playing very well in the minor leagues, hitting .307 with 8 home runs. This earned him a chance to play in the major leagues with the White Sox that September.

Playing for the Chicago White Sox

When Chet Lemon first joined the Chicago White Sox in 1975, he played third base. But in 1976, his team decided to move him to the outfield. He quickly became a great outfielder, making very few errors. He was named to the Topps All-Star Rookie Team.

In 1977, Lemon really shined as both a hitter and a center fielder. He scored 99 runs and hit 15 more home runs than his first year. He also set an American League record for the most putouts (catches that get a player out) by an outfielder in a single season.

Lemon was chosen as an All-Star for the White Sox in 1978 and 1979. In 1979, he had his best hitting season, with a .318 batting average and 86 runs batted in. He also hit 44 doubles, which was tied for the most in the American League that year.

After the 1981 season, Lemon was traded to the Detroit Tigers.

Playing for the Detroit Tigers

First Seasons with the Tigers (1982-1983)

Chet Lemon joined the Detroit Tigers in 1982. He started playing more in right field instead of center field. This change, along with some injuries, made his batting average drop a bit.

Even with a tough 1982 season, the Tigers believed in Lemon. They signed him to a five-year contract. In 1983, he became the Tigers' main center fielder again. He played excellent defense, making only three errors all season. His manager, Sparky Anderson, called him "the best defensive center fielder I've been around."

Lemon also started hitting more home runs, with a career-high 24 in 1983. He was also hit by pitches a lot, leading the American League with 20 times being hit by pitch.

Winning the World Series in 1984

The 1984 season was amazing for the Detroit Tigers, and Chet Lemon was a big part of it. The team started with an incredible 35 wins and only 5 losses! They went on to win their division easily and then beat the San Diego Padres in the 1984 World Series.

Lemon played great defense in center field, making only two errors all season. He also improved his hitting, with his batting average jumping to .287. He hit 20 home runs and had 76 runs batted in, which were among the best on the team. He was also chosen as the starting center fielder for the All-Star game that year.

In the World Series, Lemon hit well and made an important catch in Game 3 that helped the Tigers keep their lead.

Later Years with the Tigers (1985-1989)

Lemon continued to be the Tigers' starting center fielder for three more seasons. In 1987, he helped the Tigers win their division again. He continued to hit well, with over 20 home runs and 30 doubles that year.

In 1988, the Tigers moved Lemon to right field to make space for a new speedy player. He played in right field for the rest of his time with the team.

Health Issues and Retirement

In 1990, Chet Lemon was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called polycythemia vera. This health issue affected his playing, and he missed many games. He retired from baseball after the 1990 season.

After his career, Lemon faced more health challenges, including blood clots. He had surgery in 2001 to help with his condition.

Career Statistics

Chet Lemon played in the major leagues for 16 seasons. Here are some of his career stats:

Lemon was known for his amazing defense, with over 400 outfield putouts in five different seasons. He was also hit by pitches 151 times in his career, showing his willingness to get on base for his team.

Chet Lemon's Life After Baseball

Chet Lemon was married to Valerie Jones and they had four children: Geneva, Chester Jr., David, and Marcus. Later, he married Gigi Partee and they had a daughter named Brianna. Two of his sons, David and Marcus, also played baseball professionally.

Lemon became a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses during his minor league career. Because of his religious beliefs, he chose not to stand for "The Star-Spangled Banner" (the U.S. national anthem). He explained that he gives his loyalty to God's kingdom and does not salute war.

In 1993, Lemon started the Chet Lemon Baseball School in Lake Mary, Florida. He also coached successful youth baseball teams, including "Chet Lemon's Juice." Many players from his teams went on to play in Major League Baseball, like Zack Greinke and Prince Fielder. He also coached high school baseball, leading Eustis High School to a state championship in 2003.

In August 2024, Chet Lemon's family shared that his rare blood disorder had caused several strokes, making it difficult for him to speak or walk. Chet Lemon passed away in May 2025 at the age of 70.

See also

• List of Major League Baseball annual doubles leaders