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Former Detroit Tigers All-Star pitcher Joe Coleman dies at age 78

Coleman played for Tigers from 1971-1976

Detroit Tigers pitcher Joe Coleman. (Getty Images)

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers announced Thursday that former All-Star pitcher Joe Coleman has died at the age of 78.

“We are saddened by the passing of former Tigers pitcher Joe Coleman, and share our condolences with his family and loved ones,” the team posted on X.

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Coleman played for the Tigers from 1971-1976, appearing in 203 total games. He posted a 3.82 ERA and 1.35 WHIP, striking out exactly 1,000 batters across 1,407.2 innings in the Old English D.

Coleman was an All-Star during the 1972 season and twice won 20 games in Detroit -- a 20-9 record in 1971 and a 23-15 record in 1973.

He spent the first six seasons of his career with the Washington Senators prior to joining the Tigers.

After leaving Detroit, he played for the Cubs, Athletics, Blue Jays, Giants, and Pirates.

In 15 MLB seasons, Coleman racked up 142 wins and 1,728 strikeouts across 2,569.1 innings while posting a 3.70 ERA.


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