Tommy Matchick

We don't pay enough attention to the unsung heroes of the world, the everyman who actually gets most of the worthwhile things in life done. I suppose this is simply the way things are, the way circumstances would have it. I even found out about Tommy Matchick's death by accident while trolling the Internet. He passed away yesterday at 78.

He hit a two run home run in the bottom of the Ninth Inning to beat the Baltimore Orioles (Sorry, Nick) 5 to 4 at old Tiger Stadium in a game considered critical in Detroit's race to the World Series in 1968. It was a Friday night; I remember listening to the game with me Pops on his little transistor radio. We whooped and hollered over it. Baltimore was chasing us that year, trying to keep the pressure on. 

It was one of only four homers hit by Matchick in a bouncing career which, somewhat ironically, ended with a stint on the Orioles in late 1972. His last game was October 3 of that year, as the Tigers again went to the postseason and Baltimore did not.

I'll always remember him for that game in '68. I've always had a fondness for the guys who barely make it to the big leagues and hang around enough to have a moment or two in the sun. I remember seeing him on TV in 2018 as the Tigers celebrated the 50 year Anniversary of the 1968 World Series. He appeared happy, even giddy, at being part of the festivities. Good for him that he had the chances, both in 1968 and 2018.

But more than baseball, he and his wife had two kids of their own while sponsoring 30 foster children after his playing days were over. In baseball he managed to receive a few accolades. I will venture to guess then in being a dad and foster father he garnered quite a few more. He's surely an unsung hero who's earned praise and remembrance. Godspeed, good sir.