Jim Northrup died today, Wednesday:

Jim Northrup, a Michigan native who became a hero of the Detroit Tigers’ 1968 championship team, died today at 71.

Northrup, born in Breckenridge, not far from Saginaw, delivered the key hit in Game 7 off of St. Louis Cardinals ace Bob Gibson. In the top of the seventh inning — Gibson and Mickey Lolich were battling in a scoreless game — Northrup’s two-out triple over the head of centerfielder Curt Flood scored Norm Cash and Willie Horton. Bill Freehan then drove home Northrup, and the Tigers went onto win, 4-1.

WAR rates 1968 as Northrup’s best season. His batting statistics were better in 1969, but in the context of the league, 1968 stood out as his best. The World Series win was a great way to finish off a fine year.

My thoughts go out to his family and friends.