By Brian Vanochten
The Grand Rapids Press
GRAND RAPIDS -- Detroit Tigers pitching legend Denny McLain regaled local baseball fans with tales of going from the big time to the big house during an appearance Thursday night at Schuler Books and Music, 3615 Alpine Ave. NW, to sign copies of a new book chronicling his colorful life.
All of it the truth -- for better or worse.
McLain, 63, spoke about his mixed feelings for Hall of Fame right fielder Al Kaline, the rampant abuse of alcohol and drugs among big leaguers in the 1960s and early '70s and his proud standing as the last 30-game winner in the majors.
He signed more than a hundred copies of "I Told You I Wasn't Perfect," an autobiography written with Detroit sportscaster Eli Zaret, after fielding questions for almost an hour as part of his ongoing promotional tour.
"I'm the last guy to win 30," said McLain, who compiled a 31-6 record in 1968 while helping the Tigers claim the World Series championship. "No one is ever going to do it again. They don't let the pitchers throw that much anymore. They take much better care of their investments in young pitchers like (current Tigers right-hander) Justin Verlander than they ever did of us."
Highs and lows
He endured painful moments on and off the mound throughout a career that included becoming the youngest pitcher, at age 25, to reach 100 wins.
McLain captured the 1968 Cy Young and MVP awards.
In the Fall Classic, however, the right-handed ace surrendered the spotlight to left-handed teammate Mickey Lolich, who defeated the St. Louis Cardinals three times and led the Tigers to a thrilling triumph in Game 7 of the series.
"Lolich made me go," McLain recalled of his personal rivalry with Lolich. "We didn't like each other very much, but we made each other better pitchers."
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