Dave Wickersham dies at age 86

Wickersham had his best season in the majors with the Tigers in 1964, going 19-12 with a 3.44 ERA. He missed out on a 20-win season in agonizing fashion in his final start.

The Tigers were tied 1-1 in the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium, but New York had runners on first and second with two outs. Phil Linz bunted toward Detroit first baseman Norm Cash, who bobbled the ball but secured it as he stood on the bag, as Vintage Detroit recalled. First base umpire Bill Valentine called Linz safe, and Cash followed Valentine down the right-field line, arguing the decision. The runner on second scored, and Wickersham pleaded for play to stop, only to have Valentine eject him.

As The Star reported in 2004, Valentine realized days later that Wickersham was chasing a milestone that day. Find more sports news, plus coverage from Sports Illustrated. READ MORE “I didn’t know he was going for his 20th win until later on,” Valentine told The Star. “Once I heard it, that’s the one decision that had always been in my mind. That’s the only thing I’ve regretted from my career. “He was a good pitcher and one of the nicest guys in baseball.” In 2004, Wickersham wrote a letter to Valentine saying he’d gotten the call right.

One of four players to play for the KC A’s and KC Royals.