Pitcher Denny McLain joined the Detroit Tigers in 1963. In 1968, he became the last pitcher to win 31 games in a season.
Back in playing shape —
Pitcher Denny McLain joined the Detroit Tigers in 1963. In 1968, he became the last pitcher to win 31 games in a season.
Courtesy Detroit Tigers/MLB
He was known during his playing days for consuming a case of Pepsi every day -- a habit that added 10 pounds a year to his 6-foot-1-inch frame.
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He was known during his playing days for consuming a case of Pepsi every day -- a habit that added 10 pounds a year to his 6-foot-1-inch frame.
Courtesy Detroit Tigers/MLB
McLain gained weight steadily after retiring from baseball. Here he hangs out with current Detroit Tiger pitcher Justin Verlander, left, and McLain's former teammate, Jon Warden, center, at last summer's 45th anniversary of the Tigers' 1968 World Series win.
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McLain gained weight steadily after retiring from baseball. Here he hangs out with current Detroit Tiger pitcher Justin Verlander, left, and McLain's former teammate, Jon Warden, center, at last summer's 45th anniversary of the Tigers' 1968 World Series win.
Courtesy Denny McLain
While touring the country to promote his books, McLain often had to be in a wheelchair because the extra pounds put too much pressure on his knees.
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While touring the country to promote his books, McLain often had to be in a wheelchair because the extra pounds put too much pressure on his knees.
Courtesy Denny McLain
When his wife Sharon was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, McLain decided to have a sleeve gastrectomy. "She is my life and the best person in the world," McLain says.
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When his wife Sharon was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, McLain decided to have a sleeve gastrectomy. "She is my life and the best person in the world," McLain says.
Courtesy Denny McLain
McLain has since lost 162 pounds. He only eats one meal a day, snacking on nuts and drinking flavored water the rest of the day.
Back in playing shape —
McLain has since lost 162 pounds. He only eats one meal a day, snacking on nuts and drinking flavored water the rest of the day.
Courtesy Denny McLain
"I can do things now, I could never do," McLain says.
Back in playing shape —
"I can do things now, I could never do," McLain says.
Courtesy Denny McLain