Former Tiger Aurelio Lopez Killed in Accident in Mexico

Aurelio Lopez, whose relief pitching helped the Detroit Tigers win the World Series in 1984, was killed in an automobile accident. He was 44.

Police said on Wednesday the car being driven by Lopez overturned Tuesday on a highway about 300 miles north of Mexico City. He was thrown from the vehicle. Lopez’s wife, Celia, and another passenger were treated for injuries.

Lopez had his best years with the Tigers. He was 10-1 with 14 saves in 1984, when they won the American League pennant. He won games in the playoffs and the World Series, giving up one hit in three innings of two World Series games as the Tigers defeated the San Diego Padres in five games.

Lopez was let go by the Tigers the following year, and was given a spring training tryout by the Houston Astros in 1986 but was cut before the season began.

In June, however, he got a call from the Astros and, at 37, his relief pitching was a key factor in Houston winning the National League West title.

Lopez finished his career with the Astros in 1987, ending with a lifetime mark of 62-36, 93 saves and a 3.56 earned-run average.