The chubby young southpaw seen here pitched well during the 1968 regular season as both a starter and a reliever. On August 6 he set a record by striking out the first six batters of a game, and two weeks later he pitched a one-hitter. In January of 1971, Hiller suffered a heart attack, and everyone but him assumed he would never pitch again. In 1972 Hiller, who lost 40 pounds, was offered a minor league coaching job with the Tigers, but he was able to prove to them he was in pitching shape and was back on the team by July. The next year he had an extraordinary season, going 10-5 with a 1.44 ERA, and led the AL with 38 saves, earning Comeback Player of the Year honors. Hiller remained the Tigers closer throughout the 1970s, and when he retired in 1980 his 545 games pitched was most for the team all time, and it still is today. After his retirement he owned a farm and worked a variety of jobs. The 82-year-old Hiller has participated in the Mackinac Island 1880s Vintage Baseball Game for over 20 years - you can see him at the 2025 event here.
I have 17 of his cards, from 1966 to 1980. I would be interested in trading for 1977 Hostess #28.
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