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Chet Lemon, a product of Los Angeles Fremont High during its heyday who became a three-time All-Star outfielder and a World Series champion during a 16-year major league career, died Thursday at age 70 after a decades-long fight with a blood disorder.

“The Detroit Tigers join all of baseball in mourning the passing of Chet Lemon,” the Tigers statement read.

“While he was a World Series champion and All-Star on the field, perhaps his biggest impact came off of it. That includes creating the Chet Lemon Foundation and dedicating much of his post-playing career to youth baseball development. Our thoughts are with Chet’s family, friends and all those he coached, mentored and inspired.”

“Chet was the kindest of men and always had that great smile on his face,” Parrish said in a statement.

He was the oldest of Ralph and Gloria Lemon’s four children and the family moved to Los Angeles when Chet was a child.