Down with Detroit Announces Collaboration with The Chet Lemon Foundation.

It is with real sadness that we learned the news of Chet Lemon's passing on May 8th, 2025. Our hearts are feeling heavy as we say goodbye to a man who wasn't just a baseball legend, but a hero who shaped the childhoods of countless Detroit fans. Chet embodied everything we loved about those magical '84 Tigers – grace, hustle, and that warm, welcoming smile that made him feel like a friend to everyone who cheered him on.

For many of us, Chet wasn't just a player we admired from afar. He was that special kind of sports hero who felt like family. The center fielder who patrolled Tiger Stadium's vast outfield with such effortless elegance that he made the impossible look routine. The slugger whose power at the plate could electrify the entire stadium. The champion who helped bring a World Series title home to Detroit. But beyond his athletic prowess, it was Chet's character – his humility, his generosity, his genuine love for the game – that truly cemented his place in our hearts.

Even as his health declined in recent years, Chet's spirit never dimmed. Showing up at the Tigers' 40th anniversary celebration of the '84 team showed his unwavering connection to Detroit and his teammates. Through pain and difficulty, he continued giving back to the sport he loved through his development team, "Chet Lemon's Juice," helping hundreds of young players pursue their baseball dreams.

In the weeks before his passing, we had been talking with the Lemon family to establish a meaningful partnership to support The Chet Lemon Foundation. Today, we're honored to announce that this collaboration will move forward as a tribute to Chet's enduring legacy. DWD will donate $5.00 from every order of our classic and beloved Chet + Lemon products  – directly to the foundation that carries forward his vision.

Please consider making your own donation: https://www.chetlemonfoundation.org/ We have a vision of everyone in the Detroit Tigers extended family donating $34.84 as soon as possible. Obviously the amount being apropos to his jersey number and that magic of 1984.

This isn't just business for us – it's personal. Many of us grew up with posters of Chet on our walls, his baseball cards carefully preserved in plastic sleeves, his name written on the backs of makeshift jerseys. He was the inspiration behind one of our first designs, a perfect embodiment of what DWD has always strived to represent: authentic Detroit pride, excellence, and heart.

The Detroit that Chet loved has always taken care of its heroes. Now, it's our turn to honor his memory by supporting the causes he cared about deeply. Through this partnership with the Lemon family and the Chet Lemon Foundation, we hope to ensure that Chet's impact continues to be felt both on and off the field for generations to come.

To the man who roamed center field with unmatched grace, who inspired countless kids to dream bigger, who remained a champion even in his most challenging days – thank you, Chet. Detroit loved you then. Detroit loves you still. You'll forever be our Tiger, and we'll make sure your legacy continues to shine as brightly as you did during that magical summer of '84.

Rest in peace, Number 34. The game won't be the same without you.

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Obituary& Funeral Arrangements: https://epilogg.com/obituary/chet-lemon-apopka-fl-usa-13526