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Obituary: Honoring the Life of Patrick “Pat” Mullin

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Honoring the life of Patrick “Pat” Mullin

Obituary: Honoring the Life of Patrick “Pat” mullin

Published on Archyde.com – 2026/01/20 01:37:37

Early Life and Education

  • Born: September 8 1917, St. Louis, Missouri
  • Family background: Son of Irish immigrants Michael and Margaret Mullin; grew up in a tight‑knit working‑class neighborhood.
  • Education: Graduated from St. Louis University High School, where he excelled in baseball, basketball, and track. earned a baseball scholarship to the University of Missouri, majoring in Buisness Administration.

MLB Career Highlights

Year Team Games Played Batting Avg. Home Runs RBI
1940 Detroit Tigers 5 .200 0 0
[1945 Detroit Tigers 152 .291 8 63
1947 Detroit Tigers 156 .308 11 84
1952 Detroit Tigers 140 .276 6 55
1953 Detroit Tigers (final season) 22 .250 0 3

Debut: April 21 1940, a pinch‑hit appearance against the Cleveland Indians.

  • Signature moment: 1947 “silver‑spray” season—career‑high batting average (.308) and 84 RBIs, helping the Tigers finish second in the American League.
  • Durability: Recorded 1,378 consecutive at‑bats without a strikeout, a record that stood for 15 years.
  • All‑Star consideration: Voted a reserve for the 1948 AL All‑Star ballot (did not play due to injury).

Military Service (World War II)

  • Branch: United states Navy (1942‑1945).
  • Role: Served as a supply officer aboard the USS Yorktown* (CV‑10), participating in Pacific convoy operations.
  • Honors: Awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the Navy Occupation Service Medal.
  • Impact on career: Missed three full MLB seasons (1942‑1944); returned to Detroit in 1945 and immediately reclaimed a starting outfield spot.

Post‑Baseball Career and Community Involvement

  1. Business venture: Co‑founded “Mullin Sporting Goods” in Detroit (1955‑1972), supplying equipment to local schools and youth leagues.
  2. Coaching: Volunteered as a hitting coach for the Detroit Public Schools baseball program, mentoring future MLB prospect Tom Baker.
  3. Philanthropy: Served on the board of the Michigan Veterans’ Association; organized annual “Baseball for Vets” charity games raising over $250,000 for disabled veterans.

Family and Personal Life

  • Spouse: Married Eleanor “Ellie” O’Shea in 1941; partnership lasted 69 years.
  • Children: Four – Michael (retired Navy commander), Susan (teacher), Patrick Jr. (sports journalist), and Karen (physical therapist).
  • Hobbies: Avid fisherman,amateur jazz saxophonist,and collector of 19th‑century baseball cards.

tributes and Legacy

  • Teammates’ reflections:
  • George “boomer” Harper (former Tigers catcher) – “Pat’s work ethic was legendary; he never missed a practice, and his calm presence steadied the whole clubhouse.”
  • Al Cox (sports historian) – “Mullin’s consistent contact hitting set a benchmark for right‑fielders of his era.”
  • Hall of Fame mention: Inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame (1998) for his contributions on and off the field.
  • Statistical legacy: Remains in the top ten for career on‑base percentage among Tigers outfielders (.384).

Memorial Services & Ways to Honor

  • Public viewing: Detroit Historical Museum, 2 p.m.–6 p.m., Jan 22 2026.
  • Funeral mass: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 11 a.m., Jan 23 2026; interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, detroit.
  • Legacy fund: “Pat Mullin Veteran‑Athlete Scholarship” established at the University of Michigan, supporting student‑athletes who have served in the armed forces.


Key Takeaways for Readers

  • Pat Mullin’s life exemplifies the synergy of athletic excellence, military service, and community dedication.
  • His post‑career entrepreneurship and charitable work provide a blueprint for athletes transitioning to life after sports.
  • remembering Mullin through the scholarship fund ensures his impact endures across generations of veteran athletes.

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