Denny McLain Gets 23-Year Prison Term

Former Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McLain, major league baseball’s last 30-game winner, was sentenced to 23 years in federal prison today for loan sharking, extortion, bookmaking and cocaine possession.

U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Kovachevich sentenced McLain to eight years each for racketeering, conspiracy and extortion, with the sentences to run concurrently, and 15 years for possession of cocaine to be served after the eight years.

“With regard to the drug conviction, this court is going to deal harshly,” Kovachevich said.

McLain could have been sentenced to a maximum term of 75 years.

Two co-defendants received 20-year sentences each last week for racketeering, conspiracy and extortion.

McLain, 41, read from a prepared statement at one point during today’s hearing and later made a brief but inaudible comment to the judge.

“I’ll pay for my crimes for the rest of my life,” McLain read from the statement. “I’ve gone through a lot of shame and disgrace. I’ll live with that shame and disgrace the rest of my life.

“I’ve brought shame to the family members,” he said as his voice broke.

“I will try to erase from my mind the story my children have heard about their father.”

McLain’s wife, Sharon, daughter of Hall of Fame shortstop Lou Boudreau, held her hand over her eyes as the judge pronounced sentence. A daughter leaned on her shoulder.

“I don’t know how you get to where I am today from where I was 17 years ago,” McLain said.

McLain said he was guilty of greed “and on many occasions an awful lot of bad judgment. But I’ve also been a loving husband and father. I know people get a chance to redeem themselves. I’ve got a loving family, and with their help I’m going to be a lot less selfish.”

In addition to the prison sentence, McLain was ordered to repay $8,900 to two victims in the case.