DETROIT – It’s been quite a year for George Mogill.
The former World War II doctor, who cared for soldiers after D-Day in France and cared for Detroiters in his family practice for decades, turned 100 years old on July 28. He and his family have been celebrating ever since.
“We had 250 people at our house for the party; we invited 170,” Mogill’s daughter, Jane Lauter said.
Thursday afternoon was a culmination of the celebration of a century.
“I’ve been a Tigers fan my whole life,” Mogill said.
He was scheduled to throw out the first pitch before the Tigers took on the Yankees. Mogill has been practicing.
“He’s been working out with a trainer two days a week,” Lyle Wolberg, Mogill’s grandson-in-law said. “I hope people cheer for him and his arm holds up.”
It was Grandparents Day at Comerica Park, which is fitting because Mogill is a grandfather of 10 and a great-grandfather of five.
But don’t let that fool you. He planned on bringing the heat.
“I’m going to throw a curveball,” he said.
Finally, when the moment arrived, four generations of family members walked out on the field to hand "Papa" the ball.
And he let it rip right down the middle.
“No words in the world can describe what this feels like today,” Mogill said.
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