Rip Al Kaline

[bluto 4929]

You guys are slipping in here

[ss13 1832]

Don’t see many 18-time All-Stars. 

Quote

Tigers legend Al Kaline passed away Monday at his home at the age of 85, a family friend confirmed to John Lowe of the Detroit Free Press. An 18-time All-Star, a 10-time Gold Glover in the outfield, the 1955 AL batting champ and a key contributor on Detroit’s 1968 World Series-winning roster, Kaline is among the very best to ever play the game and joins Ty Cobb among the top players to ever suit up for the Tigers organization.

The Baltimore native posted a career .297/.376/.480 batting line with 3007 hits, 399 home runs, 498 doubles, 75 triples, 137 steals, 1622 runs scored and 1582 RBIs, establishing himself as the face of a generation of Tigers baseball from his debut in 1953 to the time he retired in 1974. He is the Tigers’ all-time leader in games played, home runs and walks, and he trails only franchise greats and fellow Cooperstown inductees like Cobb, Hank Greenberg and Charlie Gehringer in virtually all key offensive categories. His No. 6 was retired by the club in 1980, making him the first recipient of that honor.

Kaline’s importance to the organization reaches immeasurably beyond his on-field accolades, however. Even after he retired as a player, the next generation of Tigers fans who didn’t have the good fortune to watch him play instead grew up listening to his insights, anecdotes and experience as one of the voices of Tigers baseball. He also served as a special assistant in the club’s front office and regularly appeared in Spring Training to work with upcoming waves of young Tiger talent.

Kaline will be remembered both as a one of the all-time greats and a revered gentleman off the field. He was named the 1970 Fred Hutchison Award winner, recognizing “character and competitive spirit” and also named the winner of the 1973 Roberto Clemente Award. Media members, former teammates and Tigers players alike have flocked to social media to express their sorrow over the loss of one of the game’s iconic figures.

Said Justin Verlander: “Such a kind and generous man who meant so much to so many. I hope you knew how much I enjoyed our conversations about baseball, life, or just giving each other a hard time. I am honored to have been able to call you my friend for all these years. R.I.P. Mr Tiger, Al Kaline.”

 

[VirginiaLonghorn 4771]

4 hours ago, bluto said:

You guys are slipping in here

Obviously, he didn’t play for the Astros or Rangers ...

[Beau Vine 54230]

7 hours ago, ss13 said:

Don’t see many 18-time All-Stars. 

 

Dude was just a hitting machine.  What's crazy is that he had his best season at age 20-- batted .340 with 82 BBs and 57 Ks.  Missed something like 600 games across his career because of injury -- It's a shame he retired with 399 HRs.

https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kalinal01.shtml

[Pato del Muerto 52498]

He was electric

[cochamps 1879]

On 4/7/2020 at 8:36 AM, Beau Vine said:

Dude was just a hitting machine.  What's crazy is that he had his best season at age 20-- batted .340 with 82 BBs and 57 Ks.  Missed something like 600 games across his career because of injury -- It's a shame he retired with 399 HRs.

https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kalinal01.shtml

I remember one injury which I saw on TV.  He broke his collarbone on diving catch to record out number 27 versus NYY.  He was an outstanding RF, evidenced by 10 Gold Goves.  Very underrated player, imo.

[Juicy 727]

MR TIGER. He was my dads favorite player and thus became mine. I wore number 6 in everything until my freshman year of high school when I switched it up to #19 for Stevie Y

[Biff Tannen 45685]

RIP Mr. Kaline.  I always liked that his first and last name were also a single word.  Alkaline.  As opposed to acidic.  That's all I got.

[DeadArmadillo 907]

On 4/9/2020 at 9:17 AM, Pato del Muerto said:

He was electric

He went straight to the majors.  Was never in AAA or AA

[Guest Lobo]

What about the 9V league?  

[pacman 7355]

RIP

loved this show