It is a sad day in the baseball world, and the Detroit Tigers organization, specifically as a true legend has passed on. The Detroit Free Press announced that former outfielder and Hall of Famer Al Kaline has passed away at the age of 85. Nicknamed “Mr. Tiger” Kaline played twenty-two seasons in the big leagues, playing all of those seasons for the Tigers organization.
Al Kaline died on Monday. He was 85. #Tigershttps://t.co/rElE44jlAz
— Freep Sports (@freepsports) April 6, 2020
In terms of on-field performance, Kaline played in 2,834 career games, managing a career .297/.376/.480 with 3007 total hits and 399 home runs over his career with the Tigers. During the twenty-two year tenure with the Tigers, he would be an all-star eighteen times, win ten gold gloves, and one batting title.
Kaline was also a part of the 1968 Tigers World Series championship. Though his on-field accolades were phenomenal, “Mr. Tiger” was known for more than his on-field contributions. Former Tigers player Justin Verlander, who was the 2019 Cy Young Award winner, tweeted about Kaline’s personality.
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.
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) April 6, 2020
Verlander was not the only one who has spoke about the fantastic personality carried by Kaline over the years. Many around the baseball world spoke up about the passing of Kaline, including Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred, who released a statement.
Commissioner Manfred issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Hall of Famer Al Kaline: pic.twitter.com/YX59e0nfUA
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) April 6, 2020
Baseball is already halted due to the outbreak of COVID-19, but this passing affects the game and mainly the Tigers organization. Al “Mr. Tiger” Kaline will be missed around the Tigers organization and the baseball world as they mourn the loss.
