Field Level Media
Hall of Famer Al Kaline, who spent all 22 of his seasons with the Detroit Tigers, died on Monday, according to the Detroit Free Press. He was 85.
The cause of death wasn’t immediately known. The Free Press said Kaline died at his home in Bloomfield Hills, a suburb of Detroit.
Kaline, a Baltimore native, played in 18 All-Star Games, was a 10-time Gold Glove winner and had 3,007 hits and 399 homers with the Tigers from 1953-74.
The player universally known as ‘Mr. Tiger’ was a first-ballot Hall of Fame selection in 1980. The Tigers also retired his No. 6 that year.
Kaline went directly to the majors as an 18-year-old, signing for $35,000 in 1953. He remains the youngest player (20 years, 280 days) to win the American League batting title, after he batted .340 in 1955.
The well-respected Kaline served in several roles for the Tigers following his playing career, and was always willing to give tips to up-and-comers or budding stars.
That included Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander, the former ace for the Tigers.
“Such a kind and generous man who meant so much to so many,” Verlander said on Twitter. “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.”
Kaline emerged as a star in 1955, when he had 200 hits — which led the majors — for the lone time in his career and made the All-Star team for the first of 13 straight seasons. He was also known for his strong throwing arm in right field that caused many a runner to pause on the bases.
He hit more than 20 homers on nine occasions and drove in 100-plus runs three times. Kaline finished with his career with a .297 average and 1,582 RBIs.
Kaline was limited to 102 games in 1968 due to a broken left forearm but returned to help the Tigers reach the World Series. He batted .379 with two homers, two doubles and eight RBIs in the series, as Detroit defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games.
Kaline recorded his 3,000th hit on Sept. 14, 1974 off Orioles left-hander Dave McNally in his hometown of Baltimore.
Former Baltimore star pitcher turned broadcaster Jim Palmer, also a Hall of Famer, remembered the batter he often faced.
“One of my favorite people, Al Kaline passes away,” Palmer said on Twitter. “Such a graceful, elegant player. Always put the Tigers on my away schedule, just to see, talk with Al. My condolences to Louise , family and friends. #RIP”
A statue of Kaline stands outside of Comerica Park, and he has remained highly popular more than 40 years after his retirement.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was among the people paying tribute shortly after Kaline’s death began circulating.
“So sad to hear about the passing of Al Kaline. He was a legend on and off the field,” Whitmer said on Twitter. “Through his 22 seasons with the team, he brought joy to generations of Tigers fans across our state as he worked his way into the 3,000 club. Farewell, Mr. Tiger.”