Detroit Tigers: 10 Best Players from Michigan

Aug 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter (2) is presented with two seats from Tigers Stadium by Detroit Tigers former players Al Kaline (center) and Willie Horton (right) before the game at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

5. Willie Horton

Even though Willie Horton was born in Virginia in the Appalachian mountains, he was raised in Detroit. He attended Detroit Northwestern High School and at the age of 16 actually hit a home run in Tiger Stadium during a baseball game in high school. His high school won a city championship in 1959, and he signed with the Tigers in 1961. In 1963, he made his rookie debut. He is one of the favorite sons of the City of Detroit because of his attempts to ease race relations in the 1960s all while managing to play in as many games as possible.

Horton played in four All-Star games and received MVP votes in five years. He finished fourth in the MVP vote in 1968 behind two of his teammates, Denny McLain and Bill Freehan. He is one of six Detroit Tigers players whose number (#23) is retired and who has a statue in left field. Even though he is enshrined by the people of Detroit, he is not a member of the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. His batting average of .273 and 325 home runs in 18 seasons was not enough to put him in the Hall. He continues to hold a position in the front office with the Tigers along with his teammate Al Kaline.

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