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Detroit Tigers: From Kearney Mesa to Cooperstown, Alan Trammell’s Journey to the Hall

By Jim Kramer

DETROIT- AUGUST 23: Manager Alan Trammell #3 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during the game against the Anaheim Angels at Comerica Park on August 23, 2003 in Detroit, Michigan. The Angels defeated the Tigers in 10 innings 14-8. (Photo by Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images)
DETROIT- AUGUST 23: Manager Alan Trammell #3 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during the game against the Anaheim Angels at Comerica Park on August 23, 2003 in Detroit, Michigan. The Angels defeated the Tigers in 10 innings 14-8. (Photo by Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT – APRIL 20: Manager Alan Trammell #3 of the Detroit Tigers greets former player Jack Morris as both took part in a ceremony to launch the Ameriquest offical balloting for the All Star voting before the game between the Chicago White Sox and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on April 20, 2005 in Detroit, Michigan. The White Sox defeated the Tigers 9-1. (Photo by Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images)
DETROIT – APRIL 20: Manager Alan Trammell #3 of the Detroit Tigers greets former player Jack Morris as both took part in a ceremony to launch the Ameriquest offical balloting for the All Star voting before the game between the Chicago White Sox and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on April 20, 2005 in Detroit, Michigan. The White Sox defeated the Tigers 9-1. (Photo by Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images) /

The Early Years

Just a few miles from downtown San Diego sits the neighborhood hamlet of Kearny Mesa. It was here at Kearny High School and while playing American Legion ball that Trammell honed his baseball skills.

The Detroit Tigers drafted Trammell in 1976 and he signed with the team, forgoing his dream of playing baseball at UCLA.

In perhaps the greatest draft in team history, the Tigers selected Trammell in the second round in 1976. The Tigers also selected Dan Petry in the fourth round, Morris in the fifth round and Ozzie Smith in the seventh round, who did not sign.

After less than a year and a half, Trammell was brought up to the big league club and was paired with second baseman Lou Whitaker.

The two would end up playing together until 1995. The double play combination would play together for a MLB record of 1,918 games.

His Playing Years

While Trammell would not collect 3000 hits, as did Yount and Ripken, he would be an offensive force. In his 20 year career, Trammell would amass a batting average of .285, 2,365 hits, 185 home runs and 1,003 RBI.

Trammell was a 6x All-Star (1980, 84, 85, 87, 88 and 1990). He was also a 4x Gold Glove winner (1980, 81, 83 and 1984) and won the Silver Slugger Award in 1987,1988 and 1990.

He won the World Series MVP during his team’s championship run in 1984.

His  defensive skills consisted of great fielding range, a terrific glove, a quick release and accurate throwing ability.

In addition, the Tiger Great also had 236 career stolen bases.

For the sabermetric clan, Trammell’s stats placed him 11th all-time among shortstops.

Next: Jack Morris, the Hall of Famer

In spite of the BBWAA membership tripping over themselves as to who qualifies as a Hall of Famer, contemporary players and fans knew Alan Trammell was a Hall of Famer.

The Era’s committee finally resolved the issue. Those that played the game established what fans had known all along,  Alan Trammell was indeed a Hall of Famer.

Alan Trammell will be inducted into Cooperstown in July of 2018. Hopefully his longtime double-play partner Lou Whitaker will be there to witness an award that in-turn will be awarded to him.

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