Detroit Tigers: The Tigers who wore stripes

DETROIT- SEPTEMBER 27: A general view of Tiger Stadium prior to the final baseball game played at the 87 year old Tiger Stadium as the Detroit Tigets host the Kansas City Royals on September 27, 1999 in Detroit, Michigan. There was 6,873 games played at the corner of Michigan and Trumbul streets. The Tigers won the game 8-2. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Gettyimages)

Ron LeFlore

The man behind the movie One in a million: The Ron LeFlore Story, started life on Detroit’s East side. He too ran with a rough crowd and spent his youth getting into trouble while becoming a heroin addict.

After first being arrested at age 15, he ultimately was sentenced to Jackson State Prison to a term of 5-to-15 years. The crime was armed robbery.

While incarcerated LeFlore played baseball.

His prowess on the field, ultimately, sparked interest in Detroit Tigers Manager Billy Martin. In May of 1973, the Tigers arranged to have LeFlore tryout at Tiger Stadium.

The tryout was successful and LeFlore signed a contract with the Tigers. He was assigned to Class A Florida State league. The contract was in line with conditions of his parole.

Leflore made his major league debut in 1974, and by 1976 LeFlore was an All-Star. While Leflore was a good hitter, stealing bases was his specialty.

After playing for three teams, he retired in 1982. He finished with a cumulative .288 batting average, .342 OBP and 455 stolen bases. He still holds the Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals team record for stolen bases.

After retirement, LeFlore ran into trouble once again for failure to pay child support. He complied with court orders for payment and continued to pursue a career in baseball related activities.

In 2011, LeFlore had his right leg amputated, from the knee down, as a result of arterial vascular disease.

LeFlore currently resides in Florida.

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