Social Media Reactions to the Loss of Al Kaline
By Jacob Boes

Detroit Tiger legend Al Kaline remembered for his affection over his accolades
If the only thing Al Kaline accomplished in his life was on a baseball field, what a life he would have lived. 22 years all spent with the Detroit Tigers. A World Series Ring. Over 3,000 hits. Youngest to win a batting title. 18 All-Star games, including two each year from 1959-1961. 10 Gold Glove Awards. Kaline himself said, “I owe everything to baseball. Without it, I’d probably be a bum.”
Ironically, it is everything but baseball that people in the game have raved about when learning about his passing. Upon the news, social media burst with mourning hearts from those who loved him; expressing equally their sadness and gratitude for a man known by “Mr. Tiger.”
This represents just a fraction of the outpouring and stories from notable folks around the game on what Kaline meant to them:
Daniel Norris writes in a heartfelt message: “Al Kaline was one of the most remarkable humans I’ve ever met…He taught us about baseball but more importantly he taught us how to be better men.”
Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/aVZLt82tb4
— Daniel Norris (@DanielNorris18) April 6, 2020
Fellow lefty Matthew Boyd:
Mr Kaline truly is one of the kindest most welcoming ppl Ive ever met. From shaking his hand the 1st day I was a tiger to seeing him every single Sunday at the park, he was always genuine. Greeting every player with kindness and a listening ear. I’m going to miss you Mr Tiger.
— Matthew Boyd (@mattboyd48) April 6, 2020
Future fellow Hall of Famer Justin Verlander:
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
Former Tiger third baseman Brandon Inge:
One of the greatest mentors I’ve ever had. This one hurts!!! Gonna miss you #6 pic.twitter.com/ite0mGloO6
— Brandon Inge (@BrandonInge) April 6, 2020
Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench:
It was a privilege to have known and shared time with Al Kaline, one of the finest men to play the game and walk among us. I talked to him March 27 and got to tell him I loved him. Rest in Peace Mr. Tiger. pic.twitter.com/ind97t8bs3
— Johnny Bench (@JohnnyBench_5) April 6, 2020
Tigers Miguel Cabrera writes in Spanish, “Mr Kaline, you will always be in a very special place in our family, one of the best human beings I have ever met in my life. I will miss those baseball talks with you, my friend. Rest in peace.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-p8hjThMFy/
Kaline’s influence went beyond those who stepped on the diamond, though. Media members both locally and nationally grieved the same:
A story from Jim Leyland: He had dinner with Al Kaline and his wife a few weeks ago. They laughed and told old stories.
— Cody Stavenhagen (@CodyStavenhagen) April 6, 2020
They got back to the hotel, and before parting ways, Kaline gave Leyland a hug.
"Thank you," Kaline told him, "for being my friend all these years."
Emily Waldon of The Athletic asked Kaline for a photo together. Kaline responds, “I’d never say no to a face as pretty as yours.”
#RIPMrTiger pic.twitter.com/ko2VWpbLi6
— Emily Waldon (@EmilyCWaldon) April 6, 2020
ESPN’s Pedro Gomez:
I have very rarely asked for a photograph with anyone but several years ago I made an exception for my childhood favorite player. Such a gentle and giving man. The great Al Kaline. pic.twitter.com/sukCdpXj9f
— The Pedro Gomez Foundation (@PGFoundation_) April 6, 2020
MLB Network’s JP Morosi:
Al Kaline is baseball royalty. He’d say hello to you — by name — and greet you with a smile. The first time I experienced that subtle phenomenon, I found a quiet spot at Comerica Park and called my dad in disbelief. I called Dad today, too. Mr. Tiger was his favorite player. RIP.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) April 6, 2020
Mr. Tiger stated, “My only desire was to be a baseball player.” Yet, the words to describe him above: gentle, kind, mentor, generous, welcoming, remarkable, friend. For him, baseball was everything. To us, it was a platform which allowed his endearing qualities to seep into our own influence. Rest in peace, Albert William Kaline.