Social Media Reactions to the Loss of Al Kaline

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.”

Fellow lefty Matthew Boyd:

Future fellow Hall of Famer Justin Verlander:

Former Tiger third baseman Brandon Inge:

Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench:

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.”

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Kaline’s influence went beyond those who stepped on the diamond, though. Media members both locally and nationally grieved the same:

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.”

ESPN’s Pedro Gomez:

MLB Network’s JP Morosi:

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.