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.