logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

'Detroit Tigers' Baseball Star Al Kaline Passes Away at 85

Jaimie-lee Prince
Apr 07, 2020
01:59 P.M.

The baseball world has lost a legend in Al Kaline, who died at his home on Monday afternoon. Kaline's career spanned two decades and landed him in the hall of fame.

Advertisement

Detroit Tigers fans are mourning the death of a former member and Major League Baseball star Al Kaline, who died at the age of 85 on Monday. The team's Twitter shared a post announcing the tragic news.

Kaline went by the nickname "Mr. Tiger" after winning a World Series in 1968, a highlight in the span of his 22-season career. He began early, joining the team right out of high school in 1953.

Al Kaline, Hall of Fame inductee

Advertisement

In 1974, Kaline would retire and become an assistant for the Tigers' general manager. His career included 3,007 hits, 399 home runs, 1,582 RBI's, 498 doubles, and 75 triples.

His Jersey, number six, was the first to be retired by the city of Detroit. Kaline became eligible for Hall of Fame induction in 1980 and received the honor the very same year.

Tigers officials release statements

Advertisement

Christopher Ilitch, the Detroit Tigers' Chairman and CEO, released a statement that read, in part, "baseball lost a titan today." He called Kaline a "gentle soul" who he, along with both parents, would greatly miss.

Al Avila, the Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and Manager of the Detroit Tigers, also released a statement. Reflecting sentiments of fans, he wrote:

"This is an exceptionally sad day for all of us in the Detroit Tigers family. Al Kaline was a giant in this industry, a man of great humility [...]"

Advertisement

People pay their respects

Many others took to social media to honor the deceased, including Tigers pitcher Spener Turnbull, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders.

The cause of death for Kaline has not yet been released, but according to People, he suffered a stroke recently. He left behind his wife Madge Louise Hamilton, and two sons, Mark and Michael.

Advertisement

Bill Withers passes away at 81

Last week, the stars also took to social media platforms to pay their respects to another over-80-year-old legend that was lost — singer Bill Withers.

The "Lean On Me" singer passed away at 81 due to heart complications. Steve Harvey, Stephanie Mills, LL Cool J, Chris Tucker, and many more wrote about how the legend had influenced them.

Singer/songwriter Bill Withers poses for a portrait in circa 1973 | Photo: Getty Images

Singer/songwriter Bill Withers poses for a portrait in circa 1973 | Photo: Getty Images

Along with this and last week's losses, other public figures that have died this year include country singer Jan Howard, Reverand Joseph Lowery, soap actor John Callahan, and Kenny Rogers.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Tiger Woods, 48, Was Urgently Carted Back from the Golf Course Due to Illness — Video & Details

February 20, 2024

Jaz Elle Agassi's Interest in Activities Other Than Tennis Showed Early in Her Life - More about Andre Agassi's Daughter

November 08, 2023

What Happened to Alan Jackson Who Disappeared from the Scenes a Year after Revealing His Diagnosis?

February 13, 2024

These 5 Girls Are '90s Idols and One of Whom Is Married to a Famous Soccer Player – Quiz

December 20, 2023

Sylvester Stallone's Beverly Hills Mansion He Once Lived with His Family before Selling It for $58M

January 25, 2024

Catherine Mooty Is Troy Aikman’s Ex-wife with 2 Grown-Up Sons

December 14, 2023

Robert Redford Lost Both Sons: The Story of Two of the Darkest Days of His Life

December 08, 2023

Brittney McNorton Was an Intern before Marrying Calvin Johnson Jr

November 18, 2023

Reba McEntire Leaves Fans in Awe by Wearing 'Very Special' Belt Buckle for Her Super Bowl Performance

February 12, 2024

Elvis Presley Vowed to Buy Mom a Home When They Shared 1 Bed in Shack — She Wished To Be Poor Again after Moving

January 15, 2024

In a Brave Attempt to Save His 6-Year-Old Brother, 8-Year-Old Boy Also Lost His Life

January 10, 2024

Michael J. Fox Gets up from Wheelchair at BAFTAs, Receiving a Standing Ovation & Making People Cry

February 20, 2024

Michael J. Fox Gets up from Wheelchair at BAFTAs, Receiving a Standing Ovation & Making People Cry

February 19, 2024

Alyssa Milano Slammed for Asking for Monetary Donations for Son’s Baseball Team Trip

January 25, 2024