Al Kaline, Tigers’ Perennial All-Around All-Star, Is Dead at 85

In Game 5, with the Tigers down 3 games to 1 and trailing in the game by 3-2, Kaline delivered a two-run single that gave the Tigers the lead, and they went on to win in seven games behind the pitching of Mickey Lolich and Denny McLain. Kaline hit .379 for the Series with two home runs and eight runs batted in.

He reached the postseason only one more time, when the Tigers lost to the Oakland A’s in the 1972 American League Championship Series.

Kaline had a .297 career batting average, with 1,583 runs batted in and 1,622 runs scored.

After retiring as a player, he was a longtime commentator for the Tigers’ television broadcasts and then a special assistant in the team’s front office.

When Detroit played its last game at Tiger Stadium, in September 1999, Kaline brought the lineup card to home plate, receiving a standing ovation. He is honored with a bronze statute behind the center-field wall at Comerica Park, where the Tigers play today.

In addition to his son Mike, he is survived by his wife, Madge Louise (Hamilton) Kaline; another son, Mark; and four grandchildren.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/06/sports/baseball/al-kaline-tigers-perennial-all-around-all-star-is-dead-at-85.html