Kaline, Al (1934-2020), ranks among the greatest all-around players in baseball history. Kaline consistently hit for both power and a high batting average. He was also a graceful outfielder with a strong and accurate throwing arm. Kaline played his entire 22-year major league career with the Detroit Tigers of the American League. He led the league in batting with a .340 average in 1955 at the age of 20, the youngest player in league history to win the batting title. As an outfielder, Kaline won 10 Gold Glove awards for his outstanding fielding.
Albert William Kaline was born in Baltimore on Dec. 19, 1934. The Detroit Tigers signed him in 1953, and he made his major league debut that year at the age of 18. Kaline never played in the minor leagues. He retired after the 1974 season with 3,007 career hits and holds the Tiger records for most games played (2,834) and most home runs (399). After his retirement, Kaline became a Tiger broadcaster. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1980. Kaline died on April 6, 2020.
