Detroit Tigers legend Al Kaline has passed away at the age of 85. Details about his death have not yet been released.
Kaline, known as “Mr. Tiger,” became a member of the Tigers right out of high school in 1953 at the age of 18. The outfielder went on to become of the most successful players of his era.
Kaline, an 18-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove Award winner in right field, scored the American League batting title in 1955. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1980, during his first year of eligibility.
In 1968, Kaline played on the Tigers world series championship team. He officially retired from playing in 1974 and became the first Tiger to have his No. 6 retired.
Kaline ended his career at 3,007 hits, 399 home runs and a .297 career batting average.
After retiring, Kaline stayed active with the Tigers. He worked as a team ambassador, helped players in spring training, served as a broadcaster and continued to give back to Detroit.
Kaline spent almost 70 years in the Detroit Tigers organization, and for that, he will also be one of the Motor City’s most beloved sports superstars.