Al Kaline died today. He was 85. -- CBS Sports He played 22 seasons for the Detroit Tigers. He was eighteen when he started with the Tigers. After retiring from playing he broadcast Tigers games from 1976-2002. He was with the Tigers for more than 60 years.
I saw Kaline several times when the Tigers came into Yankee Stadium and I'd go to games with my Dad. What a throwing arm he had from right field he could just about throw home. Terrific outfielder.
He went to Southern High School here in Baltimore and was the youngest AL player ever to win the batting title, age 20 in 1955. Thing I recall most about him was that everything looked easy. He'd sprint back a few steps, turn, and catch the line drive, while others like Willie Mays would race back, their hats falling to the ground, and catch the same type of drive with unnecessary flair and drama. A real pro he was.