Al Kaline

1.1. Childhood and Education

Kaline was born on December 19, 1934, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Nicholas and Naomi Kaline. His family faced financial difficulties, as his father made brooms for a living, and no one in their family had ever graduated from high school. Nicholas, a semi-professional baseball player himself, dedicated time to helping young Al develop his pitching skills. By the age of nine, Kaline had mastered the fastball, changeup, and curveball. His early prowess on the mound was evident as he led his Westport Grammar School team to 10 consecutive victories as a pitcher. His exceptional throwing arm was also demonstrated at a picnic festival, where he threw a ball 173.5 ft, and upon disbelief from umpires who thought the measurement was wrong, threw it again for 175 ft, earning him the nickname "Baltimore Greyhound".

Despite these early successes, Kaline faced a serious health challenge at eight years old when he developed osteomyelitis in his left foot. He underwent surgery to remove two inches of diseased bone, a procedure that left him with permanent scarring and deformity. This condition meant he had to learn to run on the side of his foot to mitigate the discomfort, a testament to his determination that would characterize his entire career. Luckily, his role as a pitcher in youth baseball minimized the strain on his afflicted left foot.

1.2. High School and Amateur Career

Kaline attended Southern High School in Baltimore, where he initially excelled in other sports. As a freshman in 1949-1950, he tried out for both the American football and basketball teams, leading all scorers in basketball. He eventually quit football after sustaining a broken jaw. When he tried out for the baseball team, there was no room on the pitching staff due to an abundance of pitchers, so coach Bill Anderson directed him to convert to an outfielder. Kaline quickly demonstrated his defensive and offensive skills during practice games, leading the coach to place him on the varsity team immediately. He earned all-state honors in baseball for all four years of high school. Kaline later reflected on his high school years, describing himself as a "poor student" but credited the trust he gained from his teachers for helping him navigate school and ultimately pursue his baseball career.

Kaline's amateur career drew significant attention from Major League Baseball scouts. He batted .333 as a freshman and .418 as a sophomore, consistently improving his defensive play each year. After his sophomore year, he was selected to play in an annual game sponsored by a Hurst newspaper in 1951 at the Polo Grounds in New York City. In that game, Kaline hit two singles and a home run, earning him the MVP honor. The following day, he visited Yankee Stadium to watch his first and only Major League game as a spectator, a contest where the New York Yankees lost to the St. Louis Browns.

In his junior and senior years, Kaline's batting average continued to climb, reaching .469 and .488, respectively. This consistent performance attracted the attention of every Major League team's scout, with particular interest from the Brooklyn Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Detroit Tigers. Ed Katalinas, the Tigers' scout who had followed Kaline's high school career, was determined to secure him for Detroit. Katalinas famously stated, "To me he was the prospect that a scout creates in his mind and then prays that someone will come along to fit the pattern." He observed Kaline playing in every recreational league Baltimore had to offer during the summer, including hitting .609 in American Legion ball. The Tigers, having finished last the previous season, were eager to improve.

Katalinas initially struggled to convince Tigers President John McHale Sr. to sign Kaline, as McHale was more interested in pitcher Tom Qualters. However, after the Phillies signed Qualters, the opportunity arose for Detroit to pursue Kaline. Katalinas wrote to McHale, urging him to personally observe Kaline in Baltimore. Impressed by Kaline's abilities, McHale returned to Detroit and secured permission from Tigers President Spike Briggs to sign Kaline under the then-existing bonus rule. This rule stipulated that any player signing a contract with a bonus exceeding $4,000 (approximately 55.00 K USD in 2024 terms) had to remain on the 25-man active roster for two full seasons, bypassing the minor leagues.

The day after Kaline's high school graduation, Katalinas arrived at his home with the contract. Katalinas offered a signing bonus of $15,000 (approximately 205.00 K USD in 2024 terms) and a salary of $20,000 for three years. Kaline discussed the offer with his parents and agreed to the terms. He later revealed that the bonus money helped pay off his parents' mortgage and covered his mother's eye surgery. Before his father signed the contract, Kaline asked if he could still play in one more amateur game, which he had promised. Katalinas noted Kaline's exceptional character beyond his baseball talent. With Nicholas's signature, Al Kaline officially became a Detroit Tigers player, guaranteed a spot on the big league roster for at least two years due to the bonus rule.

2.1. Debut and Early Success (1953-1959)

Al Kaline made his Major League debut on June 25, 1953, at Shibe Park in Philadelphia, against the Philadelphia Athletics. He entered the game in the bottom of the sixth inning as a substitute center fielder, wearing uniform number 25. Although he had never played right field before, he competently took the position with his glove. In his first Major League at-bat, he faced Harry Byrd and drove a belt-high fastball to center field for an out. Kaline recorded his first Major League hit, a single off Luis Alomar of the Chicago White Sox, on July 8. He then scored a run for Walt Dropo on a double by Don Lund against the Washington Senators, earning him the nickname "Baltimore Greyhound."

During the 1953 season, Kaline was introduced to legendary player Ted Williams by manager Fred Hutchinson. Williams spent ten minutes offering Kaline advice on hitting low balls and swinging a heavier bat, guidance that became a key characteristic of Kaline's off-season training. On September 16, Kaline started his first game in center field and hit three singles, driving in his first run, in an 8-3 victory against the Boston Red Sox. He continued to show flashes of brilliance, even hitting against the great Satchel Paige of the St. Louis Browns. His first home run came in a ninth-inning pinch-hitter appearance in Cleveland. Despite playing only 30 games, Kaline made a strong impression on Hutchinson. The Sporting News reported that while the Tigers initially considered him for second baseman or shortstop, they ultimately kept him in the outfield. After the 1953 season, Kaline returned to Baltimore, working at a sports goods store during the off-season, where he diligently practiced Williams' advice. He continued to date his high school sweetheart, Madge Louise Hamilton, and they married after the 1954 season.

During winter league play in Cuba, regular outfielder Steve Suchock broke his wrist, providing Kaline with valuable spring training experience in right field. Though Suchock was expected to reclaim his starting role upon recovery, his wrist injury persisted, and the 19-year-old Kaline became the Tigers' starting right fielder. He impressed everyone with his defensive skills and steadily improved offensively, hitting around .250 before the All-Star break and raising his average to .283 by late August. In a home game that year, Kaline suffered his first major injury when he collided with a partition in the outfield while chasing a fly ball at Briggs Stadium. He ran into the wall protecting the seats and collapsed, causing Tigers President Spike Briggs to order the removal of those seats out of concern for future injuries to Kaline. He finished his first full season in 1954 with a .276 batting average, but his lack of power, with only four home runs and 43 runs batted in (RBI), was a concern.

Kaline entered the off-season of 1955 determined to enhance his plate performance. He did not disappoint fans or new manager Bucky Harris, earning comparisons to Joe DiMaggio. On April 17, he hit three home runs, two of them in the sixth inning, becoming the 13th player in MLB history to hit two home runs in the same inning. By the end of April, Kaline had a 14-game hitting streak and a .453 batting average. Fans voted him the starting right fielder for the American League All-Star team. After the break, Kaline continued his hot hitting, leading the league in batting average, runs, RBI, hits, and home runs by the end of July. Despite a slump in September, he focused on reaching 200 hits, a feat he achieved, becoming the first Tigers outfielder in 12 years to do so. Kaline finished the season with a .340 batting average, winning the AL batting championship. At 20 years old, he became the youngest player ever to win an AL batting title, just one day younger than Ty Cobb when he won his title in 1907. His outstanding season earned him second place in the AL Most Valuable Player Award voting, behind Yogi Berra.

In 1956, Kaline continued his strong performance with a .314 batting average, 27 home runs, and a career-high 128 RBI, finishing third in the AL MVP voting. He also led the league in outfield assists with 18. Before the 1957 season, the Tigers were sold to a corporate syndicate led by radio station owners Fred Knorr and John Fetzer. Kaline's strong defensive play was recognized with the inaugural Gold Glove Award, the first of what would be ten such awards over the next eleven seasons. In 1958, he recorded a career-high 23 outfield assists. Kaline missed several games in 1958 after being hit by a pitch and again in 1959 after sustaining a fractured cheekbone from being hit by a thrown ball. Although initial speculation suggested he might miss six weeks, he returned after just 18 games. He concluded the 1959 season with a .327 batting average and 27 home runs, leading the AL in slugging percentage (.530) and OPS (.940). By his 26th birthday, Kaline had accumulated 1,200 hits, the third highest total by a 25-year-old player in MLB history, trailing only Ty Cobb (1,433) and Mel Ott (1,249).

During this period, Kaline also ventured into business. In 1957, he met businessman Frank Kalin, who set up a new business venture for Kaline and Detroit Red Wings forward Gordie Howe. They formed Michigan Auto Parts, Inc., and later Howe-Kaline-Kalin Inc., with Kaline serving as Vice President. While the business was successful, a controversy arose in 1960 when Kalin persuaded Kaline and Howe to purchase racehorses as a tax reduction effort. Horse racing was considered taboo for baseball players at the time, and the story drew negative attention. Kaline quickly sold his interest in the HKC stable to distance himself from racing and gambling. This off-field distraction, along with a slump, led to his lowest batting average since 1954, finishing the 1960 season at .278. He was also ejected from a game for the first time after arguing a strike call, but later apologized to the umpire.

2.2. Middle Career and Challenges (1960-1967)

Following the departure of Harvey Kuenn, Kaline played the entire 1960 season as the team's center fielder, the only time in his career he would do so. In 1961, the Tigers acquired Bill Bruton from the Milwaukee Braves to play center field, allowing Kaline to move back to his preferred position in right field. Under new manager Bob Scheffing, Kaline was encouraged to be more of a leader, a role he embraced by leading by example. He had a standout year, leading the majors with 41 doubles and hitting .324, finishing second in the AL batting race behind teammate Norm Cash. The Tigers won 101 games, their third-highest win total in team history, but still finished eight games behind the New York Yankees, led by the home run heroics of Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle. Kaline was also voted the "AL Comeback Player of the Year".

Kaline started the 1962 season with ambitious goals of playing in a World Series and achieving a 20-year career. He also decided to be more aggressive at the plate. He was hitting an impressive .358 by May 21, but this good fortune ended five days later at Yankee Stadium. In the bottom of the ninth inning of a 2-1 Tigers lead, Elston Howard hit a shallow fly ball to right field. Kaline leaped for the ball, making the catch but landing on his right shoulder, breaking his collarbone. It was predicted he would miss at least two months. Manager Scheffing commented, "We are where we are because of Kaline. Where we go from here depends on him." Indeed, during Kaline's 57-day absence, the Tigers fell 7.5 games in the pennant race, dropping 10.5 games behind. Despite missing 57 games, Kaline still managed to hit a career-high 29 home runs and drive in 94 runs in only 100 games, along with a .304 batting average. He won his fifth Gold Glove Award and finished sixth in the AL MVP voting. During his recovery, Kaline's wife, Louise, gave birth to their second son, Michael Keith.

By spring training of 1963, Kaline felt healthy and was hitting .373 in 53 at-bats. In the regular season, he changed his approach at the plate, deciding to stay in the batter's box longer and allow his teammates, like Cash and Colavito, to drive in runs. He hit .312 with 27 home runs and 101 RBI, finishing second in the AL MVP voting to Elston Howard. He also secured his sixth Gold Glove Award. However, Kaline battled a recurring knee injury throughout the season, which ultimately cost him the batting title to Carl Yastrzemski; he finished second with a .312 average to Yastrzemski's .321.

In 1964, Kaline experienced further injury woes. He hurt his left foot, the same one affected by osteomyelitis as a child, during a spring training game. Initially, he hid the injury from manager Charlie Dressen, believing he could overcome it. However, by late April, the pain worsened, forcing him to the bench for several games. Despite this, he was selected for his 10th consecutive All-Star Game but withdrew due to the injury. His batting average dropped to .293, but he still earned his seventh Gold Glove Award. The pain continued into 1965; doctors initially misdiagnosed it as gout and administered injections. Still in pain, Kaline consulted an orthopedic surgeon who prescribed corrective shoes. By June 1965, Kaline stated he felt "so much better than I did before, that it's ridiculous." Sportswriter Milton Gross famously described Kaline's deformed foot: "The pinky and middle finger don't touch the ground. The fourth toe is stretched. The second and third are shortened. The first and third toes overlap the second and the fourth is beginning to overlap the big toe, which has begun to bend to the left. It is hard to believe, but for all of his career with the Tigers while he has been called the perfect player, Kaline has bordered on being a cripple." That season, Kaline's average dropped to .281, but he split his time between center field and right field, earning his eighth Gold Glove Award. He underwent foot surgery during the off-season.

The 1966 was a challenging year for the Tigers, marked by managerial changes due to illness and death. Despite the distractions, Kaline tied his career high with 29 home runs and batted .288, helping the Tigers to a third-place finish. He also received his ninth Gold Glove Award. In the summer of 1967, the usually calm Kaline suffered a peculiar injury, breaking a bone in his hand when he struck a baseball bat against a bat rack in frustration after a strikeout against the Cleveland Indians. He missed a month of play, but unlike in 1962, the Tigers remained competitive without him, going 15 wins and 11 losses. The team fought hard all season, finishing tied for second place, just one game behind the first-place Boston Red Sox. Despite missing 31 games, Kaline hit .308 with 25 home runs (including his 300th career homer) and 78 RBI. He earned his tenth and final Gold Glove Award. The Red Sox went on to lose the 1967 World Series to the St. Louis Cardinals.

2.3. 1968 World Series Championship

The 1968 marked a season of triumph and personal sacrifice for Al Kaline. In the off-season, the now 33-year-old Kaline withdrew from his business ventures to fully dedicate himself to baseball. He played his 2,000th career game on April 18, a 5-0 victory over the Cleveland Indians. On May 19, Kaline hit his 307th home run, surpassing Hank Greenberg to become the Tigers' all-time career home run leader. However, his success was short-lived; just six days later, his arm was broken by a pitch from Lou Cross, sidelining him until July 1. In Kaline's absence, Jim Northrup admirably filled in at right field.

When Kaline returned, he was primarily used as a pinch hitter and occasionally at first base. Despite his reduced playing time, Kaline played a significant symbolic role in the pennant race. He scored the tying run in Denny McLain's 30th victory on September 14, and on September 17, he pinch-hit for Norm Cash, scoring the run that clinched the American League pennant for the Tigers. After the game, Kaline, feeling that other players had stepped up in his absence, told manager Mayo Smith that he did not deserve to play in the World Series. However, Smith, recognizing Kaline's immense importance to the Detroit Tigers, had other plans. To insert his star player into the lineup, Smith made a bold strategic move: he benched shortstop Ray Oyler, moved center fielder Mickey Stanley to shortstop, and put Kaline in right field. ESPN later recognized this decision as one of the ten greatest coaching decisions of the century.

The move proved successful. In the 1968 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, the Cardinals took a commanding 3-1 series lead. In Game 5, with the Cardinals leading 3-2 in the seventh inning, Kaline hit a bases loaded single that drove in two crucial runs, helping the Tigers win the game. Detroit went on to win Game 6 in a blowout, where Kaline had two hits, scored two runs, and drove in three RBI during the Tigers' memorable ten-run third inning. The Tigers then secured a Game 7 victory, clinching their first world championship since 1945. In his only World Series appearance, Kaline delivered an outstanding performance, batting .379 with two home run and eight RBI in seven games. For their victory, Kaline and his teammates each received bonus checks of 10.00 K USD, a significant sum at a time when Kaline's salary was approximately 70.00 K USD. The 1969 saw the team win 90 games, but they finished 19 games behind the Baltimore Orioles in the newly formed American League East division. Kaline batted .272 with 21 home runs in 131 games, which was the last season of his career that he reached 20 home runs.

2.4. Final Seasons and Milestones (1969-1974)

The period from 1969 to 1974 marked the twilight of Al Kaline's playing career, characterized by a near-fatal injury, a significant contract negotiation, and the achievement of a historic milestone.

In 1970, Kaline sustained a freak, near-fatal injury during an outfield collision. On May 30, in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Milwaukee's County Stadium, Kaline collided with center fielder Jim Northrup while both pursued a fly ball. Kaline fell to the warning track and immediately began to choke; upon impact, his jaw had locked, and his tongue obstructed his breathing. Alertly, left fielder Willie Horton rushed over and pried open Kaline's mouth, clearing his airway and likely saving his life. Kaline was carried out on a stretcher and spent the night in the hospital as a precaution, later stating he could not remember the incident.

After batting .294 in 1971, Kaline made headlines by becoming the first Tiger to sign a contract equivalent to approximately 760.00 K USD in 2024 dollars. This was particularly notable as he had turned down a raise from 722.00 K USD the previous year, stating he felt he did not deserve it after hitting .278 with 16 home runs in 1970.

The Tigers contended fiercely for the 1972 pennant, trailing the Boston Red Sox by just half a game before their final series. Kaline was instrumental in these decisive games, batting eight times over two games, recording five hits and scoring three runs. Detroit won both games, clinching the AL East pennant. Kaline finished the 1972 season batting .313 in 106 games, his first time topping .300 since 1967. The Tigers, however, ultimately lost the 1972 American League Championship Series to the Oakland Athletics after Reggie Jackson famously stole home in the decisive fifth game of the series.

In March 1973, Kaline was honored with the Roberto Clemente Award, recognizing the positive impact he brought to baseball both on and off the field.

On September 24, 1974, in his hometown of Baltimore, Kaline became the 12th player in MLB history to reach the prestigious 3,000 hit milestone. The historic hit was a double off Orioles pitcher Dave McNally. Immediately after achieving this milestone, Kaline announced his retirement at the season's end. After his last game on October 3, 1974, he remarked, "I'm glad it's over. I really am. I don't think I'll miss it. I may miss spring training." In his final Major League season, he was used exclusively as a designated hitter, batting .262 with 13 home runs.

2.5. Career Statistics and Playing Style

Al Kaline concluded his illustrious 22-year career with a remarkable set of statistics, demonstrating his prowess as a balanced and exceptional player. He finished with 3,007 hits, which ranked 11th on the all-time list at the time of his retirement and is currently 32nd. His other offensive totals include 498 doubles, 75 triples, 399 home runs (still a Tigers franchise record as of 2024, and currently 58th all-time), 1,622 runs scored, 1,277 bases on balls, and 1,582 RBI (currently 44th all-time). He batted over .300 nine times in his career, concluding with a lifetime batting average of .297, and hit 25 or more home runs in seven seasons. Kaline also holds several other Tigers career records, including games played (2,834), walks (1,277), and sacrifice flies (104). Notably, he had more walks than strikeouts (1,020), with his highest single-season strikeout total being 75 in his final year, never exceeding 66 in any prior season. As a pinch hitter, he was effective, batting .311 (37-for-119) with two home runs and 23 RBI. Among position players, Kaline ranks 29th all-time in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) with a career mark of 92.8, placing him 15th among outfielders.

Defensively, Kaline maintained an impressive career fielding percentage of .987. In his first full season in 1954, he recorded 16 outfield assists, including a game on July 7 against the Chicago White Sox where he had three assists. Between 1954 and 1958, he accumulated 84 outfield assists, with a career-high of 23 in 1958. After that season, baserunners rarely challenged his strong throwing arm, leading to a natural decline in his assist numbers. He also holds a record of 262 consecutive games played without committing an error. Ernie Harwell and Yogi Berra both lauded Kaline for possessing the best outfield power during his playing time.

The following tables summarize Al Kaline's comprehensive Major League career statistics:

Notes: Bold indicates leading the league in that category for the given year.

Notes: Bold indicates leading the league in that category for the given year. Bolded Year indicates a Gold Glove Award winner.

3.1. Broadcast and Front Office Roles

Following his retirement as a player, Kaline remained in the Detroit area, also maintaining a home in Florida, and continued his active involvement with the Tigers organization. In 1975, he transitioned into a second career as a color commentator for the team's television broadcasts, a role he held until 2002. For most of this period, he partnered with play-by-play announcer and fellow Hall of Famer George Kell.

After leaving the broadcast booth, Kaline moved into the Tigers' front office. Beginning in 2003, he served as a special assistant to Tigers President/CEO/General Manager Dave Dombrowski. In this capacity, his duties included coaching and mentoring outfielders during spring training, sharing his vast knowledge and experience with younger players. Former Tigers teammate Willie Horton also held this position, and the two threw out the ceremonial first pitch of the 2006 World Series at Comerica Park. Kaline continued in his special assistant role until his death in 2020, marking an extraordinary 67 years with one team, one of the longest tenures in MLB history.

3.2. "Mr. Tiger" and Enduring Association

Al Kaline's unparalleled loyalty and longevity with the Detroit Tigers organization earned him the enduring nickname "Mr. Tiger." This moniker stemmed from his remarkable 22-year playing career spent exclusively with the team, followed by over five decades of continuous association in various post-playing capacities, ultimately totaling 67 years. Some fans even referred to him simply as "Number 6," a testament to the iconic status of his retired uniform number.

Kaline's family connection to baseball also continued. His grandson, Colin Kaline, was drafted by the Tigers in the 25th round of the 2007 Major League Baseball draft. Colin opted not to sign, choosing instead to play college baseball at Florida Southern College. The Tigers drafted him again in the 26th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft, and he subsequently played in the low minor leagues within the Detroit organization during 2011-2012.

4.1. Hall of Fame and Retired Number

Kaline was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1980, becoming only the tenth player in history to be inducted in his first year of eligibility. He received votes on 340 of the 385 ballots cast by sportswriters, an impressive 88.3 percent. He and Duke Snider were the only candidates elected by the sportswriters that year. Reflecting on this monumental achievement, Kaline famously stated, "I really never thought I would choose an individual thing that happened just to me over a team thing like the World Series. But I would have to say this is the biggest thing that has ever happened to me." He further emphasized, "If there is one achievement I am particularly proud of, it is that I have always served baseball to the best of my ability, and I have never carefully considered disrespecting the game, the Tigers, or my family. Being inducted into the Hall of Fame by far is the proudest moment of my life."

In recognition of his legendary status, the Detroit Tigers honored Kaline as the first of their players to have his uniform number, 6, retired. This act symbolized his unparalleled contribution and dedication to the franchise.

4.2. Awards and Recognition

Kaline''s versatility and well-rounded abilities were recognized with a multitude of individual awards throughout his career. He won ten Gold Glove Awards for his excellence in the outfield (1957-1959 and 1961-1967). He was also selected to the All-Star Game 15 times over his career (1955-1967, 1971, 1974). In addition to his batting title in 1955, he received the Sporting News Player of the Year award nine times (1955-1963). He was also a recipient of the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award in 1968 and the Hutch Award in 1969. In 1973, he was recognized for his integrity and community work with the Roberto Clemente Award.

In 1999, The Sporting News ranked Kaline at number 76 on its list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players. That same year, he was nominated as a finalist for the prestigious Major League Baseball All-Century Team. In 2020, The Athletic ranked Kaline at number 51 on its "Baseball 100" list, compiled by sportswriter Joe Posnanski. In 2022, as part of their SN Rushmore project, The Sporting News named Kaline on its "Detroit Mount Rushmore of Sports," alongside Detroit Red Wings hockey player Gordie Howe, Detroit Lions football player Barry Sanders, and Detroit Pistons basketball player Isiah Thomas, solidifying his place among the city's greatest sports figures.

4.3. Public and Peer Recognition

Al Kaline was highly regarded by both the public and his peers, earning tributes that underscored his character and skill. In 1970, Cherry Street, which ran behind the left-field stands at Tiger Stadium, was notably renamed Kaline Drive in his honor. On September 27, 1999, during the final game played at Tiger Stadium, Kaline was invited to appear in uniform and present the last lineup card to the umpires alongside Kansas City Royals great and fellow Hall of Famer George Brett, marking a poignant moment in Tigers history. A statue of Kaline at the Tigers' current home, Comerica Park, depicts him making an outfield catch, a tribute to his defensive mastery.

His contemporaries frequently praised his all-around abilities. Baltimore Orioles third baseman Brooks Robinson, himself a legendary defender, remarked, "There have been a lot of great defensive players. The fella who could do everything is Al Kaline. He was just the epitome of what a great outfielder is all about - great speed, catches the ball and throws the ball well." Manager Billy Martin also expressed his admiration, stating, "I have always referred to Al Kaline as 'Mister Perfection'. He does it all - hitting, fielding, running, throwing - and he does it with that extra touch of brilliancy that marks him as a super ballplayer... Al fits in anywhere, at any position in the lineup and any spot in the batting order."

The 1993 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, held in Kaline's hometown of Baltimore, was dedicated to him on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Baltimore's only other Midsummer Classic in 1958. Kaline, along with Leon Day and his former Baltimore Orioles counterpart Brooks Robinson, threw out the ceremonial first pitch to conclude the pre-game ceremonies. Kaline's pitch was notably caught by future Detroit Tiger, Iván Rodríguez, who was making his All-Star debut.