On August 17, 1980, the Detroit Tigers retired their first number in franchise history, honoring Al Kaline, appropriately nicknamed Mr. Tiger, by retiring his #6.
Kaline was a true legend of the game. He played in 2,834 games, finished with a career batting average of .297, and collected 3,007 hits, joining the exclusive 3,000-hit club, an achievement only 33 players in Major League history have reached.
Career Highlights
-Spent his entire 22-year career with the Detroit Tigers.
-18-time All-Star selection.
-1968 World Series champion.
-10-time Gold Glove Award winner.
-Retired as the Tigers’ all-time home run leader (399).
-Youngest player in AL history to win a batting title (1955, .340 average).
Though Mr. Tiger passed away in 2020, his legacy endures — his #6 forever a symbol of greatness in Detroit Tigers history.
