NYPL Norwich Sea Unicorns

Al Kaline Night a Booming Success

August 9, 2011 - New York-Penn League (NYPL)
Norwich Sea Unicorns News Release


NORWICH, CT - A memorable and exciting night was had by all on Monday night at Dodd Stadium, as Detroit Tigers legend and Hall of Famer Al Kaline was in the house to toss out the ceremonial first pitch to his grandson, Connecticut Tigers second baseman Colin Kaline, as well as sign autographs for fans.

After Al Kaline signed everything from hats, bats, and baseballs to pictures, jerseys and cards for an hour, he met with some of the Connecticut Tigers players and staff.

He then headed down to the field, where he greeted his grandson in the dugout. Al and Colin Kaline charged out to the diamond together, with Al headed to the mound and Colin to complete the battery behind home plate for the first pitch. Al went all the way to the top of the rubber and dropped in a perfect strike to Colin behind a roar of approval from the Tigers faithful in the stands.

Al Kaline then had the opportunity to watch his grandson reach base twice and score twice as part of the Tigers 10-0 drubbing of the Lowell Spinners. So, by the end of the night, the lucky fans in the building not only had a chance to see a living legend in person, but also got to see a big Tigers win.

Known by many as "Mr. Tiger", Al Kaline had his uniform number 6 retired by the Tigers on August 17, 1980, the first Tiger ever to receive this honor and the same year that he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

The 18-time all-star, Al Kaline spent his entire 22-year playing career with the Detroit Tigers and has worked for them ever since retiring from the game. He is currently in his 55th year with the organization overall, now in the front office for a sixth year as a special assistant and advisor to the club's senior management.

Al Kaline was a 10-time gold glove award winner, who led the Tigers to the 1968 World Series Championship.

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