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BORN
1934
DIED
2020
Albert Kaline Obituary
Bloomfield Hills - Born December 19, 1934 in Baltimore, Maryland.
Died peacefully at home on April 6, 2020, in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Preceded in death by his parents Nicholas and Naomi Kaline and his two sisters Margaret and Caroline. Survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of over 65 years Louise; his sons Mark (Jill) and Michael (Anzhela); his grandchildren Brittney, Colin, Branden and Kelsey; and his great-grand child Kennedy.
Al's love and commitment to baseball led to an incredible 67-year career with the Detroit Tiger Baseball Club, as player, broadcaster and special assistant to the President of the team. He never really retired.
Al and Louise became Detroit area residents after their marriage in 1954, and Al was always grateful for the love and support fans in the city and the state showed him over the years, as well as for all the Tigers and Major League Baseball provided for him and his family.
He embodied the Detroit work ethic as a player and always did what he could on and off the field to serve as an ambassador to Baseball, the Tigers and the City whenever possible - and to the end - Al felt that the game, the team and the City gave him far more than he gave in return.
A private memorial is planned for immediate family. A public celebration of his life will be held at a future date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers or donations, the Kaline family asks that you reach out to someone you love and check in on them during this unprecedented and challenging time of need, and to be sure to thank our military, police, fire/EMS and front line care givers in any way you can.
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Memories and Condolences
for Albert Kaline
Kevin James Liening
April 2, 2023
Dear Mr Kaline, you were (are) my favorite baseball player, period. You always played the game with grace, class, & were always proud to wear the olde English D. Back in my softball playing days, when I had a choice of #'s, I always picked #6! (I also played right field!) You always were a great example of how a player should conduct himself, on & off the field. You are sorely missed, Mr Tiger. Players of comfort to your Family, Friends, & Fans. R.I.P.
Bob moffett
April 2, 2022
Mr. kaline truly missed, an ambassador to baseball and a humanitarian to the Detroit and Michigan community..he was a humble individual who loved baseball. Rip al
Bob Moffett
April 2, 2021
As the tigers open another season, I think of al and the many years he spent playing and living in the community. He was mr. tiger, class and humble of a throwback to the days when ball players stayed with one organization. He is missed by the many generations who saw him play.
Andy Norton
May 2, 2020
I was fortunate to meet and greet Mr. Kaline on numerous occasions at local Sports Card shows over the years. My first time was when I was 11 years old, I think when he went to sign my item he knew I was star struck didn't know what to say. He was very kind to me and thanked me for coming. What a classy person, he was a true gentleman and always went the extra mile for the fans. I will personally never forget him and his kindness.
THANK YOU MR.TIGER!
Kathy Chapelo
April 18, 2020
Mr Kaline was our Tiger. He was always accommodating and nice to talk with when we went to Lakeland at Joker Marchant Stadium. He will be in our hearts when we return to Lakeland next season.
Yvonne van Vianen
April 16, 2020
Seeing a Tiger baseball game on the TV or at the Stadium or listening on the radio will never be the same without Mr. Kaline. Thanks for the wonderful memories growing up. Rest in peace!
Bill
April 15, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Rick Roberts
April 15, 2020
Al Kaline,my child hood hero,only god knows how much of an influence you have been in my life,I can only say thank you
David Zietz
April 14, 2020
Condolences to the Kaline family. Measure of what a man is, is what this man was. Measure of a baseball player, is what this man was. Measure of a hero to a young boy, is what this man was. Measure of a role model to a community, the city of Detroit, is what this man was.
Hit for the cycle up there Mr. Tiger!
Ken Allison
April 13, 2020
My great, great grandfather told me that he guessed that I would become a pro ballplayer like his favorite player, Al Kaline. I didn't, but as an eleven year old boy in Allegan, just starting to collect baseball cards and becoming a serious Tiger fan, I idolized him. Boyhood dreams are important to hold and remember.
Bill Hemp
April 13, 2020
His spirits always be in right field at Briggs Stadium . Always be on the Tiger bench . a gentleman , All-Star player , excellent broad caster . Thank you Mr . Kaline We usually sat in right field to watch you .
Bob Moffett
April 13, 2020
Sorry to hear mr kaline has passed. Born in Baltimore neighborhood same as myself he attended southern high school and was signed by the tigers in 1953 al was with detroit 67 years which is unprecedented in sports he was mr tiger he treated everyone with kindness and exuded class and grace I will miss you mr kaline sympathy to His family and friends he was truly a special man
April 13, 2020
To the family of Al Kaline. I have been a baseball fan and Tigers fan for nearly all of my life. I stated in a Facebook post last week he is every Tiger Fan's hero. He's definitely one of mine. I will never forget the night he got his 3000th hit. I was listening on the radio. The impact he made on the Tigers organization and the fans is powerful. Many tears were shed last Monday including me. Thank you for sharing him with us and my thoughts and prayers go out to you
Paul Burns Midland, MI
DJ Brunner
April 13, 2020
Thank You for for everything you so unselfishly did for baseball, its organization and the city of Detroit. Rest In Peace knowing that made a difference to everyone just by being Mr Tiger.
Kurt Skarjune
April 13, 2020
What a role model Al was to both young and old alike. I feel bad that the covid 19 crisis coincided with his death, therefore taking the spotlight of honors he deserved.
But then again, that's the way Al would have wanted it. God Bless.
Dennis Walkowiak
April 13, 2020
Al Kaline one of my childhood, teen and adult heroes. Excellence on the field and Integrity in life. Sincere condolences to the Kaline family'.
James Dignan
April 13, 2020
Al Kaline signed autographs on the second to last day before Tiger Stadium officially closed. I took my bat from bat day 1968 with his name on the bat. I laid my Al Kaline bat in front of him while he signed it. He gave me a Sly smile and handed my bat back to me. I have to admit I was speechless and I couldn't say a word. He exuded such a powerful presence. For the next 30 minutes I wandered around tiger stadium aimlessly, holding my Al Kaline bat with his autograph right next to it. I was in a daze. Such a powerful and Precious Moment In My Life. It's amazing that a battery was named after him, the alkaline battery. At least that's what I believed and I was a little boy.
Elliott Ring
April 13, 2020
RIP Mr. Kaline. I was a pleasure to have met him just before induction into HOF at a local bank for an autograph.
Kevin Liening
April 13, 2020
I played right field on several softball teams in the late 70's-early 80's, & I always requested #6 in Mr. Kaline's honor. He was & always will be in my mind, just a very classy, humble & down to earth kind of guy. I met him twice at the Detroit Auto Show! Gotta admit, I was a tad star-struck! R.I.P. Mr. Tiger, you're the best!
Dave
April 13, 2020
Any young man wanting to see how a real man, in every way, lived his life would do well to observe how AL Kaline lived his.
Kevin Gross
April 13, 2020
To the family of Al Kaline;
The fans of the Tigers share you loss of your loved one. Each of us have special memories Mr. Tiger, perhaps it's from his playing days, his days in the broadcast booth, or perhaps it's the honesty and sincerity that made up his personality and that everyone knew was genuine.
Many very good players have worn the Tiger uniform over the years, however he will always be my favorite Tiger player.
Thank you for sharing your husband, father, and grandfather with Tiger fans everywhere. My families thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time may you all hold tight to the special memories of your loved one.
Tony DeSantis
April 13, 2020
Yes, Al Kaline was an incredible, talented baseball player who made Detroit Tiger fans so proud. We cheered him and celebrated his accomplishments on the field. But, Mr. Kaline was so much more.. he was a sincere, humble, kind, generous, thoughtful and proud man. His baseball exploits grabbed our attention and we followed . But Al Kaline represented much more than a gold glove , Hall of Fame Champion baseball player. Al Kaline was an example of how we all need to treat each other with respect, kindness. How to be humble, and carry yourself with dignity and honour . Despite the adoration of fans, Mr Kaline demonstrates his humanness . As a young man I watched and took notes, and now as i turn 60 I took his lessons And examples of how to treat others and now pass them on to my children . That is what made this man special . Thank you Mr Kaline , now may you rest in heavenly peace.
Tony DelVillano
April 12, 2020
I will always remember Al Kaline as a part of my childhood as I played baseball on the east side of Detroit. He was always the player everyone wanted to replicate.
And I'll always remember his voice during the games in my latter years.
Thanks for all you've given us, Mr. Tiger! God bless you!
Richard Edwards
April 12, 2020
You were the best. Thanks for all the great games #6
Kimberly Bibik
April 12, 2020
My ALL time favorite Tiger! #6
Tom Nowicki
April 12, 2020
Thank you sir, for more than you will ever know.
Don Briggs
April 12, 2020
Al was my hero growing up in Detroit. 1968 was such a wonderful memory for me and all Detroiters thanks to Al and the Tigers. Condolences to his family and friends. RIP Al
David
April 12, 2020
#6 was my lifelong idol and role model on and off the field. I learned to play baseball the year Al signed with the Tigers. Like untold thousands of kids like me, he remained a constant part of my baseball life.
Joyce Hill
April 12, 2020
I was fortunate to meet Al Kaline twice in person. The first time I met him was at Lakeland after a spring training game. My father was with me and he asked Al if he would pose with him for a picture, and he very graciously did. The second time I met him was Sturgis, Michigan when he came to a bank. I took my son and a neighbor boy with me. My son, now 60 years old, still has the baseball he signed for him. Al will be greatly missed.
Jeff Loveland
April 12, 2020
How lucky are we that this talented man wore and represented the team that wore the old English D? I met Al at the HOF in 2018. As I departed we shook hands and I said Thank you.
Rest easy in Heaven's right field. Peace and comfort to the Kaline family and all Tiger fans who loved and will miss this man.
Riley O'Mara
April 12, 2020
Rest in piece Mr Kaline
April 12, 2020
Rest In Peace
April 12, 2020
Thank you Al for so many years of baseball at its finest
Rick Larson
April 12, 2020
I am 67 years old. I haven't cried in a long time over anything. But when I heard of the passing of Mr. Kaline, there were tears in my eyes that were flowing down my cheeks, I was overwhelmed. I had the great pleasure of caddying for him at Plum Hollow in the mid-60s - I met him again at Metro airport in 1979 when he was waiting at the same gate as me for someone's flight - I only talked with him briefly because I didn't want to intrude, but when I introduced myself he treated me like I was his biggest fan, which of course I was - I got Mr. Kaline and Mr. Kell's autograph on the same ball in 1983 at a sports show, one of my prized possessions - Mr. Kaline posed for a picture and he was so very gracious to my wife and I - I can't go back to those innocent times in my life when we played ball in the streets or at the local jr. high field with broken bottles and cinders mixed in with the weeds and crabgrass - we didn't know any better because we were having great fun - Mr. Kaline was a big part of my life when I was growing up, and now that he's gone, I'd like Mr. Kaline's family to know how much he meant to me as a player and as a man - I carried an MLB trading card of Mr. Kaline in my wallet all the time I was in Vietnam, it gave me comfort to see his smiling face that hearkened back to some of the happiest times of my life - God bless you Mr. Kaline for all that you have done for me, even though you never knew me and how much of an impact you had in my life, you were the best example of decency and humbleness that there ever was in baseball and beyond - I'm proud to still keep you as my hero and I will never forget all the joy and happiness you brought to me and the rest of Detroit through all these years - Goodbye Mr. Kaline and thanks for the memories, because memories are all we have.
April 12, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Helga & Stan
April 12, 2020
he was a great man and kindheart my dad took me to game and I am a great fan of his and tiger I have a picture him he sign and a bat
David Britz
April 11, 2020
Al was my boyhood hero from about the time I was 7 or 8 and a man I admired my entire life(I met him once when I was about 35(Im in my 60s now) and at the amusement of my wife, it was all I talked about for many days after. Great example of a respectable man! An Icon for Michigan!
Bill
April 11, 2020
I was so grateful to have known one of my boyhood heroes & called him friend. Our thoughts & prayers are with the Kaline family at this difficult time.
Ken smarr
April 11, 2020
If you were from Michigan you knew who Al kaline was rest in peace my friend!
April 11, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Michael Micho
April 11, 2020
Mr. Kaline was my hero, and my idol. Because of he and the 1968 Champion Detroit Tigers, at age 7, I became a lifelong baseball and Tigers fan. I am so glad I can say I got to see him play during his career, and he displayed the proper way to handle yourself as a ball player, and a human being. Thank You for so many wonderful memories through the years. Rest In Peace, and may God Bless you and your family.
Betty LeGrow
April 11, 2020
Al joined the Tigers when I was 3 years old, so I can't remember a time when he wasn't there. Thanks for the memories.
Mickey & Joyce Lolich
April 11, 2020
Al Kaline was a true legend. He gave so much to this city. A truly good man & so beloved by millions of fans. Mickey & I will miss him so much. We know he's in a better place. May God watch over his beloved wife Louise & his family. God Bless them...With love, Joyce & Mickey Lolich
ANNETTE PRYCE
April 11, 2020
He gave us so many great memories and was the personification of class and integrity. My sincere sympathy to his loving family.
Vicky Phelps
April 11, 2020
He was my hero....as a little girl...I loved baseball and still do today. Daddy was my #1 hero...the Al. Dearly missed.
William
April 11, 2020
To one of the greatest right fielder to play the game I got see him play many times I have a signed baseball and picture from him and got to shake this great mans hand long live all his memories
Tony Tosh
April 11, 2020
He was nice to know ! He was a great man ; Thanks ! Mr Kaline !!
Michael Smith
April 11, 2020
My childhood hero. Great player. Great ambassador and a great man. Thanks for the memories MR TIGER!
Larry Larson
April 11, 2020
My first live game as a Tiger fan was in Al's first year as a Tiger. I was 8. Wow what awesome memories he gave me throughout his career. I will never forget Mr. Tiger. You were a role model to 100's of thousands including me.
John Russo
April 11, 2020
Al Kaline was a tremendous example of a true Tiger both on, and more importantly, off the field. The epitome of talent and class. Loved forever and never forgotten.
don priehs
April 11, 2020
mr tiger,you were my favorite player and you were a true gentleman to the game of baseball.My Dad always called you alkaline because you were like a battery you kept going and going.RIP
Todd
April 11, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Joseph Zaffern
April 11, 2020
We will miss this great man, great Detroiter who did everything possible with the talents he was born with. I grew up with him as my hero and he still is.
a fan
April 11, 2020
Along with Gordie Howe, the Classiest Player in Detroit sports history. Period.
Ed Goettl
April 11, 2020
Mr. Kaline, Mr. Tiger... you were and always will be my hero. My sincere condolences to the entire Kaline family. Rest In Peace, sir.
Jeff Hurlbert
April 11, 2020
I had two heroes as a kid growing up in Detroit, Mr. Hockey and Mr. Tiger.......... Gordie Howe and Al Kaline were fabulous leaders on and off the ice and field. I was thrilled several months ago when I had the great pleasure to meet Mr. Kaline........what a wonderful man. My deepest sympathies to the entire Kaline family........ a truly great man we have all lost......but never, ever forgotten!! Thank you Al for what you accomplished for the city of Detroit!!!
Carl Kudla
April 11, 2020
In my "EARLY DAYS' in the '50s', I knew that my love for the game, and that Al Kaline was my inspiration to become a "FAN of the FUTURE" and follow his performances for many years thereafter!
His presence and participation in so many ways as a 'TEAMMATE' and in becoming a "FAN FAVORITE", everlasting in DETROIT, will be a........................ MEMORY OF A LIFETIME in TIGERTOWN!
Wishing "THE BEST iN HIS REST", Carl 'THE UMP' Kudla
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