Justin Verlander Pays Homage to Al Kaline on Twitter After Tigers Legend's Passing
By Mark Powell
With the loss of Detroit Tigers legend Al Kaline on Monday afternoon, players and pundits alike are paying their respects to one of the kindest baseball legends they've had the privilege of meeting.
Justin Verlander, who himself may one day be enshrined in Cooperstown donning the Old English D, stated that he'll be forever grateful for the lessons Kaline taught him during his younger days in MoTown.
Such a kind and generous man who meant so much to so many. I hope you knew how much I enjoyed our conversations about baseball, life, or just giving each other a hard time. I am honored to have been able to call you my friend for all these years. R.I.P. Mr Tiger, Al Kaline.
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) April 6, 2020
Verlander's antics with the 2017 World Series-winning Houston Astros stain his resume slightly, but his accomplishments with Detroit, which include a no-hitter, a Cy Young award in 2014 in which he won the so-called "pitching triple crown," make his voice incredibly important in the wake of Kaline's passing.
Damn. Al Kaline. RIP. Mr. Tiger was easily the most beloved athlete in the state of Michigan, and that’s saying something for a state that boasted Yzerman, Barry Sanders, Gordie Howe, Justin Verlander and Magic Johnson. He was just pure class 100% of the time. A great human being
— Gautham Nagesh (@gnagesh) April 6, 2020
Kaline's staying power in Detroit sports is unrivaled, even forty-plus years after his playing days. Verlander, despite the complicated decision to accept a waiver trade to Houston in the first place, respects that.
Mr. Tiger was beloved across the game he gave his all to. The outpouring of support from those like Verlander to players with little or no connection to Detroit's organization is a perfect display of that.