A Eulogy for Detroit Tigers Icon Al Kaline, Who Died Monday at 85

When I was just nine, my grandpa took my to a flea market in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to show me a collection of baseball merchandise from years long gone. There was one piece he held especially dear -- a signed Al Kaline bat, entrenched in a case along with a certificate of authenticity. It was on this day, one that sticks out now more than ever, that I became a Detroit sports fan, and fully understood the monumental impact 'Mr. Tiger' had on MoTown.

Not just in his playing days, but long after, Kaline was a regular at Tigers Spring Training and in the front office. He was a shoulder to lean on in trying times as they fell to the depths of the American League. He was the face of their resurgence in the mid-2000's, even though he'd been retired for over 30 years.

Al Kaline is now gone, and with him is a piece of our childhood, even to those who never saw him featured in the Tiger Stadium outfield.

Kaline died on Monday of unknown causes. He was 85.

Mr. Tiger was dubbed so for a reason -- he played in more games and hit more home runs than any player in team history. He patrolled right field in Detroit for 22 seasons, and did so at a high enough level that he became a clear first-ballot Hall of Famer. Despite the accomplishments of Ty Cobb, Kaline surpassed him in the eyes of many Tigers fans due to his grace and kindness off the field, which continued well into retirement.

Kaline's baseball life was an honorable one, and he served as a connection between old and young, fathers telling sons about how much has changed in the real world, yet so much has remained the same inside these walls, between the lines on the diamond.

For Detroit sports fans, he was a legend. He'll remain so, even in death.

RIP, Mr. Tiger. You will be missed.