The next card from my recent custom "Lost Second Series" 1963 Fleer set to get the spotlight is the one for Detroit Tigers legend Al Kaline, "Mr. Tiger":
Kaline was an institution in the Motor City, coming up at the age of 18,
winning a batting title at the age of 20, retiring after the 1974
season, all 22 years of his career with the same team.
In only his second full season as a Major League player, the 20-year old
hit a league-leading .340 based on his 200 hits in 588 at-bats, barely
edging out the previous record holder Ty Cobb by mere days as the
youngest champ.
The 15-time all-star topped 3000 hits, 1600 runs, 1500 runs batted in
and came one home run short of 400 over his stellar career, which also
included 10 Gold Gloves for his defensive prowess.
An easy Hall of Fame pick, he was inducted in his first year of eligibility in 1980 with 88.3% of the ballots cast.
“Mr. Tiger” indeed!
An easy Hall of Fame pick, he was inducted in his first year of eligibility in 1980 with 88.3% of the ballots cast.
“Mr. Tiger” indeed!
