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I was fortunate enough to see him play when I was 11. Sixteen years later I got to meet him at a card show in Seattle. Griffey Jr. was a signer and was around 20 years old. Kaline and Kell were at a nearby table. The line for Griffey was ridiculous. Due to this I convinced my very disappointed 10 year old nephew to get the signatures of the two Tiger greats. When my nephew approached, Kaline asked him who his favorite player was. My nephew pointed over in Griffey's direction. Kaline said that Griffey was going to have a great career and that Seattle was lucky to have him. My nephew asked Kaline if he ever saw a player so young be so good. Kaline nodded, smiled and said he had seen a few great young players in his time. Kell then pointed at Griffey and said, "Al I seem to recall you won a batting title at that age." Kaline nodded and said, "I believe I did but that was a long time ago." He was a total class act.

This 1955 oversized Type I photo of that Al Kaline is one of my favorite photos in my collection. I have always believed it would be a great Graig Kreindler painting. It was a gift from my son. Whenever, I see it I remember that day with my nephew.