RIP Al Kaline

[71buc]

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.

[eliminator]

Originally Posted by 71buc

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.

Great story. Great photo.

[billyb]

I grew up with Kaline as my favorite. My glove was an Al Kaline model, I tried to duplicate his swing, and when catching a ball in the outfield, I always remembered his tip to catch the ball in a position ready to throw. I will miss number six. Here is a photo I do not show much, quality is not that good, but it is the earliest known photo of Kaline as a professional. RIP

2017-04-10 kaline 4 001.jpg

[71buc]

Beautiful photo Bill.