Early Life and Education of Al Kaline: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 7, 2025

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Al Kaline. A timeline of key moments.

Al Kaline, "Mr. Tiger", was a Hall of Fame right fielder who played his entire 22-season MLB career with the Detroit Tigers. Renowned for his fielding prowess, Kaline won ten Gold Glove Awards and was an 18-time All-Star. His consistent performance and strong throwing arm made him a fixture in right field. Kaline was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1980.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

December 19, 1934: Albert Kaline's Birth

On December 19, 1934, Albert William Kaline, later nicknamed "Mr. Tiger", was born. He would become a celebrated right fielder in Major League Baseball.

Others born on this day/year

1954: Marriage to Madge Louise Hamilton

In 1954, Al Kaline married his high school sweetheart, Madge Louise Hamilton.

August 21, 1957: Birth of Mark Albert Kaline

On August 21, 1957, Al Kaline's son, Mark Albert Kaline, was born.

1962: Birth of Michael Keith Kaline

In 1962, Al Kaline's son, Michael Keith Kaline, was born.

1970: Near-Fatal Injury

In 1970, Al Kaline sustained a near-fatal injury during a collision in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Willie Horton cleared his airway and saved his life.

1975: Color Commentator

In 1975, Al Kaline became a color commentator on the Detroit Tigers' television broadcasts, a role he held for many years.

2002: End of Broadcasting Career

In 2002, Al Kaline concluded his career as a color commentator for the Detroit Tigers' television broadcasts.

2003: Special Assistant to Tigers President

In 2003, Al Kaline became a special assistant to the Detroit Tigers President/CEO/General Manager, Dave Dombrowski, which included mentoring outfielders during spring training.

2006: First Pitch of World Series

In 2006, Al Kaline and former teammate Willie Horton threw out the first pitch of the World Series at Comerica Park.

2007: Grandson Drafted by Tigers

In 2007, Al Kaline's grandson, Colin Kaline, was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 25th round of the MLB draft, but he chose not to sign at the time.

2011: Grandson Drafted Again

In 2011, Colin Kaline, Al Kaline's grandson, was drafted again by the Detroit Tigers in the 26th round of the MLB draft and played in the minor leagues.