Al Kaline's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Al Kaline. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1907: Ty Cobb Batting Title

In 1907, Ty Cobb won the batting title. Until Al Kaline did it in 1955, he was the youngest player to achieve this.

1945: Tigers Last World Championship

In 1945, The Detroit Tigers won their previous World Championship, before Al Kaline and the team would win again in 1968.

1955: All-Star Game Appearance

In 1955, Al Kaline appeared in the All-Star game.

1955: All-Star Selection Begins

In 1955, Al Kaline was selected to his first All-Star Game. This marked the beginning of a consecutive streak of All-Star selections that would last through 1967.

1955: Youngest AL Batting Title Winner

In 1955, at age 20, Al Kaline won the American League batting title with a .340 average, becoming the youngest player ever to achieve this since Ty Cobb in 1907.

1956: Continued Success and League Leadership

In 1956, Al Kaline maintained a strong performance with a .314 batting average, 27 home runs, and a career-high 128 RBIs, also leading the league in outfield assists with 18.

1957: Gold Glove Award

In 1957, Al Kaline won a Gold Glove Award for excellence in the field.

1961: Gold Glove Award

In 1961, Al Kaline won a Gold Glove Award for excellence in the field.

1967: All-Star Selection and Batting Average

In 1967, Al Kaline was selected to the All-Star Game and his batting average was a concern.

1967: All-Star Game Selection

In 1967, Al Kaline was selected to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. He had been selected to the All-Star game every year between 1955 and 1967.

1967: End of All-Star Streak

The year 1967 marked the end of Al Kaline's consecutive All-Star selections, a streak that began in 1955.

1968: World Series Triumph

In 1968, Al Kaline returned from a broken arm injury and played a crucial role in the World Series, hitting .379 with two home runs and eight RBIs in seven games, helping the Detroit Tigers win their first championship since 1945.

1970: Kaline Drive Renaming

In 1970, Cherry Street, which ran behind the left-field stands at Tiger Stadium, was renamed Kaline Drive in Al Kaline's honor.

1971: All-Star Game Appearance

In 1971, Al Kaline appeared in the All-Star game.

March 1973: Roberto Clemente Award

In March 1973, Al Kaline won the Roberto Clemente Award in recognition of the honor he brought to baseball both on and off the field.

September 24, 1974: 3,000th Hit

On September 24, 1974, Al Kaline achieved his 3,000th hit, becoming the 12th player in MLB history to reach this milestone.

1974: All-Star Game Appearance

In 1974, Al Kaline appeared in the All-Star game.

1980: Hall of Fame Induction

In 1980, Al Kaline was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, marking a significant achievement in his career.

1993: All-Star Game Dedication

In 1993, the Major League Baseball All-Star Game was dedicated to Al Kaline on the 35th anniversary of Detroit's only other Midsummer Classic. Kaline, along with Leon Day and Brooks Robinson, threw out the ceremonial first pitch, which was caught by Ivan Rodriguez.

1999: Top 100 Baseball Players

In 1999, Al Kaline was ranked number 76 on The Sporting News list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players, recognizing his significant contributions to the sport.