EMU Today

YPSILANTI – It’s hard to pick a top highlight from Al Kaline’s 22-year major league baseball career, which was spent entirely with the Detroit Tigers.

Kaline, who died Monday, April 6 at age 85, was one of baseball’s most universally respected figures.

He excelled on the field, garnering more than 3,000 hits and playing right field with singular grace and range. He was elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame in 1980 and his number was retired by the team that year as well. He was a key part of the Tigers’ world championship team of 1968.

But after Kaline ended his playing career in 1974, he remained a beloved figure for his continued contributions to the team and to the city of Detroit.

Among the recognitions for his service to baseball and his depth of character was an honorary degree from Eastern Michigan University, awarded at EMU’s winter commencement on Sunday, Dec. 17, 1978 at Bowen Field House.

Kaline received an honorary Doctor of Arts degree at the ceremony, which also featured commencement speaker William Agee, chairman, president and chief executive of the Bendix Corp. Kaline’s award and Agee’s upcoming address were announced in FOCUS, Eastern’s internal campus newspaper, on Dec. 12, 1978. Agee received an honorary Doctor of Commercial Science degree.

The ceremony was the final commencement for EMU President James Brickley, who served from 1975 to 1978 before beginning a second stint as Lieutenant Governor of Michigan.

Known lovingly as “Mr. Tiger,” in recognition of being the ultimate long-term representative of the team, Kaline kept earning that title after his playing days, serving as a mentor to many up and coming Tigers players, including fellow outfielder Kirk Gibson.

He served as a Tigers broadcaster for many years, teaming up mainly with George Kell, another Tigers great, for memorable telecasts that featured Kaline’s insights on the game he knew so well and loved so much.

Kaline was born and raised in Baltimore, but he and his wife, Louise, made Michigan and Lakeland, Fla their home during and after his Tigers career.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 18,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.