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Al Kaline was truly 'Mr. Tiger': A man of humility, humor and elegance

A look back at the life of Al Kaline, the Detroit Tigers great, who died on April 6, 2020, at age 85. Detroit Free Press

I walked up to Al Kaline at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., which was surreal, considering he was standing so close to his own plaque.

It was like approaching baseball royalty in the room where they keep the crowns and thrones.

"Mr. Kaline, yesterday, I met a girl here in Cooperstown whose name is Kaline," I said.

It was in 2018 at a reception before Jack Morris and Alan Trammell were inducted into the Hall.