The Detroit Tigers don't need to wait for Lou Whitaker to become a Hall of Famer.
In their strongest statement on his ongoing Cooperstown candidacy, the team announced Tuesday they will be retiring Whitaker’s No. 1, which he wore from 1978-1995. It will be the ninth retired number in Tigers history.
In 19 seasons, Whitaker hit .276 with 244 home runs, 143 stolen bases and an on-base percentage of .363 in nearly 10,000 plate appearances. The second baseman won the 1984 World Series with the Tigers and was a five-time American League All-Star. Whitaker won four Silver Slugger Awards, three Gold Glove Awards and was the 1978 AL Rookie of the Year.