Former Detroit Tigers and Michigan Wolverines catcher Bill Freehan has died at the age of 79, it was announced on Thursday. Freehan had suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for many years and spent the last few years in hospice care in his home.
An 11-time All-Star and 5-time Gold Glove winner, Freehan was a tremendous cacher best remembered for his role on Detroit’s 1968 World Series team. He finished the season as the runner-up for American League MVP honors with 25 home runs, 84 RBI and 73 runs scored.
Freehan played tight end for the Michigan football program, but baseball was always his calling.