Former Detroit Tigers catcher Bill Freehan died at the age of 79 on Thursday, the team announced.
Freehan spent his entire career with the Tigers, a period that spanned 15 seasons. Over that time, he was an 11-time All-Star and five-time Gold Glove winner.
"Off the diamond, Freehan made a positive impact in the southeast Michigan community, including as a player and then coach at the University of Michigan, where he changed the lives of many for the better," the Tigers said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with Bill's wife, Pat, and the entire Freehan family.