Tributes for Mr. Tiger began pouring in shortly after the news of his death. One of the first to react was Justin Verlander, who grew close with Kaline during his 13 seasons in Detroit.
"Such a kind and generous man who meant so much to so many," Verlander said on Twitter. "I hope you knew how much I enjoyed our conversations about baseball, life, or just giving each other a hard time. I am honored to have been able to call you my friend for all these years."
Such a kind and generous man who meant so much to so many. I hope you knew how much I enjoyed our conversations about baseball, life, or just giving each other a hard time. I am honored to have been able to call you my friend for all these years. R.I.P. Mr Tiger, Al Kaline.
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander)
April 6, 2020 Among the current Tigers to remember Kaline were starters Matthew Boyd and Daniel Norris.
Norris called Kaline "one of the most remarkable human beings I've ever met. He garnered respect that he never assumed. His love and compassion were staples in the Tiger clubhouse that found their way home with each and every one of us every time he showed up."
Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/aVZLt82tb4
— Daniel Norris (@DanielNorris18)
April 6, 2020 Boyd recalled Kaline "greeting every player with kindness and a listening ear."
Mr Kaline truly is one of the kindest most welcoming ppl Ive ever met. From shaking his hand the 1st day I was a tiger to seeing him every single Sunday at the park, he was always genuine. Greeting every player with kindness and a listening ear. I’m going to miss you Mr Tiger.
— Matthew Boyd (@mattboyd48)
April 6, 2020 Catcher Grayson Greiner said, "Your stories & advice brought a smile to everybody’s face on a daily basis."
Rest In Peace to the legendary Al Kaline. Your stories & advice brought a smile to everybody’s face on a daily basis. You will be truly missed, and never forgotten. #MrTiger pic.twitter.com/dVnrrX67LG
— Grayson Greiner (@ggreiner21)
April 6, 2020 Jake Rogers echoed his fellow catcher.
Al Kaline was one of the best people and players of all time! I always enjoyed our conversations and will forever cherish those! #RIPMrTiger
— Jake Rogers (@_JROG_)
April 6, 2020 Closer Joe Jimenez put it simply: "The best Tiger that ever lived!"
The best Tiger that ever lived! Thank you for everything Al Kaline! https://t.co/C6lZEbX9Yi pic.twitter.com/vXbOnxTWqR
— Joe Jiménez (@JAJimenez27)
April 6, 2020 Fellow Hall of Famer Wade Boggs:
Sad to hear we’ve lost a beloved member of our HOF family one of the nicest and sincere I’ve ever met Al Kaline you will be dearly missed my friend thoughts and prayers go out Louise and family RIP Al --
— Wade Boggs (@ChickenMan3010)
April 6, 2020 All-Star Alex Bregman:
Rest In Peace Al Kaline. Was fortunate enough to meet him this Spring Training. Unbelievable man.
— Alex Bregman (@ABREG_1)
April 6, 2020 Kaline even got a tribute from actor and Detroit native Jeff Daniels, who said of the 10-time Gold Glove winner, "He was the only fielder who could make the ball come to him."
He was the only fielder who could make the ball come to him. Goodbye, #6. #AlKaline
— Jeff Daniels (@Jeff_Daniels)
April 6, 2020
