A True Professional: Mr. Tiger

Today I had the opportunity to eat lunch and have a conversation with one of the greatest Detroit Tigers of all-time: Al Kaline. The hall of famer who now works in the Detroit front office was down in Lakeland to watch Jose Valverde, who is likely to reassume the role of closer for the Tigers next month.

This is the second time I've gotten to sit down with Mr. Kaline and each time he has left the same overwhelming impression on me. For a man of his status and with all his accolades he is one of the nicest people you could ever meet. He will have a conversation with anyone around him and treat him in the same manner he would a friend. I don't know if his amiable nature is the product of a bygone era or if he is just a needle in the haystack, but I highly doubt an equivalent superstar in today's game would act similarly.

We talked about a variety of things: the conditions of Detroit, the educational system, how Jose Valverde looked on the mound, but it did not matter what we talked about Al Kaline was engaged and friendly. Its always amazing to watch what some athletes can do physically on the greatest stage, but sometimes its more impressive to meet one and find out he's just like the rest of us.

Al Kaline Statue at Comerica Park