Kaline, Wynn and Beckert, R.I.P.

FAREWELL TO A LEGEND — The baseball world mourned the loss of Al Kaline after the Hall of Famer passed away at 85 on April 6. Kaline, who wore No. 6, was known as a classy, reliable presence—a career .297 hitter who blasted 399 homers and drove in 1,582 runs. He never played in the minors, going directly from high school ball to the Tigers in 1953. His breakthrough season was 1955, when, at 20, he hit a major league-leading .340 with 200 hits, 27 homers, and 102 RBI.

Kaline was also known for his defense—particularly a cannon arm. He led all right fielders in assists three times, and started 28 double plays from that position