Legendary Detroit Tigers Catcher Bill Freehan Dies At Age 79

Bill Freehan, Detroit Tigers catcher for the 1968 world series championship, died at the age of 79 after battling Alzheimer's disease.

Freehan's passing was announced by the MLB team on Thursday (August 19). Freehan played his entire 15-year MLB career from 1961-1976 with the Detroit Tigers. In those 15 years with the Tigers, he played 1,774 games, had 200 home runs and 241 doubles, was a five-time Gold Glove Award winner and made 11 All-Star Games.

The team released a statement about Freehan's passing, saying:

"It's with a heavy heart that all of us with the Detroit Tigers extend our condolences to the friends and family of Bill Freehan. An all-time great Tiger, the Olde English "D" was the only logo he wore over his 15-year major league career, during which he was named to 11 All-star teams, won five-straight Gold Glove Awards and played a key role on the 1968 World Series Championship team. 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. Our thoughts are with Bill's wife, Pat, and the entire Freehan family."