8/20/21 - Former Detroit Tigers Catcher Bill Freehan Passes Away

Friday, August 20, 2021 at 6:54 AM

photo: Detroit Free Press

Former Detroit baseball player Bill Freehan dies at the age of 79.

 DETROIT (AP) — Bill Freehan, a hero of the 1968 Detroit Tigers, has died at age 79.

Freehan was a catcher who spent his entire 15-year career with the Detroit Tigers and was an 11-time All-Star.

The cause of death was not disclosed Thursday, but family members in recent years have publicly stated that Freehan had Alzheimer’s disease

The Tigers offered condolences to Freehan’s family with a “heavy heart.” In Game 5 of the ’68 World Series, Freehan tagged Lou Brock in a crucial play at home plate. Detroit won the game and the series. The result was best captured by a famous photo of pitcher Mickey Lolich jumping into the arms of his catcher.

 

 

 

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