Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Tigers Card Tuesday- Happy Baseball Birthday, Willie Horton

Today is a milestone in Detroit Tigers fandom, as the legendary "Willie the Wonder," World Series Champion, Willie Horton , turns 80.




πŸ…⚾️ Willie Horton is a local legend, born in the Motor City on October 18, 1942.


πŸ… Willie would go to games at old Briggs Stadium, sit with his friends in the left field Bleachers, telling his buddies that, one day, he, Willie, would be playing left field for the men wearing the Olde English D. 



πŸ… Of course, when it comes to Willie Horton, there's no better highlight than his throw to Bill Freehan in Game 5 of the 1968 World Series.



πŸ… Freehan blocked the plate, Lou Brock was out, and the Tigers rebounded from a 3-0 deficit, winning Game 5, and then, in St. Louis, win Games 5&6, and the Series, shocking the Baseball world.


πŸ…⚾️ Willie's #23 has been retired by the Tigers.




πŸ“– Willie has a book out, and I definitely need to read it.




πŸ…⚾️ If you get to a game at Comerica Park, head out beyond centerfield and look for Willie's statue amongst some of the Tigers greats.



πŸ… Happy Baseball Birthday, Willie! 

Play BALL! ⚾️ 

2 comments:

  1. I just picked up his rookie card at a show earlier this month. He was a big star when I was little.

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