Is Bill Freehan Living or Dead?

About Bill Freehan

Bill Freehan: The Detroit Tigers Legend Who Defined Catching

Bill Freehan, the legendary Detroit Tigers catcher, passed away on August 19, 2021, at the age of 79. He was a nine-time All-Star, five-time Gold Glove winner, and a key member of the Tigers' 1968 World Series championship team. Freehan was known for his exceptional defensive skills, his leadership on the field, and his ability to handle some of the best pitchers in the game.

Born on November 29, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, Freehan grew up playing baseball and football. He attended the University of Michigan, where he played both sports and was a standout on the Wolverines' football team. However, it was his skills behind the plate that caught the attention of the Tigers, who drafted him in the third round of the 1961 MLB draft.

Freehan made his major league debut in 1961 and quickly established himself as one of the best catchers in the game. He was a fierce competitor who took pride in his defensive skills and worked tirelessly to improve his game. He was also a leader on the field, known for his ability to handle pitchers and his calm demeanor in pressure situations.

Freehan's best season came in 1968, when he helped lead the Tigers to their first World Series championship since 1945. He hit .263 with 25 home runs and 84 RBIs that season, and his performance in the World Series was nothing short of spectacular. He hit .500 with two home runs and six RBIs in the seven-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals, earning him the World Series MVP award.

Freehan played for the Tigers for his entire 15-year career, retiring in 1976 with a .262 batting average, 200 home runs, and 758 RBIs. After his playing career, he became a coach and manager, working for several teams, including the Tigers, the New York Yankees, and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Freehan's legacy as one of the greatest catchers in baseball history is secure. He was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1982 and the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011. He was also a finalist for induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003 and 2007.

Freehan's death was a loss for the baseball community and for Tigers fans everywhere. He will be remembered as