Detroit Tigers 1971 Key Players: McAuliffe, Niekro, Northrup, Rodriguez
The page from the 1971 Illustrated Digest of Baseball highlights key players for the Detroit Tigers. Dick McAuliffe, an infielder, has been with the team for a decade, recognized for his “Mel Ott” batting stance and being a three-time All-Star. Joe Niekro, a pitcher, joined Detroit in 1970 from San Diego and is noted for his control and strikeout-walk ratio. His brother Phil plays for Atlanta. Outfielder Jim Northrup, with a career highlight grand slam in the 1968 World Series, is known for his clutch hitting. Aurelio Rodriguez, an infielder, emerged as a promising third baseman after moving from the Senators, with notable fielding skills.