Born in Detroit, Michigan, Freehan was a local talent who was signed by the Tigers straight out of high school. He quickly rose through the minor leagues and made his MLB debut in 1961. He became the Tigers' starting catcher in 1963 and held that position for the next 13 seasons.
Freehan was a key player for the Tigers during their 1968 World Series championship season. He was instrumental in the Tigers' victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, batting .385 with two home runs and driving in eight runs during the seven-game series. His performance in the World Series was a highlight of his career and cemented his status as one of the best catchers in the game.
Over the course of his career, Freehan was selected to the All-Star team 11 times, a testament to his consistent performance and respect among his peers. He also won five Gold Glove Awards for his exceptional defensive skills. Freehan led all American League catchers in putouts in six seasons and in assists and fielding percentage in three seasons. He was also a powerful hitter, finishing his career with a .262 batting average, 200 home runs, and 758 runs batted in.
Freehan's offensive skills were equally impressive. He had a career batting average of .262, with 200 home runs and 758 RBIs. He had a particularly strong season in 1968, when he hit .263 with 25 home runs and 84 RBIs, helping the Tigers to win the World Series.
After retiring from playing, Freehan stayed involved in baseball. He served as the head coach of the University of Michigan's baseball team from 1990 to 1995. He was also a broadcaster for the Tigers for several years.
Despite his impressive career, Freehan has not been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. However, his contributions to the Tigers and to the game of baseball are undeniable. He is remembered as one of the greatest catchers in the history of the Detroit Tigers and one of the best of his era in the MLB. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of baseball players and fans.
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Aug 6, 1970Aug 6, 1970
The Detroit Tigers had a solid season in 1970, finishing with a respectable record. Their...
Detroit Tigers vs New York Yankees - Radio Broadcast / The Detroit Tigers had a solid season in 1970, finishing with a respectable record. Their roster included talented players like Al Kaline, Norm Cash, and Bill Freehan. In August, the Tigers had a mixed month with some impressive wins and occasional setbacks. They remained competitive in the American League East division race throughout the season, but ultimately fell short of the division title.
The New York Yankees, known for their storied history, had a strong team in 1970. Led by manager Ralph Houk, the Yankees featured star players like Thurman Munson, Bobby Murcer, and Mel Stottlemyre. In August, the Yankees had a remarkable performance, winning several key games and solidifying their position at the top of the American League East division. They continued their dominant form throughout the season, securing the division title.
In August, both the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees were closely watching each other's performance, as they were fierce competitors in the AL East division race. The Tigers had some memorable victories during this month, keeping their hopes alive for a postseason berth. However, they also faced some tough losses that hindered their chances of catching up to the Yankees.
On the other hand, the Yankees had a fantastic August, showcasing their offensive prowess and pitching strength. They went on a winning streak, distancing themselves from their division rivals and solidifying their position as the team to beat in the American League East. Their consistent performances during August played a crucial role in their eventual division title victory.
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Jul 14, 1970Jul 14, 1970
The 1970 MLB All-Star-Game was held at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati which had just opened...
1970 MLB All-Star Game - Radio Broadcast / The 1970 MLB All-Star-Game was held at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati which had just opened weeks earlier. The game is notable for being the first All-Star game played at night, a tradition that has continued ever since. The 1970 game was also the first time since 1957 that the starting lineup was determined by fan voting. These two changes were a huge success, and this game still remains the highest-rated All-Star Game TV broadcast of all time. The NL attempted to extend their 7-game win streak with the likes of veterans Hank Aaron and Willie Mays along with youngsters Pete Rose and Johnny Bench
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Jun 6, 1970Jun 6, 1970
In a regular season game on June 6, 1970, at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum,...
Detroit TIgers vs Oakland A's - Radio Broadcast / In a regular season game on June 6, 1970, at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, a notable game unfolded between the Detroit Tigers and the Oakland Athletics. The Tigers' pitcher, Joe Niekro, and the Athletics' pitcher, Chuck Dobson, both took the mound with the intention of guiding their teams to victory. This game occurred during a significant period for both franchises: the Athletics were in the process of building a team that would dominate the early 1970s, while the Tigers aimed to sustain the competitive spirit that led them to a World Series championship in 1968.
The game started off quietly, with no runs scored in the initial innings. Momentum shifted in the fourth inning when Norm Cash hit a two-run homer for the Tigers, setting the stage for a competitive match. The Athletics managed to score two unearned runs in the second inning, taking advantage of errors by the Tigers. Key moments for the Tigers included solo home runs by Bill Freehan in the fifth and ninth innings, which were crucial in maintaining their lead. In the eighth inning, Matty Alou hit a two-run homer for the Athletics, narrowing the gap in the score. However, the pitching of Joe Niekro, coupled with John Hiller securing a save, ensured that the Tigers maintained their lead, resulting in a 6-4 win.
2½ hours
Sep 17, 1968Sep 17, 1968
On Tuesday, September 17, 1968, the Detroit Tigers hosted the New...
New York Yankees vs Detroit Tigers - Clincher - Radio Broadcast / On Tuesday, September 17, 1968, the Detroit Tigers hosted the New York Yankees at Tiger Stadium. Stan Bahnsen took the mound for the Yankees, while Joe Sparma was the starting pitcher for the Tigers. At this point in the season, the Tigers were on the brink of clinching the pennant, leading the American League, while the Yankees were struggling, sitting in the middle of the pack. Mickey Mantle, a perennial star for the Yankees, was nearing the end of his illustrious career, and the 1968 season was notable for the "Year of the Pitcher," with pitchers dominating hitters to an extent not seen in decades.
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Jul 12, 1966Jul 12, 1966
The 1966 MLB All-Star Game was held at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. The...
1966 MLB All Star Game Highlights / The 1966 MLB All-Star Game was held at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. The National League defeated the American League 2-1 in 10 innings. Brooks Robinson of the Baltimore Orioles hit a solo home run for the AL, while Tim McCarver of the St. Louis Cardinals hit a game-winning RBI double for the NL.
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Jul 25, 1965Jul 25, 1965
Throughout the 1965 regular season, the White Sox and Tigers battled it out for the...
Chicago White Sox vs Detroit Tigers - Game 2 - Radio Broadcast / Throughout the 1965 regular season, the White Sox and Tigers battled it out for the top spot in the league. In August 1965, the competition intensified as both teams sought to gain an advantage heading into the final stretch of the season. Key players from both sides were instrumental in driving their respective teams' success.
The Chicago White Sox had a strong lineup led by star players like Nellie Fox, Luis Aparicio, and Eddie Fisher. They showcased a well-balanced offense and solid defense that kept them in contention throughout the season. In August, their pitching staff, including Eddie Fisher, who excelled as a closer, played a crucial role in securing important victories.
On the other hand, the Detroit Tigers, with their talented roster featuring players like Al Kaline, Willie Horton, and Mickey Lolich, were fierce competitors. Their offensive firepower and reliable pitching made them a formidable opponent. In August, the Tigers' pitching rotation, led by the impressive performances of Mickey Lolich, delivered several crucial wins that kept them in the race for the pennant.
As the season approached its final weeks, the White Sox and Tigers were neck-and-neck in the standings, making every game in August essential for their playoff aspirations. The race for the American League pennant continued to be tightly contested and captivating, with fans eagerly following every matchup between these two competitive teams.
Ultimately, the 1965 season came down to the wire, and the performances in August played a significant role in shaping the outcome. Both the Chicago White Sox and the Detroit Tigers displayed exceptional talent and determination, but only one team could claim the top spot in the American League. Fans of both teams witnessed an exciting and memorable season that would be remembered for years to come.