Horton was a left fielder and designated hitter, known for his powerful batting and exceptional fielding skills. He spent the majority of his career with the Detroit Tigers, where he played for 15 seasons. Horton was a key player in the Tigers' 1968 World Series championship team, hitting a crucial home run in Game 5 that helped the Tigers come from behind to win the series.
Horton was a four-time All-Star, earning the honor in 1965, 1968, 1970, and 1973. He was known for his power at the plate, hitting 20 or more home runs in seven different seasons and finishing his career with 325 home runs. He also had a career batting average of .273 and drove in over 1,000 runs.
In addition to his time with the Tigers, Horton also played for the Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians, Oakland Athletics, Toronto Blue Jays, and Seattle Mariners. Despite moving around towards the end of his career, Horton always remained a beloved figure in Detroit.
After retiring as a player in 1980, Horton continued to contribute to the sport. He served as a coach for the New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox, and later returned to the Tigers as a broadcaster and special assistant to the team's president. In 2000, the Tigers honored Horton by retiring his number 23, making him one of only a few players in the team's history to receive this honor.
Horton's impact extended beyond the baseball field. He was deeply involved in community service in Detroit and was recognized for his efforts with the Tiger Humanitarian Award in 1978. He also played a significant role in calming racial tensions in Detroit during the 1967 riots, using his status as a popular athlete to appeal for peace.
In summary, Willie Horton is a celebrated figure in the world of baseball. His impressive career, marked by significant achievements and contributions both on and off the field, has left a lasting legacy in the sport. His dedication, talent, and commitment to his community have made him a revered figure in the history of the Detroit Tigers and Major League Baseball.
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3 hours
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.
2 minutes
Sep 14, 1968Sep 14, 1968
Ernie Harwell with the radio call as Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McLain wins 30 for...
Ernie Harwell Calls Denny McLain 30th Win / Ernie Harwell with the radio call as Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McLain wins 30 for the season on September 14, 1968...more info at https://www.retroseasons.com/teams/detroit-tigers/1968/overview/
3 hours
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.