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George Kell: 1922-2009

We have terribly sad news in Tiger Town today, as Hall of Famer George Kell passed away at the age of 86.  According to reports, he died in his sleep early this morning at his home in Swifton, Arkansas.

Kell was a 10-time All-Star, six of those honors coming during his years with the Detroit Tigers (1946-1952).  He also played with the Philadelphia Athletics, Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, and Baltimore Orioles in a 15-year major league career. 

Perhaps his most sterling achievement as a ballplayer was beating out Ted Williams for the American League batting title in 1949, edging him out by mere percentage points.  Kell was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983 by the veterans committee. 

Kell was a third baseman almost exclusively throughout his career.  And he pretty much remains the gold standard for that position in Tigers history.  Just the other day, The Daily Fungo posted an item about the team's all-time third basemen, and the list is basically Kell and everyone else.  (No offense to Aurelio Rodriguez.The Spot Starters had him ranked #24 on its list of Top 100 Tigers.

I imagine most everyone reading this, however, remembers Kell more as a broadcaster for the Tigers from 1959 to 1996.  And from 1975 to 1996, he was the team's television play-by-play man with Al Kaline.  With all due respect to Ernie Harwell, for those who grew up watching the Tigers on TV, Kell was the voice of baseball, the voice of summer. 

As a kid developing into a baseball fan, I remember being fascinated when my father told me that Kell once played for the Tigers.  The whole idea seemed so amazing to me.  I think it was my first realization that there was a history to the game, so much bigger and richer than what I was watching on TV. 

And if you'll indulge my sharing one more memory - this one much more recent - the first thing I thought of when I heard the news of Kell's death was a phone call I got from Mike McClary.  He'd just gotten in touch with Kell to do an interview on The Detroit Tigers Podcast, and it was like talking to a kid on Christmas.  I could almost imagine Lil' Mikey's feet dangling off the couch while sharing the big news.  You can find that interview here.  Mike just re-posted it. 

Thanks to everyone who sent me a note about Kell's passing.  I appreciate you letting me know, as a project had me away from the computer for most of the morning.

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Sad news

I always enjoyed listening and watching George Kell and Al Kaline as a child on WDIV. I never knew how good we had it back then. To be able to listen to all of George’s recollections always made the Tigers worth watching.

George Kell was scheduled to be at a West Michigan Whitecaps game in June as part of the Tiger Friday promotions. A bobblehead of George was to be given away. I’m sure the Whitecaps will probably still have the promotional give-away. I’ll will certainly go to the game to get mine.

- Jeff T.
  Grand Rapids, MI

by MSU4LIF on Mar 24, 2009 3:21 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Echo

Kell was one of the good guys and a classic, comforting broadcaster. He and Paul Carey were my two favorite “Tiger Voices.”

I’m also glad he hadn’t been driving a motor vehicle since 2007.

The world's greatest wiffle ball tournament! TheFatty.com

by rings on Mar 24, 2009 4:04 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Great Memories

I’m so sad to hear about George Kell’s passing. Ernie, Al and George were as important to me growing up as any Tiger players. We were so lucky to have them as part of the Tigers family. Rest in peace

by Detroit Dave on Mar 24, 2009 4:40 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Amazing memories

come from this sad news. I remember listening to Mr. Kell on UPN, right after the Simpsons (I’m pretty sure) growing up coming home late after school. His voice was so comforting and assuring—when I heard him I knew it was Tigers baseball time. He was great in so many ways. RIP Mr. Kell.

by Detroit4lyfe on Mar 24, 2009 5:22 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

This one hurts...

George Kell was a part of my life for…Well, he was always a part of my life, much like Ernie Harwell. They were not just the voices, but THE voices of the Tigers from when I first discovered the team as a 7 year old, to well into my adulthood.

As much as the Tigers changed over the years, as players would come and go, George Kell was a constant. As Detroit Dave mentioned, he was as important to the fans as the players themselves.

Damn.

waynefontes.com

by BigAl on Mar 24, 2009 5:50 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

More sad news

I just found out John Brattain, a writer for Hardball Times, also died today. I didn’t know him or anything, but always enjoyed his writing and righteous rants against greedy owners.

by mattintoledo on Mar 24, 2009 7:31 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

George Kell's passing

Swifton, AR and Detroit Tiger fans just lost a great human being. May you rest in peace, Mr. Kell—your southern dulcet voice will live long in my memory!

Aaron Rope

by Onyx on Mar 25, 2009 12:34 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

George Kell was one of the foundations of my sports fandom, along with the likes of Ernie Harwell, Bruce Martyn and George Blaha. a sad day, truly…

by ahtrap on Mar 25, 2009 1:22 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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