Former Tigers infielder Dick McAuliffe died Friday:
Price said McAuliffe was Ian Kinsler for the Tigers in 1968, referring to the team’s current second baseman, who is known for his consistent play.
McAuliffe led the league with a single-season career-high 95 runs scored in 1968. McAuliffe also set single-season career highs with 24 doubles and 10 triples that season, to go along with 16 home runs. He finished seventh in the AL MVP voting that season (Tigers pitcher Denny McLain won MVP, Tigers catcher Bill Freehan was second and Tigers outfielder Willie Horton was fourth).
In an era where middle infielders didn’t have a lot of power, McAuliffe hit 24 home runs in 1964, 23 in 1966 and 22 in 1967.
My thoughts go out to his family and friends.
It’s interesting that the article starts out talking about McAuliffe being tough, responding to pitcher intimidation with fights. He injured Tommy John‘s shoulder in one altercation and knocked him out for the rest of the season. Seems more like Rougned Odor than Ian Kinsler.
McAuliffe was a good top of the order hitter, posting a .343 OBP for his career, thanks in part to 882 walks in 16 seasons. He drew over 100 walks in a season twice in his career.
from baseballmusings.com http://ift.tt/1Oyww3a
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