[Challenger]

Grew up in Baltimore and played baseball at Baltimore City College (all male public high school) in 56/57. Although Al's alma mater, he graduated four years before me, (Southern High) was our arch rival, his aura followed his team for many years thereafter. One of the greatest role models that modern professional sports ever has ever seen.

[jsmith99]

Had an Al Kaline glove when I was growing up. Great player!

[abbeyroad]

I remember once when I was a little kid getting his autograph. My dad took me to a game and afterward we were standing outside the players exit. My dad talked with him a minute and he autographed my baseball glove on one of the fingers. This was back in the days we had the index finger outside the glove. That's right where he put his signature and within a season or two I completely wore away the signature. I had the glove up until about 2 years ago when I finally let it go.

[cj740@comcast.net]

Originally Posted by Chatbrat

As a young baseball player, we all had heroes--was saddened to learn my hero Al Kaline passed away--I grew up in B'klyn-- he was my hero, all my bats were his models

RIP --Al , you were my guiding star.

Where in Brooklyn did you grow up? I am from Bay Ridge. 61st. 5th Avenue

[John_W]

ESPN tonight replayed the Sept 6, 1995 Oriole game where my hero Cal Ripken broke Lou Gehrig's record by playing 2,131 consecutive games. It didn't end there, he went onto play 2,632 consecutive games before he sat one out.