Mr BioFile Interviews by Scoop Malinowski
By Scoop Malinowski / MLB.com
DOB: December 19, 1934 in Baltimore, Maryland
Childhood Heroes: “Stan Musial, Ted Williams – the ones I idolized growing up in Baltimore. I always wanted to wear one of their uniform numbers. When I joined Detroit, Pat Mullen, who wore number 6, was released. And he came up to me and said, Al, I’d like for you to wear my uniform number. And that’s how I got number 6. And I was happy because Stan Musial was one of my heroes.”
Nicknames: “Number 6, The Line, Special K.”
Early Baseball Memory: “My dad (Nicholas) lived in the middle of the city of downtown Baltimore. And there were no playgrounds or fields around to play on. My dad had to drive me around everywhere I wanted to play. And I remember that. He went out of his way to help me. I was a very shy kid and would never push myself on playing. But he encouraged me to go play and was there right with me all the time. Driving me to all the ballfields to play.”
First Job: “Was a baseball player after high school, I went right to Detroit, the Major League (at age 18 in 1953). Unless you count shoveling driveways to get change to buy comic books [smiles].”
Funny Baseball Memory: “Any time I was around Norm Cash. He was one of the funniest people I’ve ever been around. We were close friends. Norm Cash walking up to the plate, Nolan Ryan pitching a no-hitter…he takes a table leg to hit. Another time we were losing real bad and he had a pair of glasses with windshield wipers on them [smiles]. Any time I was around Norm Cash, it was funny. Cash was a showman and he enjoyed it.”
Favorite Movies: “Westerns, John Wayne, Clint Eastwood. Tom Selleck – who I know personally. I like his shows.”
Musical Tastes: “Any kind I can understand the words to. Country western, Barbra Streisand. Not too profound. Something I can enjoy. Something I can enjoy, maybe kick back too, maybe fall asleep to.”
Greatest Sports Moment: “Playing on the ’68 team, winning the World Series. Becoming World Champions. No question about it. It was knowing that we were world champions. After finishing second in 1967. That last out and all of a sudden it seemed like the whole weight was lifted off your shoulders. It was Game 7, Bill Freehan caught a pop-up foul ball and we finally won, we finally beat the Cardinals. All I can remember was running from the outfield and I couldn’t wait to get to the dugout to greet all the players. Individually…when I was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 1980 was really the greatest moment other than playing in the field.”
Most Painful Moment: “The last out of 1967. We lost to the Angels, a last place team, they really played us hard. You’d think they’d just rollover. They played hard, to their credit. Dick McAuliffe hit into a double play. And had we won the game, we would’ve won the division championship in ’67. And Dick never hit into a double play all year long till the last out of the season. And he hit a shot to second and they turned a double play. But it wasn’t his fault…he hit a shot. But that was the most disappointing, because we felt we should have won in ’67 also. Boston ended up winning.”
Favorite Athletes To Watch: “Any athlete that gives 100%. I love watching those kind of guys…Michael Jordan, Bart Starr, Johnny Unitas, Paul Molitor, Kirby Puckett – he showed a love for the game every time he stepped on the field. Had an enthusiasm. I like that in a person.”
Toughest Competitors: “So many. I can think of so many. I played against so many great people. Doesn’t have to be the stars. Anybody who showed up every day and played hard. All I can say is that I was very lucky to play this great game of baseball. And it’s the only thing I ever wanted to do in my life since I was 10-years old. The thrill of putting on that uniform is something I’ll never forget.”
Favorite Meal: “Italian food, chicken.”
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: “Vanilla.”
Interesting Fact: “I don’t like talking about myself. One reason why the Detroit media – in my early years – was down on me a little bit was because they kept on asking me questions about myself and I was not one to brag on myself. And, consequently, I gave them real short answers. And, of course, they had jobs to do. I guess I was a little tough to deal with. Ask me about other people, anything else about baseball…I don’t like to elaborate on myself.”
Most Treasured Possession: “The 1968 World Series ring. I don’t wear rings, but it’s something my kids or grandkids will have to look at if they want to. Getting to the big show, getting to display your talents to the world and becoming world champions. The ring is what we all play for. No matter how much money you make, everyone wants to get to the big show and hopefully become world champions. (Where do you keep the ring?) In a safe deposit box. Again, I don’t wear any rings, any kind of display of good fortunes. But it’s there and I know it’s there.”
People Qualities Most Admired: “Honesty. Someone who appreciates the opportunities that they’re given in life. People that are able to overcome obstacles, maybe misfortunes. Because not everybody is dealt the same cards in life. And it’s unfortunate. To see people survive and overcome harsh times or difficult times – I really admire them. That shows a certain quality in people.”
Career Accomplishments: “One world championship; 3007 career hits; 18 All-Star games; 10 Gold Gloves; Batting champion in 1955 – his second season at age 20 (youngest in A.L. history).
Scoop Malinowski is a contributor to MLB.com. He created the Biofile interview feature in 1992. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
