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The Detroit Tigers announced that Lou Whitaker’s No. 1 will be retired in a pre-game ceremony at Comerica Park on Saturday, August 6, 2022, presented by Bally Sports Detroit. The Tigers proudly salute Lou Whitaker for his on-field accomplishments during his 19-year Major League career, all spent in the Motor City.

One of the best players to ever wear the Old English D, “Sweet Lou” Whitaker’s career honors include five All-Star Game appearances, four Silver Slugger Awards, three Gold Gloves and being named American League Rookie of the Year in 1978. Whitaker teamed with Hall of Famer Alan Trammell to form the longest-running double play combination in Major League Baseball history as the duo anchored Detroit’s middle infield for 19 seasons.

Fans can be a part of the celebration with the corresponding “Double Play Deal” ticket package, which includes: 

  • Ticket to the Detroit Tigers home opener on April 8 vs. the Chicago White Sox
  • Ticket to the Lou Whitaker Number Retirement Game on August 6 vs. Tampa Bay (6:10 PM), including that day’s gate giveaway (Lou Whitaker Replica 1984 Road Jersey)

The ticket package will be available while supplies last and starts at just $65. For more information or to purchase tickets, fans can visit Tigers.com/DoublePlay. 

Lou Whitaker’s career has been filled with awards and superlatives:

  • American League Rookie of the Year (1978)
  • 5 times All Star (1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987)
  • 3 times Gold Glove Award (1983, 1984, 1985)
  • 4 times Silver Slugger (1983, 1984, 1985, 1987)
  • World Series Champion (1984)

With soft hands, great movement, fluid body motion and strong and steady throws, Whitaker was one of the best second basemen of the 1980s defensively. With a longevity and consistency that is matched by very few in Major League Baseball history at second base, his fielding percentage of 0.9837 over 19,068 innings is simply outstanding. Whitaker played 2,390 games for the Tigers, third most in franchise history, and fourth best for a second baseman in MLB history.

While he was known for his incredible defensive skills, Whitaker brought excellence to all facets of the game. Not surprisingly, he ranks among the Tigers All-Time Leaders in over a dozen categories, including hits, home runs, RBIs, stolen bases, runs scored, total bases and more. His career WAR (wins above replacement) of 75.1 is better than all but six second basemen in MLB history.