Featured here is a true gem for refined jersey collectors: a 1972 Detroit Tigers home jersey game-worn and signed by outfielder & first baseman Al Kalina aka "Mr. Tiger." Kaline's career resume speaks for itself: 15 All-Star game appearances 10 Gold Gloves one batting title 399 home runs and 3007 hits. He holds the record for most games played and most home runs by a Detroit Tiger and is without question not only the greatest living player in team history but also the most popular. In his only World Series appearance Kaline hit .379 with 2 HR and 8 RBI to help his Tigers knock off the Cardinals in '68. He was elected to the Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 1980 becoming just the 10th player in history to do so and his number "6" became the first number ever retired by the Tigers. By 1972 when Kaline donned this home gamer he was 37 years old and a shell of his former self. Yet he still managed to bat .313 over 106 games and help his Tigers win the AL East Division Title.

This white knit button-down jersey features the club's old English "D" logo sewn to the left breast in navy blue tackle twill "6" sewn to the back and "KALINE" arched atop the number in like fashion. Navy blue piping lines the collar and button path while a "Wilson" size "42" label resides within the cotton-lined collar. The piping has frayed ins certain areas but for the most part is tightly wound. "72 2" strip tagging is on the front left tail via a sewn-on identifier indicating year and set number. Kaline has signed and inscribed "Best Wishes" on the back below his number in beautiful 9/10 black felt tip pen. The all-original diamond apparel shows great wear with soiling and sweat staining consistent with game use. Presents beautifully and comes essentially as-issued and problem-free. Rare chance to own a Hall of Fame legend's gamer!

Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.

Includes Letter of Provenance from collector Bruce Tennen.

Bruce Tennen grew up in Detroit and has been a loyal Tigers fan for over 50 years. He began attending games at Tiger Stadium in the early 1960s with his father and grandfather longtime season ticket holders and would typically don the full uniform (pictured with his dad and sister in 1968 Tigers yearbook taking photo of pitcher Pat Dobson). Bruce has attended every Tigers home playoff series since 1968 and has been fortunate enough to build relationships with dozens of players. His passion for Tigers baseball and sports eventually lead him to pursue a career in the industry covering Arizona sports teams for the AP in the late 70s and working in the front office for the San Diego Clippers in the early 80s while moonlighting as a law student. He would later move on to a successful career in mortgage banking arranging credit and acquisition funding for numerous Pistons players executives and broadcasters. There may not be a bigger supporter of Detroit sports teams than Bruce Tennen.