On Saturday, the Detroit Tigers will finally retire the No. 1 jersey of longtime second baseman Lou Whitaker, 27 years after his retirement following the 1995 season. (Don’t worry, Joey Wentz: The No. 43 “Sweet Lou” wore during his rookie season of 1977 is still available.)
It’s an honor long overdue for Whitaker, considering where the 19-year veteran ranks among the franchise’s leaders in numerous categories. A sampling: