Bill Freehan
| Birthdate | 11/29/1941 |
| Death Date | 8/19/2021 |
| Debut Year | 1961 |
| Year of Induction | |
| Teams | Tigers |
| Position | Catcher |
An All Star in all 11 seasons in which he caught 75+ games, Bill Freehan held MLB career records for catchers in fielding %, chances, and putouts at his retirement.
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The career of 11-time All Star Bill Freehan is underappreciated
The career of 11-time All Star Bill Freehan is underappreciated
One of the greatest catchers of his era, Bill Freehan made the All Star team in ten consecutive years. In fact he made the Mid Summer Classic in all 11 seasons in which he caught at least 75 games.
Freehan played for two American League champions including the 1968 World Series winners. In this photo Freehan (L) shakes hands with American League President and Hall of Fame shortstop Joe Cronin who has also signed the image. In the middle of the two is Tiger owner John Fetzer.
Bill Freehan was one of a select group of players to have off-field endorsements
Bill Freehan was one of a select group of players to have off-field endorsements
The Major League Baseball Players Association sent out questionnaires like this one to its players to determine what endorsements each man had.
Today’s players compliment their baseball salary with off field endorsements. That wasn’t always the case. This document was filled out by Bill Freehan on June 5, 1974. It shows him having a number of endorsements. This was rare for the era.
The catcher played for the Tigers not only in 1974, but for the entirety of his 15-year career.
John Fetzer owned the Tigers for the entirety of Freehan's career
John Fetzer owned the Tigers for the entirety of Freehan's career
Bill Freehan signed with the Detroit Tigers in 1961 and debuted later that same season. In this picture taken the same year, Freehan shakes hands with Tiger owner John Fetzer.
Many believe Freehan deserves Cooperstown consideration. An all star in all 11 season in which he caught at least 75 games, Freehan played in 11 All Star games and was a Gold Glove catcher all five seasons from 1965-1969.
Freehan’s signature appears between the two men.
Bill Freehan, Willie Horton, Al Kaline, and Mickey Lolich are Detroit legends
Bill Freehan, Willie Horton, Al Kaline, and Mickey Lolich are Detroit legends
In the collection is this limited edition Upper Deck collectors series tribute to the 1971 Tigers signed by Freehan, Willie Horton, Al Kaline and Mickey Lolich. All four players were on the Tigers 1968 championship team and the 1971 team that won 91 games.
Freehan was an All Star in both years and enjoyed his finest all around season in ’68 when he also won a Gold Glove and was second in MVP voting.
Many believe Freehan has a case for Cooperstown.
The best catcher and great nice man and knew the game better than onyone ive known…billy was a very special glue for our team. Billy was a REAL PLAYER
Put Bill Freehan in the Hall of Fame.
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Thanks, Denny. You sure had a special year in 1968 and I’d bet Bill was a big part of that. Always great to hear from you.
The people who hold the keys to the HOF need to be FIRED. Seems like they no nothing of baseball or they are political or just love their power. Bill Freehan definitely belongs in the HOF. I’m a Yankee fan and I always appreciated the talent Mr. Freehan gave to his position.
HOF material
Best catcher of an entire decade, but he isn’t in the HOF? It defies any rational explanation.
Freehan was the toughest Tiger All Time. Reggie Jackson sat out a World Series because of a collision with Freehan. He led league in HBP year after year. Played broken fingers many times. Bill was one tough cookie
I think William Ashley Freehan was one of the best catchers of the time. Even better and more consistent than, another top Tiger catcher, Lance Parrish. Who can forget the great block of Lou Brock in the ’68 World Series.