Sheffield ties Kaline on RBI list ON 5/9/08!!!!!

05/09/2008 11:35 PM ET
Sheffield ties Kaline on RBI list
Run-scoring double against Yanks pulls vet even with legend

By Scott McNeish / MLB.com

DETROIT -- One Tigers outfielder pulled even with another on Friday night against the Yankees at Comerica Park.

Newly instated left fielder Gary Sheffield recorded his 1,583rd career RBI on a double to left field in a three-run third inning, tying Hall of Fame outfielder Al Kaline for 35th on the all-time list. The hit gave the Tigers a three-run lead, and they hung on for a 6-5 win.

At first, Sheffield didn't know that he tied the Tigers legend, but he was pleasantly surprised.

"When I got in the dugout, guys told me," Sheffield said. "If I would have known that when I was out on base, I would have acknowledged it. I just play the game because I love it, so when stuff like that comes up, I appreciate it."

The 39-year-old former designated hitter ranks fourth in RBIs among active players behind Manny Ramirez, Frank Thomas and Ken Griffey Jr. With the RBI, Sheffield sits one behind Hall of Famers Harmon Killebrew and Rogers Hornsby for 33rd all-time.

"It's always special when your name pops up with names like that," Sheffield said. "When those names pop up, you know you've really done something."

After a slow start to the season, due in part to a nagging right shoulder injury, Sheffield has shown signs of breaking out of his slump. Over the past eight games, he is hitting .308.

Sheffield said after Friday's win that his health -- both mentally and physically -- has improved.

"The shoulder's getting better and better," Sheffield said. "I feel great."

Kaline, who goes by the nickname "Mr. Tiger," played his entire 21-year career for Detroit, mainly in right field. A member of the 1968 World Series championship team, Kaline finished his career batting .297 with 3,007 hits and 399 home runs.

Kaline was voted into the Hall of Fame in 1980 and later became the first Tigers player to have his number retired.

Scott McNeish is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Hooray for Sheff!

Woo Hoo

:sheff:

laprimamirala wrote:

:sheff:

I'm sure your DH will be proud in wearing his sheff hat!

He wore it to the 4/25 game....will make him wear it in 2 weeks!