After a nearly two year delay, the Detroit Tigers announced Wednesday they’ll officially retire Lou Whitaker’s number one in a ceremony that will take place before the game on August 6 against the Tampa Bay Rays at Comerica Park. Among those excited to see Whitaker being honored by the Tigers is former teammate Dan Petry, who spoke in a promotional video.
“To have that bestowed upon you, that your number is up there, it’s got to be the thrill of a lifetime, and I know for me, that when I look up there and I see that number 1, I can sit there and say I played with that guy. I played with greatness like that.”
Whitaker played his entire 19 year career with the Tigers. He was named the American League Rookie of the Year in 1978 and played in five All-Star Games.
