John Frederick Hiller

John Frederick Hiller

Detroit Tigers Player (1965 – 1970, 1972 - 1980)

John Hiller was born in Toronto, Ontario and grew up in Scarborough, Ontario. He signed with the Tigers organization in 1962, making his Major League debut with the Tigers in 1965. He was a contributor as both a starter and a reliever, helping the Tigers win the 1968 World Series. After suffering a heart attack and missing the entire 1971 season he came back near the end of 1972. He had a great 1973 season as he posted 38 saves with a 1.44 ERA, led the league in appearances and games finished while earning the AL Fireman of the Year Award and the Comeback Player Award. He continued his successful relief work throughout the remainder of the 1970’s, including being named to the 1974 All-Star team, retiring after 11 appearances in 1980. At the time of his retirement, Hiller led the Tigers in many pitching categories. John Hiller was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1999 and inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1989.