William Wattison (Willie) Horton

William Wattison (Willie) Horton

Detroit Tigers Player (1963 – 1977)

Willie Horton was born in Arno, Virginia moved to Detroit and following an outstanding baseball career at Detroit Northwestern High School was signed by the Tigers. He made his Tigers debut in 1963 and over his 18-year Major League career, 14 of which was spent with the Tigers, was an integral part of not only the Tigers but the Detroit community. He was an important member of the Tigers 1968 World Series Championship team. During his Tigers career, Horton batted.276 with 262 home runs and 866 RBI and was a four-time All-Star.  Willie Horton had his number “23” retired by the Tigers as well as a statue and was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1987.