Known for his wide-open batting stance and Mel Ott-style leg kick, McAuliffe was a rarity in the 1960s, a middle infielder with power, three times topping 20 homers. One of the best leadoff men of his era, he tied a ML record by going the entire 1968 season without grounding into a double play. The Tigers’ catalyst in their 1968 World Championship year, leading the AL with 95 runs scored, the gritty McAuliffe was suspended for five days during the stretch drive for charging Chicago’s Tommy John during a brushback war. He showed his fortitude again the following season, hitting a pinch homer in his last at-bat before being forced onto the disabled list with a knee injury. He was the AL’s starting shortstop in the 1965 and 1966 All-Star games, and was an All-Star second baseman in 1967. He retired among Detroit’s all-time top ten in five offensive categories.
