Sad news from Cincinnati today. Former Tigers shortstop Eddie Brinkman passed away at 66.
Brinkman joined the Tigers in 1971 as part of the trade that sent Denny McLain to the Washington Senators.
Brinkman won the Gold Glove in 1972, the same season he finished in the Top 10 for Most Valuable Player, and was named to the American League All-Star Team in 1973.
After his playing career, Brinkman was a coach and scout for the White Sox from 1983-2000.
Brinkman wore number 8 in his four seasons in Detroit. He never hit over .237 — an average the Tigers would welcome from Brandon Inge.
He epitomized good-glove-no-stick at shortstop and, according to my brother who watched him play, was a joy to watch.
