Lou Whitaker Biography

Louis Rodman Whitaker Jr. born on May 12, 1957, is an American former professional baseball player who played as a second baseman and was nicknamed Sweet Lou. Whitaker played his entire Major League Baseball career with the Detroit Tigers. He was selected as an American League All-Star from 1983 to 1987, won four Silver Slugger Awards, and earned three Gold Glove Awards during his career. Whitaker made his Major League debut in September 1977 and was awarded American League Rookie of the Year in 1978. He won the Tiger of the Year award in 1983 after recording a .320 batting average and 206 hits. Whitaker and shortstop Alan Trammell formed the longest-running double play combination in major-league history over 19 seasons. Whitaker graduated from high school in 1975 and committed to play college baseball for Ferrum College.