A Bill Freehan cutout stands outside of Memorial Park on July 22 when the Royal Oak Leprechauns honored the 11-time all-star who played 15 years with the Detroit Tigers.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Fans read Memorial Park’s Bill Freehan billboard on July 22.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

ROYAL OAK — The Royal Oak Leprechauns hosted Bill Freehan Night during the team’s July 22 home game against the Kalamazoo Growlers as a way to honor the local legend.

Freehan, who played 15 years for the Detroit Tigers and made 11 All-Star Games, was raised in Royal Oak and played baseball at Memorial Park throughout his youth. He died at age 79 in 2021.

“(Freehan) went to Shrine elementary school. … He had these deep roots to Royal Oak,” Royal Oak Historical Society Director Judy Davids said. “And we we

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