A few athletes who played in this town need no last name when you reference them.
Isiah. Barry. Stevie. And one more.
When you say “Willie,” everyone in these parts knows you are talking about Willie Horton.
In a very real sense, as revered as the aforementioned icons (and others) are and as important as they are to our community, Horton embodies Detroit.
The pride and joy of the former Northwestern High School, Horton (who was born in the small Virginia town of Arno) was essentially raised here. And with the exception of a three-year period near the end of his illustrious 18-year big league career that included four All-Star appearances and a World Championship in 1968, he spent the majority of his playing days with the Detroit Tigers before the late, great Mike Ilitch brought him to the front office where he works to this day.
Horton, who on Tuesday was an honorary coach for the American League All-Star Team at the invitation of Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker, has just published a new autobiography, “Willie Horton: 23: Detroit’s own Willie the Wonder, the Tigers’ First Black Great,” with co-author Kevin Allen.
“Before I signed with the Tigers, my papa and grandma said, ‘Don’t sign that contract unless you can make a lifelong commitment to your job and to your fans.’ I have lived that through my life and I still think about that,” Horton told me during yet another standout week for the 79-year-old.
Long before diversity and inclusion initiatives became popular strategies in business, Ilitch (who routinely provided leadership positions for minorities at the Tigers) started by bringing Horton into the front office when his playing career ended.
Denise Ilitch, whose family has owned the Tigers for 30 years, said her father and Horton were close.
“My dad loved Willie Horton. He related to him on many levels and they were close friends, talking and confiding in one another all the time. And of course, baseball was that common love,” she said.
“We, as a family, have carried on the tradition but more as a group text where Willie sends us nuggets of wisdom and faith as reminders of what’s really important,” Ilitch added.
Rare is the opportunity to grow up in a city and end up playing for your hometown team.
Yet, Horton did just that and has utilized his love, knowledge and passion for Detroit to routinely give back. As just one memorable example, longtime city residents will recall he took to the streets in his Tigers uniform during the ‘67 riot to help calm the community. But that was merely a visible demonstration. Horton has performed countless acts of community service behind the scenes for decades.
Detroit’s Police Athletic League (PAL), a well-known community organization that has helped youths through sports for decades, has been a primary Horton focus.
“Willie Horton is a legend, not just for what he did on the field, but for how he has embraced the community. We appreciate his commitment to Detroit PAL and his sincere love for seeing the best for the children we have served for over 50 years,” said Fred Hunter, CEO of Detroit PAL.
Robert Jamerson, former CEO of PAL, saw Horton as a leader.
“The No. 1 thing that defines a person’s leadership is their ability to influence, and Mr. Horton has a legacy of influence that will live on well beyond his years on earth,” Jamerson said.
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“It was not uncommon for me to reach out to him to get his perspective on today’s issues to see how he would navigate them because, sadly, some challenges remain the same.” Jamerson added.
“He was also instrumental in helping to ensure PAL’s relationship with the Detroit Police Department was prioritized and officers (were) involved and engaged,” Jamerson said.
“I have never forgotten what he did then, and today, and with many others will forever see Mr. Willie Horton as a national treasure.”
More than the game
Sports and community have resonated with Horton since he was old enough to pick up a baseball and bat.
“Sports makes you realize you can be anything and do anything you want in life. It’s about much more than batting a ball or holding a football in hand, it’s about these kids’ lives. And right now, we need that more than ever,” Horton said.
I pride myself on bringing readers of my column and viewers of my television show unvarnished, unbiased viewpoints each week. But count me guilty as being among the many thousands of Detroiters who have since childhood looked up to Horton, who remains a legendary figure.
The new autobiography is a walk down memory lane with a man whose contributions go far beyond his accomplishments as an athlete and baseball executive. It’s a must-read for those who feel about Detroit as he does.
Contact Carol Cain: 313-222-6732 or clcain@cbs.com. She is senior producer/host of “Michigan Matters,” which airs 8 a.m. Sundays on CBS 62. See OU’s David Dulio, Susy Avery and Ed Sarpolis on this Sunday’s show.