Tigers Legend Willie Horton Discusses His Role In The 1967 Detroit Riots

WKAR's Scott Pohl sat one-on-one with Detroit Tigers legend Willie Horton to discuss his role in the Detroit Riots, as well as his playing days with the Tigs. Listen to extended snippets here as Pohl joined Al Martin on today's "Current Sports."

Part One: Horton's childhood, signing with the Tigers.

43 dead. 1189 injured. 7231 arrested. 2509 stores looted or burned. 690 buildings destroyed. 388 families displaced from their home. Those numbers are the culmination of several days of unrest, starting in the early morning hours of July 23, in Detroit in late July of 1967. On that same day, the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees faced off in a double header at Tiger stadium, just 3 1/2 miles north of where the riots began. Amidst all the chaos, one Tigers star who had grown up in Detroit, tried bring an overwhelming sense of calmness to 12th and Clairmount, the epicenter of the riots... all while still in uniform.

The following is a compilation of Horton's life leading up to that fateful day. WKAR's Scott Pohl went to the legend's house discuss the historic moment a half-century later.

Part Two: The 1967 Detroit Tigers.

Part Three: Horton's place in history.

Part Four: July 23, 1967.

Part Five: Throwing Lou Brock out at the plate during Game 5 of the 1968 World Series.

Part Six: Horton on the last game played at Tiger Stadium.

Part Seven: Thoughts on Comerica Park, working with Mike Ilitch.

Part Eight: His health.

Scott joined Al Martin on WKAR's Current Sports to recount what it was like to speak with baseball legend.