Recalling Ray Oyler

While Ray Oyler, not a good hitter by major league standards–(I wish I could have hit as well. People do not realize how good you have to be to make the big leagues), was benched by manager Mayo Smith, to get the better hitting, Mickey Stanley, into the Detroit Tigers’1968 World Series lineup, he still was a big part of that great title season in Motown (Detroit).

Shortstop Oyler was a superb fielder and along with third baseman, Don Wert, formed a great defensive left side of the infield.

The Tigers “roared” to the pennant that season, with Oyler playing 111 games.

He was a defensive replacement in all 4 Detroit World Series wins as they came back from a (3-1) series deficit to dethrone the defending champion St. Louis Cardinals, in the World Series.

Sadly, Ray Oyler died at the very young age of 42.

I recall fondly his playing days, especially his great fielding, at the very important shortstop position.