I’m going to miss one of the biggest nights of the year at Dodd Stadium Monday.

I knew at the start of the Connecticut Tigers’ season as soon as we learned that second baseman Colin Kaline is baseball Hall of Famer Al Kaline’s grandson that we would get a chance to meet the more famous Kaline.

Well, he’s coming Monday and I will be in western Pennsylvania camping. So go to Dodd Stadium for me, say hello to “Mr. Tiger,” one of the greatest baseball players ever and by all accounts a true gentleman. He was one of my husband Dane’s favorite players as a kid.

I was listening to a Tigers road game earlier this year at Mahoning Valley on a night when Al Kaline was there to watch Colin play. A 26-year Detroit Tigers broadcaster after he retired, Kaline made a visit to the Tigers’ radio booth with very capable Connecticut Tigers announcer Justin Sheinis.

It was a real treat to hear him tell stories and marvel at watching a minor league game. He even got to call a play when a Mahoning Valley player grounded out to Colin Kaline at second base. "Looks like my grandson will get to make the last out of this inning," he said. Cool.

Funny because Al Kaline never played in the minor leagues. A “bonus baby” Kaline was signed out of high school and went directly to the Detroit Tigers. He spent his entire 22-year career with the Tigers from 1953 to 1974. He had 3,007 hits – Derek Jeter just passed him – 399 home runs and had a career .297 batting average. He was a perennial All Star and was elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

He still is a Tiger in his 55th year with the organization, now as a special assistant and advisor.

Al Kaline will sign autographs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and then will throw out the ceremonial first pitch to his grandson before to the game.

Oh, and he’s an author too. His newest book “Six: A Salute to AL Kaline” will be available for purchase in the Tigers Den, the Connecticut Tigers team store. A few signed books will also be given away during the game.

So go to the Connecticut Tigers game Monday night and shake hands with one of the all-time greats in baseball. Sit down and watch some of tomorrow’s stars, perhaps including that second baseman named Colin Kaline.