Tigers draftee Salter grandson of Freehan

By Chris Vannini / MLB.com

DETROIT -- Continuing a tradition of drafting family members of current and former players, the Detroit Tigers drafted catcher Blaise Salter -- grandson of former Tigers catcher Bill Freehan -- in the 38th round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft on Wednesday.

The 17-year-old Salter, who attended St. Mary's Preparatory in Orchard Lake, Michigan, has signed a letter of intent to play for Michigan State.

Freehan was an 11-time All-Star and won five consecutive Gold Gloves in his career, which was spent entirely with the Tigers. Freehan was born in Royal Oak, Mich., and attended the University of Michigan. Freehan was 19 years old when he made his debut with the Tigers, and he played in Detroit for 12 seasons, including the 1968 World Series championship campaign.

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