WINDSOR (WWJ) - Former Detroit Tigers infielder Reno Bertoia has died of lymphoma at 76. The Windsor Star reports Bertoia died Friday morning at Windsor Regional Hospital.

Bertoia, who was born in Italy and grew up in Windsor, played ten seasons in the major leagues, eight of them with the Tigers in the 1950s and 60s.

After retiring, he taught for 30 years at Catholic schools in Windsor.

Tiger Hall of Famer Al Kaline, Bertoia’s roommate for several seasons, said in a statement, “Reno was a special person and one of the nicest people to be around.”

Kaline says the two remained friends even after the Tigers traded Bertoia.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.