Former first baseman Dave Bergman died at 61, which now seems very young.

The Tigers extended condolences Monday to Bergman’s family, calling him “as spirited a person as he was a player.”

No cause of death was given.

A first baseman and outfielder, Bergman spent nine seasons in Detroit, where he arrived via trade in 1984.

That season brought him a World Championship ring. Bergman played a power position, but his ability to get on base represented his strength as a batter. He posted a .348 OBP for his career with a .367 slugging percentage. I remember him as a very good fielder, although bWAR does not reflect that.

My thoughts go out to his family and friends.