Jump to content

Detroit Tigers

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Detroit Tigers, Inc.)

Detroit Tigers
2024 Detroit Tigers season
LogoCap insignia
Major league affiliations
Current uniform
Retired numbers
Colors
  • Navy blue, orange, white[1][2][3]
         
Name
  • Detroit Tigers (1901–present)
Other nicknames
Ballpark
Major league titles
World Series titles (4)
AL Pennants (11)
AL Central Division titles (4)
AL East Division titles (3)
Wild card berths (2)
Front office
Principal owner(s)Ilitch Holdings
President of baseball operationsScott Harris
General managerJeff Greenberg
ManagerA. J. Hinch
Websitemlb.com/tigers

The Detroit Tigers are an American professional baseball team based in Detroit. The Tigers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Central Division. One of the AL's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit as a member of the minor league Western League in 1894 and is the only Western League team still in its original city. They are also the oldest continuous one name, one city franchise in the AL.[9] Ty Cobb, who played his first season with Detroit in 1905, later became the first Tiger to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.

Since their establishment as a major league franchise in 1901, the Tigers have won four World Series championships (1935, 1945, 1968, and 1984), 11 AL pennants (1907, 1908, 1909, 1934, 1935, 1940, 1945, 1968, 1984, 2006, 2012), and four AL Central division championships (2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014). They also won division titles in 1972, 1984, and 1987 as a member of the AL East. Since 2000, the Tigers have played their home games at Comerica Park in Downtown Detroit.

The Tigers constructed Bennett Park at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Trumbull Avenue in Corktown just west of Downtown Detroit and began playing there in 1896. In 1912, the team moved into Navin Field, which was built on the same location. It was expanded in 1938 and renamed Briggs Stadium. It was renamed Tiger Stadium in 1961 and the Tigers played there until 1999.

From 1901 to 2024, the Tigers' overall win–loss record is 9,676–9,567–93 (.503).[10] The franchise's best winning percentage was .656 in 1934, while its worst was .265 in 2003.

History

[edit]

Western League beginnings (1894–1900)

[edit]
1900 Detroit Tigers team photo

The franchise was founded as a member of the reorganized Western League in 1894.[11] They originally played at Boulevard Park, sometimes called League Park. It was located on East Lafayette, then called Champlain Street, between Helen and East Grand Boulevard, near Belle Isle.[12] In 1895, owner George Vanderbeck decided to build Bennett Park at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull Avenues, which would remain the team's base of operations for the next 104 seasons.[13][14] The first game at The Corner was an exhibition on April 13, 1896. The team, now occasionally called the "Tigers," beat a local semi-pro team, known as the Athletics, by a score of 30–3.[13][14] The Tigers played their first Western League game at Bennett Park on April 28, 1896, defeating the Columbus Senators 17–2.[13][14]

At the end of the 1897 season, Rube Waddell was loaned to the team to gain professional experience. After being fined, Waddell left Detroit to pitch in Canada.[15]

When the Western League renamed itself the American League for 1900, it was still a minor league, but the next year, it broke from the National Agreement and declared itself a major league, openly competing with the National League for players and for fans in four contested cities.[16][17][18] For a while, there were rumors of the team relocating to Pittsburgh. However, these rumors were put to rest when the two leagues made peace in 1903 when they signed a new National Agreement.[19]

First Major League season (1901)

[edit]
Logo (1901 to 1902)

The Tigers were established as a charter member of the now major league American League in 1901.[20] They played their first game as a major league team at home against the Milwaukee Brewers on April 25, 1901, with an estimated 10,000 fans at Bennett Park.[17][21] After entering the ninth inning behind 13–4, the team staged a dramatic comeback to win 14–13.[21] The team finished third in the eight-team league.[22]

That initial season they were the first major league team to have a mascot—a red tiger on a dark background—on their ballcap. It was replaced by the letter "D" in 1903, and their iconic Olde English-style letterform appeared the following year.[23]

The Cobb era (1905–1926)

[edit]

1905

[edit]
Ty Cobb in 1913

In 1905, the team acquired 18-year-old Ty Cobb, a fearless player who came to be regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. The addition of Cobb to an already talented team that included Sam Crawford, Hughie Jennings, Bill Donovan and George Mullin quickly yielded results.[24]

1907 American League Champions

[edit]

Behind the hitting of outfielders Ty Cobb (.350) and Sam Crawford (.323), and the pitching of Bill Donovan and Ed Killian (25 wins each), the Tigers went 92–58 to win the AL pennant in 1907 by 1.5 games over the Philadelphia Athletics.[25][26] They moved on to their first World Series appearance against the Chicago Cubs.[27][28]

Game 1 ended in a rare 3–3 tie, called due to darkness after 12 innings.[27][28] The Tigers scored only three runs in the succeeding four games, never scoring more than one run in a game, and lost the Series, 4–0.[27]

1908 American League Champions

[edit]
1908 World Series program

The Tigers won the AL by just a half-game over the 90–64 Cleveland Naps with a 90–63 record.[29] Cobb hit .324, while Sam Crawford hit .311 with 7 home runs, which was enough to lead the league in the "dead ball" era.[30]

The Cubs, however, would defeat the Tigers again in the 1908 World Series, this time in five games.[31] This would be the Cubs' last World Championship until 2016.[32]

1909 American League Champions

[edit]

In 1909, Detroit posted a 98–54 season, winning the AL pennant by 3.5 games over the Athletics.[33] Ty Cobb won the batting triple crown in 1909, hitting .377 with 9 home runs (all inside-the-park) and 107 RBIs.[34][35] He also led the league with 76 stolen bases.[35] George Mullin was the pitching hero, going 29–8 with a 2.22 ERA, while fellow pitcher Ed Willett went 21–10.[36] Mullin's 11–0 start in 1909 was a Tigers record for 104 years, finally being broken by Max Scherzer's 13–0 start in 2013.[37][38][39]

It was hoped that a new opponent in the 1909 Series, the Pittsburgh Pirates, would yield different results. The Tigers performed better in the Fall Classic, taking Pittsburgh to seven games, but they were blown out 8–0 in the decisive game at Bennett Park.[40]

1910–1914

[edit]

The Tigers dropped to third place in the American League in 1910 with an 86–68 record.[41] They posted 89 wins in 1911 to finish second, but were still well behind a powerhouse Philadelphia Athletics team that won 101 games.[42] The team sunk to a dismal sixth place in both the 1912 and 1913 seasons.[43][44] A bright spot in 1912 was George Mullin pitching the franchise's first no-hitter in a 7–0 win over the St. Louis Browns on July 4, his 32nd birthday.[45]

Cobb went into the stands in a May 15, 1912, game to attack a fan that was abusing him, and was suspended. Three days later, the Tigers protested the suspension by fielding a team of replacement players against the Philadelphia Athletics. They lost 24–2.[46] During this five-season stretch, Cobb posted batting averages of .383, .420, .409, .390 and .368, winning the batting title every year.[47]

1915

[edit]

In 1915, the Tigers won a then-club record 100 games, but narrowly lost the AL pennant to the Boston Red Sox, who won 101 games.[48] The 1915 Tigers were led by an outfield consisting of Ty Cobb, Sam Crawford, and Bobby Veach that finished #1, #2, and #3 in RBIs and total bases.[49] Cobb also set a stolen base record with 96 steals in 1915 that stood until 1962, when it was broken by Maury Wills.[50] Baseball historian Bill James has ranked the 1915 Tigers outfield as the greatest in the history of baseball.[49] The only team in Tigers' history with a better winning percentage than the 1915 squad was the 1934 team that lost the World Series to the St. Louis Cardinals.[51]

1916–1920

[edit]

The Tigers dropped to third place in 1916 with an 87–67 record, and would remain mired in the middle of the AL standings the rest of the decade, never winning more than 80 games.[52][53][54][55][56] In the late teens and into the 1920s, Cobb continued to be the marquee player, though he was pushed by budding star outfielder Harry Heilmann, who went on to hit .342 for his career.[57]

Hughie Jennings left the Tigers after the 1920 season, having accumulated 1,131 wins as a manager.[58] This stood as a Tiger record until 1992, when it was broken by Sparky Anderson.[59] Cobb himself took over managerial duties in 1921, but during his six years at the helm, the Tigers topped out at 86 wins and never won a pennant.[60][61][62]

1921

[edit]

In 1921, the Tigers amassed 1,724 hits and a team batting average of .316, the highest team hit total and batting average in AL history.[63] That year, outfielders Harry Heilmann and Ty Cobb finished #1 and #2 in the American League batting race with batting averages of .394 and .389, respectively.[64] The downfall of the 1921 Tigers, however, was the absence of good pitching. The team ERA was 4.40.[65] Without pitching to support the offense, the 1921 Tigers finished in sixth place in the American League at 71–82, 27 games behind the New York Yankees.[66]

On August 19, 1921, Cobb collected his 3,000th career hit off Elmer Myers of the Boston Red Sox. Aged 34 at the time, he is still the youngest player to reach that milestone, also reaching it in the fewest at-bats (8,093).[67][68]

1922–1926

[edit]

The Tigers continued to field good teams during Ty Cobb's tenure as player-manager, finishing as high as second in 1923, but lack of quality pitching kept them from winning a pennant.[61][69] Harry Heilmann hit .403 in 1923, becoming the last AL player to top .400 until Ted Williams hit .406 in 1941.[70] In 1925, Heilmann collected six hits in a season-ending doubleheader to win the batting title, finishing at .393 to Tris Speaker's .389.[71][72]

Cobb announced his retirement in November 1926 after 22 seasons with the Tigers, though he would return to play two more seasons with the Philadelphia Athletics.[60][61]

The Tigers break through (1927–1940)

[edit]
Hank Greenberg

1927–1933

[edit]

Though the Tigers struggled with mediocre records in the seven years following Cobb's departure, they were building a solid foundation, adding slugging first baseman Hank Greenberg and pitchers Tommy Bridges and Schoolboy Rowe to a lineup that already included second baseman Charlie Gehringer.[73]

In 1927, Harry Heilmann flirted with a .400 batting average all year, eventually finishing at .398 and winning his fourth AL batting title.[74]

Following the 1933 season, the Tigers added perhaps the final piece of the puzzle, acquiring catcher Mickey Cochrane from the Philadelphia Athletics to serve as player-manager.[73]

1934 American League Champions

[edit]

The Tigers won the 1934 AL pennant with a 101–53 record, at the time a team record for wins, and still the best win percentage (.656) in team history.[51] The Tigers infield (Hank Greenberg and Charlie Gehringer, along with shortstop Billy Rogell and third baseman Marv Owen) accumulated 462 runs during the season, with Gehringer (214 hits, .356 average) leading the way.[75][76] Schoolboy Rowe led a strong pitching staff, winning 16 straight decisions at one point of the season and finishing with a 24–8 record.[77]

The Tigers would fall in the 1934 World Series in seven games to the "Gashouse Gang" St. Louis Cardinals.[73][78] After winning a tight battle in Game 5 with a 3–1 decision over Dizzy Dean, Detroit took a 3–2 series lead, but would lose the next two games at Navin Field (Tiger Stadium).[78] For the second time in a World Series Game 7, Detroit folded. St. Louis scored seven times in the third inning off starter Elden Auker and a pair of relievers, while Dean baffled the Tiger hitters en route to an 11–0 victory.[73][78][79][80] The final game was marred by an ugly incident. After spiking Tigers third baseman Marv Owen in the sixth inning, Cardinals left fielder Joe Medwick had to be removed from the game for his own safety by Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis after being pelted with debris from angry fans in the large temporary bleacher section in left field.[73][78][79]

1935 World Series Champions

[edit]

The Tigers 1935 lineup featured four future Hall of Famers (Hank Greenberg, Mickey Cochrane, Goose Goslin and Charlie Gehringer).[81] Although they did not challenge the 1934 team's 101 wins, their 93–58 record was good enough to give them the AL pennant by three games over the New York Yankees.[82] Greenberg was named AL MVP after hitting .328 and leading the league in home runs (36), extra-base hits (98) and RBIs (168).[83][84] Incredibly, Greenberg's RBI total was 48 higher than the next closest player (Lou Gehrig, with 120).[84] The Tigers also got strong contributions from Gehringer (.330), Cochrane (.319) and starting pitchers Tommy Bridges (21–10) and Elden Auker (18–7).[85]

The Tigers finally won their first World Series, defeating the Chicago Cubs, 4–2. Game 6 concluded with Goslin's dramatic walk-off RBI single, scoring Cochrane for a 4–3 victory.[73]

After owner Frank Navin died in the offseason, Walter Briggs Sr. took over control of the team.[86][87]

1936–1939

[edit]

Despite being forecast to win the American League pennant again in 1936,[88] the Tigers fell to a distant second place behind the New York Yankees both that season and in 1937.[89][90] The team fell further down the standings with an 84–70 record in 1938 and an 81–73 record in 1939.[91][92] Hank Greenberg nevertheless provided some excitement for Tigers fans in 1938 by challenging the single-season home run record held by Babe Ruth (60). He went into the season's final weekend against the Cleveland Indians with 58 home runs, tied with Jimmie Foxx for the most by a right-handed batter at the time, but he failed to homer.[93][94][95]

During the final week of the 1938 season, the Tigers presciently held out doubts about a pennant in 1939, but figured that 1940 would be their year.[96]

1940 American League Champions

[edit]

In a tight three-team race, the 90–64 Tigers won the 1940 AL pennant by one game over the Cleveland Indians and two games over the New York Yankees.[97] Prior to the season, first baseman Hank Greenberg was persuaded to move to left field to make room for Rudy York, whom the Tigers had deemed no longer suitable to be their catcher.[98] The move proved successful. York hit .316 with 33 home runs and 134 RBIs. Greenberg batted .340 and slammed 41 home runs while driving in 150.[99] Greenberg won his second AL MVP award, becoming the first major leaguer to win the award at two different positions.[98] Charlie Gehringer batted .313 while collecting 101 walks (for a .428 on-base percentage) and scoring 108 runs.[99]

Bobo Newsom was the ace of the Tiger pitching staff in 1940, going 21–5 with a 2.83 ERA.[99] An unlikely hero on the mound this season was 30-year-old rookie Floyd Giebell. Making just his third major league start on September 27, Giebell was called upon to pitch the pennant-clinching game against Bob Feller of the Indians. Feller surrendered just three hits, one being a 2-run homer by Rudy York, while Giebell blanked the Tribe for a 2–0 victory.[100][101]

The Tigers lost the 1940 World Series to the Cincinnati Reds in seven games.[102][103] Despite a heroic effort by Bobo Newsom, the Tigers came up short in the deciding game, losing 2–1.[102][103] Newsom's father had died in a Cincinnati hotel room after watching his son win Game 1.[102][103] An inspired Newsom won Game 5 and pitched Game 7 on just one day's rest.[102][103] This was the third time the Tigers had lost a World Series in a deciding seventh game.[103]

The war years (1941–1945)

[edit]
Hal Newhouser

With Hank Greenberg serving in World War II for all or parts of the 1941–1944 seasons, the Tigers struggled to recapture the glory of 1940.[104] They finished no higher than fifth place in 1941–1943, but did manage a second-place finish in 1944, largely on the strength of pitchers Hal Newhouser and Dizzy Trout, who won 29 and 27 games, respectively.[105][106][107][108][109] Newhouser, who was 29–9 with a 2.22 ERA, won the first of his two consecutive AL MVP awards this season.[109][110] The Tigers were in first place as late as September 18, but would finish one game behind the St. Louis Browns for the AL pennant.[108][111]

1945 World Series Champions

[edit]

With the end of World War II and the timely return of Hank Greenberg and others from the military, the Tigers won the AL pennant by just 1.5 games over the Washington Senators with an 88–65 record.[112][113] Virgil Trucks returned from the U.S. Navy in time to pitch 5+13 innings of 1-run ball in the pennant-clinching game, with starter Hal Newhouser pitching the final 3+23 innings in relief. Newhouser won the pitching triple crown, leading the AL in wins (25), ERA (1.81) and strikeouts (212).[114] He became the first pitcher in the history of the AL, and still the only pitcher as of 2024, to win the MVP Award in two consecutive seasons.[115]

With Newhouser, Trucks and Dizzy Trout on the mound and Greenberg leading the offense, Detroit responded in a World Series Game 7 for the first time, staking Newhouser to a 5–0 lead before he threw a pitch en route to a 9–3 victory over the Cubs.[116][117] Because many stars had not yet returned from the military, some baseball scholars have deemed the 1945 World Series to be among the worst-played contests in World Series history. For example, prior to the World Series, Chicago sportswriter Warren Brown was asked who he liked, and he answered, "I don't think either one of them can win."[118]

A long drought (1946–1967)

[edit]

1946–1950

[edit]

Following their World Series win in 1945, the Tigers continued to have winning records for the remainder of the decade, finishing second in the AL three times, but never winning the pennant.[119][120][121][122][123]

Hal Newhouser had another outstanding season in 1946, again leading the league in wins (26) and ERA (1.94) while striking out a career-high 275 batters. He nearly won his third straight AL MVP award, finishing second to Ted Williams, who had led the Boston Red Sox to 104 wins (12 games ahead of the second-place Tigers). Also in 1946, the Tigers acquired George Kell, a third baseman who would become a 10-time all-star and Hall of Famer.[124][125] He batted over .300 in eight straight seasons (1946–53), and finished with a career .306 average.[124][125] Kell won the batting title in a very close race with Ted Williams in 1949, going 2-for-3 on the last day of the season to edge out the Red Sox slugger, .34291 to .34276.[124][125][126]

The 1950 season was particularly frustrating, as the Tigers posted a 95–59 record for a .617 winning percentage, the fourth-best in team history at the time. However, they finished that season three games behind a strong New York Yankees team that went on to sweep the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series.[123][127]

1951–1960

[edit]

Over the next 10 years, the Tigers sank to the middle and lower ranks of the American League. The team had only three winning records over this span and never finished higher than fourth place.[128] The last place 1952 team went 50–104 (.325), which was the worst season in Tigers history until the 2003 team lost 119 games.[129][130] Despite the dismal season, starter Virgil Trucks threw two no-hitters in 1952, becoming only the third pitcher in major league history to accomplish this feat.[131] 1952 also saw Tiger first baseman Walt Dropo get a hit in 12 consecutive plate appearances over a three-game stretch from July 14 to 15, tying a major league record set by Johnny Kling in 1902.[132]

Team owner Walter Briggs Sr. died in 1952. His son Walter Briggs Jr. inherited the team, but he was forced to sell it in 1956 to broadcast media owners John Fetzer and Fred Knorr.[133][134][135]

Notwithstanding Detroit's fall in the standings, the decade saw the debut of outfielder Al Kaline in 1953. One of the few major league players who never played a day in the minor leagues, he would hit over .300 nine times in his career. He also made 15 All-Star teams, won 10 Gold Gloves, and featured one of the league's best arms in right field. In 1955, the 20-year-old Kaline hit .340 to become the youngest-ever batting champion in major league history.[136]

1958 saw the Tigers become the second to last team to integrate their roster when Dominican player Ozzie Virgil Sr. joined the team. Only the Boston Red Sox trailed the Tigers in integrating their roster.[137][138]

1961

[edit]

As the American League expanded from 8 to 10 teams, Detroit began its slow ascent back to success with an outstanding 1961 campaign. The Tigers led the majors in runs scored and won 101 games, a whopping 30-game improvement over the 71–83 1960 team, but still finished eight games behind the Yankees.[139] This marked one of the few times in major league history that a team failed to reach the postseason despite winning 100 or more games, though it had happened once before to the Tigers in 1915.[139] First baseman Norm Cash won the batting title with a .361 average, while teammate Al Kaline finished second.[139][140] Cash never hit over .286 before or after the 1961 season, and would later say of the accomplishment: "It was a freak. Even at the time, I realized that."[141] Cash's plate heroics, which also included 41 home runs and 132 RBI, might have earned him MVP honors were it not for New York's Roger Maris bashing a then record 61 homers the same season.[139] Cash also drew 124 walks for a league-leading .487 on-base percentage.[140] Tigers outfielder Rocky Colavito actually bettered Cash's home run and RBI totals, with 45 and 140, respectively.[142]

The 1961 club featured two non-white starters, Bill Bruton and Jake Wood, and later in the 1960s, black players such as Willie Horton, Earl Wilson, and Gates Brown would contribute to Detroit's rise in the standings.[143][144][145][146][147]

1962–1966

[edit]
Hall of Fame member Al Kaline, nicknamed "Mr. Tiger" (1953–1974), was an 18× All-Star

As a strong nucleus developed, Detroit repeatedly posted winning records throughout the 1960s. In 1963, pitchers Mickey Lolich and Denny McLain entered the rotation.[148][149] Outfielders Willie Horton (1963), Mickey Stanley (1964) and Jim Northrup (1964) would also come aboard around this time.[145][150][151]

The team managed a third-place finish during a bizarre 1966 season, in which manager Chuck Dressen and acting manager Bob Swift were both forced to resign their posts because of health problems.[152][153][154] Thereafter, Frank Skaff took over the managerial reins until the end of the season.[155] Both Dressen and Swift died during the year; Dressen died of a heart attack in August, while Swift died of lung cancer in October.[153][154] Following the season, the Tigers hired Mayo Smith to be their new manager.[156]

1967

[edit]

In 1967, the Tigers were involved in one of the closest pennant races in history. Because of rainouts, the Tigers were forced to play back-to-back doubleheaders against the California Angels over the final two days of the season.[157][158] They needed to sweep the doubleheader on the last day of the season to force a one-game playoff with the Boston Red Sox.[157][158] The Tigers won the first game, but lost the second, giving the Red Sox the pennant with no playoff.[157][158] Detroit finished the season at 91–71, one game behind Boston.[159] Starter Earl Wilson, acquired the previous season from the Red Sox, led the Tigers (and the major leagues) with 22 wins and would form a strong 1–2–3 combination with Denny McLain and Mickey Lolich over the next few years.[146][160]

1968–1972

[edit]

Glory in '68: 1968 World Series Champions

[edit]

The Tigers finally returned to the World Series in 1968. The team grabbed first place from the Baltimore Orioles on May 10 and would not relinquish the position, clinching the pennant on September 17 and finishing with a 103–59 record.[161] In a year that was marked by dominant pitching, starter Denny McLain went 31–6 (with a 1.96 ERA), the first time a pitcher had won 30 or more games in a season since Dizzy Dean accomplished the feat in 1934; no pitcher has accomplished it since.[162] McLain won the AL MVP and Cy Young Award for his efforts.[163][164]

1968 World Series
[edit]
1968 World Series program and tickets for Games 4 and 5 at Tiger Stadium

In the 1968 World Series, the Tigers met the defending World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals, led by starter Bob Gibson, who had posted a modern-era record 1.12 ERA during the regular season, and speedy outfielder Lou Brock.[162][165][166] This was the first time the Tigers and Cardinals had met in the World Series since 1934.[167] The series was predicated with a bold decision by manager Mayo Smith to play center fielder Mickey Stanley at shortstop, replacing the slick fielding but weak hitting of Ray Oyler.[168][169] Stanley had never played shortstop before, but was a Gold Glover in the outfield and an excellent athlete.[168] Smith played him at short for the final nine games of the regular season and all seven World Series games, with Oyler only appearing as a late-inning defensive replacement.[168][169] This allowed Smith to play an outfield of Willie Horton, Jim Northrup and Al Kaline in every game.[168][169]

In Game 1, Gibson completely shut down the Detroit lineup, striking out a World Series record 17 batters en route to an easy 4–0 win.[170][171] However, due in no small part to pitcher Mickey Lolich's victories in Games 2 and 5, the Tigers climbed back into the World Series.[172] Many fans believe the turning point came in the fifth inning of Game 5, with the Tigers down three games to one, and trailing in the game, 3–2. Left fielder Willie Horton made a perfect throw to home plate to nail Lou Brock, who tried to score from second base standing up, as catcher Bill Freehan blocked the plate with his foot.[172][173] The Tigers came back with three runs in the seventh to win that game, 5–3, and stay alive.[172][173] The Cardinals would not threaten to score the rest of this game, and scored only two more meaningless runs over the remainder of the series. In Game 6, McLain ensured a Game 7 by notching his only win of the World Series, a 13–1 blowout, despite pitching on only two days' rest.[172]

Mickey Lolich was the 1968 World Series MVP

In Game 7 at Busch Memorial Stadium, Lolich, also pitching on two days' rest, faced Gibson.[167] Both men pitched brilliantly, putting zeros up on the scoreboard for much of the game.[167] In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Cardinals looked primed to take the lead as Lou Brock singled to lead off the inning, only to be promptly picked off by Lolich.[167] One out later, Curt Flood followed with another single, and was also picked off by Lolich.[167] In the top of the seventh, an exhausted Gibson finally cracked, giving up two-out singles to Norm Cash and Willie Horton.[167] Jim Northrup then struck the decisive blow, lashing a triple to center field over the head of Flood, who appeared to misjudge how hard the ball was hit.[167] That scored both Cash and Horton; Northrup himself was then brought home by a Bill Freehan double.[167] Detroit added an insurance run in the ninth.[167] A ninth-inning solo home run by Mike Shannon was all the Cardinals could muster against Lolich as the Tigers took the game, 4–1, and the World Series, 4–3.[167][172] The Tigers became only the third team to ever win the World Series after being down 3–1.[167] For his three victories that propelled the Tigers to the championship, Lolich was named the World Series Most Valuable Player.[167][172] As of 2024, Lolich is the last pitcher to have three complete-game victories in a single World Series.[148][167]

1969–1971

[edit]

1969 saw further expansion as both leagues realigned into two divisions of six teams, and the Tigers were placed in the American League East.[174][175] That year, Detroit failed to defend its title, despite Denny McLain having another outstanding season with a 24–9 campaign, earning him his second straight Cy Young Award (co-winner with Baltimore's Mike Cuellar).[176] The Tigers' 90 wins placed them a distant second in the division to a very strong Baltimore Orioles team, which had won 109 games.[175][177]

The Tigers suffered a disappointing 1970 season, finishing fourth in the AL East with a 79–83 record.[178] Following the season, Mayo Smith was let go and was replaced by Billy Martin.[179][180][181] In a playing career that was primarily spent with the New York Yankees, Martin played his final games with the Minnesota Twins and stayed in that organization after his retirement.[181] He managed the Twins to an AL West Division title in 1969, but was fired after that season due to rocky relationships with his players, which included a legendary fight with pitcher Dave Boswell in an alley behind Detroit's Lindell AC sports bar.[181][182]

Also during the offseason, Denny McLain, who had been suspended three times and had a 3–5 record, was part of an eight-player deal with the Washington Senators in what would turn out to be a heist for Detroit.[183][184][185][186] The Tigers acquired pitcher Joe Coleman, shortstop Eddie Brinkman and third baseman Aurelio Rodríguez.[183][185][186]

Martin's Tigers posted 91 wins in 1971. However, they had to settle for a second-place finish behind the Orioles, who won 101 games to take their third straight AL East Division crown.[187] The season was highlighted by Mickey Lolich's 308 strikeouts, which led the AL and is still the single-season record in franchise history.[148] Lolich also won 25 games and posted a 2.92 ERA while throwing an incredible 376 innings and completing 29 of his 45 starts.[188][189] Coleman paid immediate dividends for Detroit, winning 20 games,[188] while McLain went 10–22 for the Senators and was out of baseball by the following season.[184][185][190]

1972 AL East Champions

[edit]

Joe Coleman, Eddie Brinkman and Aurelio Rodríguez all played critical roles in 1972, when the Tigers captured their first AL East division title.[185][191] Oddities of the schedule due to an early season strike allowed the 86–70 Tigers to win the division by just 12 game.[191][192] Brinkman was named Tiger of the Year by the Detroit Baseball Writers, despite a .203 batting average, as he committed just 7 errors in 728 chances (.990 fielding percentage). He also had a streak of 72 games and 331 chances without an error during the season, both AL records for a shortstop.[193] Mickey Lolich was his steady self for the Tigers, winning 22 games with a sparkling 2.50 ERA, while Coleman won 19 and had a 2.80 ERA.[192] Starter Woodie Fryman, acquired on August 2, was the final piece of the puzzle as he went 10–3 over the last two months of the regular season and posted a minuscule 2.06 ERA.[194] Fryman was also the winning pitcher in the division-clinching game against the Boston Red Sox, a 3–1 victory on October 3.[194][195]

1972 ALCS
[edit]

In the 1972 American League Championship Series, Detroit faced the American League West division champion Oakland Athletics, who had become steadily competitive ever since the 1969 realignment.[196] In Game 1 of the ALCS in Oakland, Mickey Lolich, the hero of '68, took the hill and allowed just one run over nine innings. The Athletics' ace, Catfish Hunter, matched Lolich, surrendering only a solo home run to Norm Cash, and the game went into extra innings.[196] Al Kaline hit a solo homer to break a 1–1 tie in the top of the 11th inning, only to be charged with a throwing error on Gonzalo Márquez's game-tying single in the bottom half of the frame that allowed Gene Tenace to score the winning run.[196] Blue Moon Odom shut down Detroit 5–0 in Game 2.[196] The end of Game 2 was marred by an ugly incident in which Tigers reliever Lerrin LaGrow hit A's shortstop and leadoff hitter Bert Campaneris on the ankle with a pitch. An angered Campaneris threw the bat at LaGrow, and LaGrow ducked just in time for the bat to sail over his head. Both benches cleared, and though no punches were thrown, both LaGrow and Campaneris were suspended for the remainder of the series. It was widely believed that Martin had ordered the pitch that hit Campaneris, who had three hits, two stolen bases and two runs scored in the game.[196]

As the series shifted to Detroit, the Tigers caught their stride. Joe Coleman held the A's scoreless on seven hits in Game 3, striking out 14 batters in a 3–0 victory for the Tigers.[196][197] Game 4 was another pitchers' duel between Hunter and Lolich, resulting again in a 1–1 tie at the end of nine innings. Oakland scored two runs in the top of the 10th and put the Tigers down to their last three outs.[196] Detroit pushed two runs across the plate to tie the game before Jim Northrup came through in the clutch again. His single off Dave Hamilton scored Gates Brown to give the Tigers a 4–3 win and even the series at two games apiece.[196]

A first-inning run on an RBI ground out from Bill Freehan, set up by a Gene Tenace passed ball that allowed Dick McAuliffe to reach third, gave Detroit an early lead in the deciding fifth and final game in Detroit.[196] Reggie Jackson's steal of home in the second inning tied it up, though Jackson was injured in a collision with Freehan and had to leave the game.[196] Tenace's two-out single to left field plated George Hendrick to give Oakland a 2–1 lead in the fourth inning. The run was controversial to many Tigers fans, as Hendrick was ruled safe at first base two batters prior to the Tenace hit. Hendrick appeared to be out by two steps on a grounder to short, but umpire John Rice ruled that Norm Cash pulled his foot off first base. Replays and photos, however, show that Cash did not pull his foot.[151][196] Thanks to that play and four innings of scoreless relief from Vida Blue, the A's took the AL pennant and a spot in the World Series.[196]

A slow decline (1973–1978)

[edit]
Willie Horton (1963–1977) had his No. 23 retired by the club

The 1973 season saw the Tigers drop to third place in the division, with an 85–77 record.[198] Joe Coleman posted another 23 wins, but the other Tiger starters had subpar seasons.[199] Willie Horton hit .316, but injuries limited him to just 111 games.[145] Jim Northrup posted the best batting average of his career (.307) but was inexplicably limited to part-time duty (119 games played), which Northrup attributed to an ongoing feud with Billy Martin that had actually started in the 1972 ALCS. Northrup even proclaimed to the press that Martin "took the fun out of the game."[151] Martin did not survive the 1973 season as manager. He was fired that September after ordering his pitchers to throw spitballs (and telling the press that he did so) in protest of opposing Cleveland Indians pitcher Gaylord Perry, whom Martin was convinced was doing the same.[181][200] Third base coach Joe Schultz served as interim manager for the remainder of the season.[200]

A bright spot for the Tigers in 1973 was relief pitcher John Hiller, who marked his first full season since suffering a heart attack in 1971 by collecting a league-leading 38 saves and posting a brilliant 1.44 ERA.[201] Hiller's saves total would stand as a Tiger record until 2000, when it was broken by Todd Jones' 42 saves (Jones' record would later be broken by José Valverde's 49 saves in 2011).[201][202][203]

After the season, the Tigers hired Ralph Houk to be their new manager. Houk served in that capacity for five full seasons, through the end of the 1978 season.[204] The roster of players who played under Houk were mostly aging veterans from the 1960s, whose performance had slipped from their peak years.[205] The Tigers did not have a winning season from 1974 to 1977, and their 57 wins in the 1975 season was the team's lowest since 1952.[206][207][208][209] Perhaps the biggest signal of decline for the Tigers was the retirement of Kaline following the 1974 season, after he notched his 3,000th career hit.[210][211] Kaline finished with 3,007 hits and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1980.[212][213]

1976: The Year of The Bird

[edit]
Mark "The Bird" Fidrych, 1976 AL Rookie of the Year

Tiger fans were provided a glimmer of hope when 21-year-old rookie Mark Fidrych made his debut in 1976.[214] Fidrych, known as "The Bird", was a colorful character known for talking to the baseball and other eccentricities.[214] During a game against the Yankees, Graig Nettles responded to Fidrych's antics by talking to his bat. After making an out, he later lamented that his Japanese-made bat did not understand him.[215] Fidrych entered the All-Star break at 9–2 with a 1.78 ERA, and was the starting pitcher for the American League in the All-Star Game played that year in Philadelphia to celebrate the American Bicentennial.[214] He finished the season with a record of 19–9 and an American League-leading ERA of 2.34.[214] Fidrych, the AL Rookie of the Year, was one of the few bright spots that year with the Tigers finishing next to last in the AL East in 1976.[208][214]

Aurelio Rodríguez won the Gold Glove Award in 1976 at third base, snapping a streak in which Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson had won it for 16 consecutive seasons.[216]

1977–1978

[edit]

Injuries to his knee, and later his arm, drastically limited Fidrych's appearances in 1977–78.[214] Perhaps more important, however, was the talent coming up through the Tigers farm system at the time. Jack Morris, Lance Parrish, Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker all made their debuts in 1977, and would help the team to 88 wins in 1978, the only winning season under Houk.[217][218]

The "Bless You Boys" era (1979–1987)

[edit]

Houk's immediate successor as Tigers manager in 1979 was Les Moss, but Moss would only last until June of that year.[219] From June 14, 1979, until the end of the 1995 season, the team was managed by George "Sparky" Anderson, one of baseball's winningest managers and winner of two World Series rings as manager of the Cincinnati Reds during their peak as The Big Red Machine.[220] When Anderson joined the Tigers in 1979 and assessed the team's young talent, he boldly predicted that it would be a pennant winner within five years.[221]

Acerbic Detroit TV sports anchor Al Ackerman initiated the phrase "Bless You Boys". Originally used as a sarcastic remark, Ackerman's phrase would take on a new meaning in 1984.[222][223]

The Roar of '84: 1984 World Series Champions

[edit]
Sparky Anderson was the manager of the Tigers from 1979 to 1995

As in 1968, the Tigers' next World Series season would be preceded by a disappointing second-place finish, as the 1983 Tigers won 92 games to finish six games behind the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East.[224]

The first major news of the 1984 season actually came in late 1983, when broadcasting magnate John Fetzer, who had owned the Tigers since 1957, sold the team to Domino's Pizza founder and CEO Tom Monaghan for $53 million.[225][226]

The 1984 team got off to a 9–0 start highlighted by Jack Morris tossing a nationally televised no-hitter against Chicago in the fourth game of the season.[227][228] They stayed hot for most of the year, posting a 35–5 record over their first forty games and cruising to a franchise-record 104 victories.[229] The Tigers led the division from opening day until the end of the regular season and finished a staggering 15 games ahead of the second-place Toronto Blue Jays.[229] Closer Willie Hernández, acquired from the 1983 NL champion Philadelphia Phillies in the offseason, won both the Cy Young Award and AL MVP, a rarity for a relief pitcher.[230]

1984 ALCS
[edit]

The Tigers faced the Kansas City Royals in the American League Championship Series. In Game 1, Alan Trammell, Lance Parrish and Larry Herndon went deep to crush the Royals 8–1 at Royals Stadium (now Kauffman Stadium).[231] In Game 2, the Tigers scored twice in the 11th inning when Johnny Grubb doubled off Royals closer Dan Quisenberry en route to a 5–3 victory.[232][233] The Tigers completed the sweep at Tiger Stadium in Game 3. Marty Castillo's third-inning RBI fielder's choice would be all the help Detroit would need. Milt Wilcox outdueled Charlie Leibrandt, and after Hernandez got Darryl Motley to pop out to preserve the 1–0 win, the Tigers were returning to the World Series.[232][234]

1984 World Series
[edit]

In the NLCS, the San Diego Padres rallied from losing the first two games to overcome the Chicago Cubs and prevent a fifth Cubs-Tigers series. The Tigers would open the 1984 World Series on the road in San Diego.[235]

In Game 1, Larry Herndon hit a two-run home run that gave the Tigers a 3–2 lead.[236] Jack Morris pitched a complete game with 2 runs on 8 hits, and Detroit drew first blood.[236][237] The Padres evened the series the next night despite pitcher Ed Whitson being chased after pitching 23 of an inning and giving up three runs on five Tiger hits.[236][238] Tigers starter Dan Petry exited the game after 4+13 innings when Kurt Bevacqua's three-run homer gave San Diego a 5–3 lead they would not relinquish.[236][238]

When the series shifted to the Motor City, the Tigers took command. In Game 3, a two-out rally in the second inning, highlighted by Marty Castillo's 2-run homer, led to four runs and the yanking of Padres starter Tim Lollar after 1+23 innings.[236][239] The Padres never recovered, losing 5–2.[236][239] Eric Show continued the parade of bad outings in Game 4, getting bounced after 2+23 innings after giving up a pair of 2-run homers to World Series MVP Alan Trammell in his first two at-bats. Trammell's homers held up with the help of another Morris complete game, and the Tigers' 4–2 win gave them a commanding lead in the series.[236][240]

Kirk Gibson, a Michigan State alumni, hit the clinching home run in Game 5 of the 1984 World Series

In Game 5, Kirk Gibson's two-run shot in the first inning would be the beginning of another early end for the Padres' starter Mark Thurmond.[236][241][242] Although the Padres would pull back even at 3–3, chasing Petry in the fourth inning in the process, the Tigers retook the lead on a Rusty Kuntz sacrifice fly (actually a pop-out to retreating second baseman Alan Wiggins that the speedy Gibson was able to score on), and then went up 5–3 on a solo homer by Parrish.[236][241][242]

Gibson came to bat in the eighth inning with runners on second and third and the Tigers clinging to a 5–4 lead.[236][241][242] A "Sounds of the Game" video made during the Series by MLB Productions captured this moment, and has been played on TV a number of times since then. Padres manager Dick Williams was shown in the dugout flashing four fingers, ordering an intentional walk, before San Diego reliever Goose Gossage summoned him to the mound. Sparky Anderson was seen and heard yelling to Gibson, "He don't want to walk you!", and making a swing-the-bat gesture.[243] As Anderson had suspected, Gossage threw a 1–0 fastball on the inside corner, and Gibson was ready. He launched the pitch into Tiger Stadium's right field upper deck for a three-run homer, giving the Tigers a four-run lead and effectively clinching the game and the series.[236][241][242][244]

Aurelio López pitched 2+13 innings of relief and retired all seven batters he faced, earning the win. Despite allowing a rare run in the top of the 8th inning, Willie Hernández got the save as Tony Gwynn flew out to Larry Herndon to end the game, sending Detroit into a wild victory celebration.[236][241][242]

1984 World Series MVP, Alan Trammell (SS)

The Tigers led their division wire-to-wire, from opening day and every day thereafter, culminating in the World Series championship. This had not been done in the major leagues since the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers.[245] With the win, Anderson became the first manager to win the World Series in both leagues.[246]

1987 AL East Champions

[edit]

After a pair of third-place finishes in 1985 and 1986,[247][248] the 1987 Tigers faced lowered expectations – which seemed to be confirmed by an 11–19 start to the season.[249] However, the team hit its stride thereafter and gradually gained ground on its AL East rivals.[249] This charge was fueled in part by the acquisition of pitcher Doyle Alexander from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for minor league pitcher John Smoltz. Alexander started 11 games for the Tigers, posting a 9–0 record and a 1.53 ERA. Smoltz, a Michigan native, went on to have a long and productive career, mostly with the Braves, and was ultimately inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015.[249][250] Despite the Tigers' great season, they entered September neck-and-neck with the Toronto Blue Jays. The two teams would square off in seven hard-fought games during the final two weeks of the season. All seven games were decided by one run, and in the first six of the seven games, the winning run was scored in the final inning of play. At Exhibition Stadium, the Tigers dropped three in a row to the Blue Jays before winning a dramatic extra-inning showdown.[249]

The Tigers entered the final week of the 1987 season 2.5 games behind.[249] After a series against the Baltimore Orioles, the Tigers returned home trailing by a game and swept the Blue Jays.[249] Detroit clinched the division in a 1–0 victory over Toronto in front of 51,000 fans at Tiger Stadium on October 4. Frank Tanana went all nine innings for the complete-game shutout, and outfielder Larry Herndon gave the Tigers their lone run on a second-inning home run. Detroit finished the season two games ahead of Toronto, securing the best record in the majors (98–64).[249][251]

In what would prove to be their last postseason appearance until 2006, the Tigers were upset in the 1987 American League Championship Series by the 85–77 Minnesota Twins (who in turn won the World Series that year) 4–1.[249][251][252] The Twins clinched the series in Game 5 at Tiger Stadium, 9–5.[253]

A new approach (1988–1995)

[edit]

Despite their 1987 division title victory, the Tigers proved unable to build on their success. The team lost Kirk Gibson to free agency in the offseason, but still spent much of 1988 in first place in the AL East. A late season slump left the team in second place at 88–74, one game behind the Boston Red Sox.[254][255]

Cecil Fielder in 1996

In 1989, the team collapsed to a 59–103 record, worst in the majors.[256][257] The franchise then attempted to rebuild using a power-hitting approach, with sluggers Cecil Fielder, Rob Deer and Mickey Tettleton joining Trammell and Whitaker in the lineup (fitting for the team with the most 200+ home run seasons in baseball history).[258] In 1990, Fielder led the American League with 51 home runs (becoming the first player to hit 50 since George Foster in 1977, and the first AL player since Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle in 1961), and finished second in the voting for AL MVP.[259][260][261] He hit 44 home runs and collected 132 RBI in 1991, again finishing second in the AL MVP balloting.[262] Behind the hitting of Fielder and others, the Tigers improved by 20 wins in 1990 (79–83), and posted a winning record in 1991 (84–78).[263][264] However, the team lacked quality pitching, despite Bill Gullickson's 20 wins in 1991, and its core of key players began to age, setting the franchise up for decline.[265] Their minor league system was largely barren of talent as well, producing only a few everyday players during the 1990s.[266][267][268] Adding insult to injury, the Tigers and radio station WJR announced in December 1990 that they were not renewing the contract of long-time Hall of Fame play-by play announcer Ernie Harwell, and that the 1991 season would be Harwell's last with the team.[269] The announcement was met with resounding protests from fans, both in Michigan and around the baseball world.[270]

1992 saw the Tigers win only 75 games, with Fielder being one of the few bright spots as he won the AL RBI title for a third straight season (124).[271][272] In August 1992, the franchise was sold to Mike Ilitch, the President and CEO of Little Caesars Pizza who also owned the Detroit Red Wings.[273] One of Ilitch's first moves as the new owner was to rehire Ernie Harwell.[274] Late in the season, Sparky Anderson won his 1,132nd game as a Tiger manager, passing Hughie Jennings for the most all-time wins in franchise history.[59] The team also responded with an 85–77 season in 1993, but it would be their last winning season for a number of years.[275][276]

On October 2, 1995, manager Sparky Anderson chose to not only end his career with the Tigers, but retire from baseball altogether.[277]

Randy Smith era (1996–2002)

[edit]

From 1994 to 2005, the Tigers did not post a winning record, the longest sub-.500 stretch in franchise history.[275][276][278] In 1996, the Tigers lost a then-team record 109 games, under new general manager Randy Smith.[278][279][280] The only team in the majors to have a longer stretch without a winning season during this time were the Pittsburgh Pirates, who did not have a winning record in the years spanning 1993 to 2012.[281] The Tigers' best record over this span was 79–83, recorded in 1997 and 2000.[278]

In 1998, the Tigers moved from the AL East, where they had been since the divisions were created in 1969, to the AL Central as part of a realignment necessitated by the addition of the expansion Tampa Bay Devil Rays.[282][283][284]

The entrance sign of Comerica Park

In 2000, the team left Tiger Stadium in favor of Comerica Park.[285]

Soon after it opened, Comerica Park drew criticism for its deep dimensions, which made it difficult to hit home runs; the distance to left-center field (395 ft), in particular, was seen as unfair to hitters. This led to the nickname "Comerica National Park."[286] The team made a successful bid to bring in slugger Juan González from the Texas Rangers for the inaugural season at Comerica Park.[287] After four consecutive seasons of no fewer than 39 home runs, González only hit 22 homers in 2000. He cited Comerica Park's dimensions as a major reason why he turned down a multiyear contract extension.[288] In 2003, the franchise largely quieted the criticism by moving in the left-center fence to 370 feet (110 m), taking the flagpole in that area out of play, a feature carried over from Tiger Stadium.[289] In 2005, the team moved the bullpens to the vacant area beyond the left field fence and filled the previous location with seats.[290]

In late 2001, Dave Dombrowski, former general manager of the 1997 World Series champion Florida Marlins, was hired as team president.[291] In 2002, the Tigers started the season 0–6, prompting Dombrowski to fire the unpopular Smith, as well as manager Phil Garner. Dombrowski then took over as general manager and named bench coach Luis Pujols to finish the season as interim manager.[292][293] The team finished 55–106. After the season was over, Pujols was let go.[294]

Most losses in franchise history (2003)

[edit]

Dave Dombrowski hired popular former shortstop Alan Trammell to manage the team in 2003.[295] With fellow 1984 teammates Kirk Gibson and Lance Parrish on the coaching staff, the rebuilding process began.[130] On August 30, 2003, the Tigers' defeat at the hands of the Chicago White Sox caused them to join the 1962 New York Mets, who were a first-year expansion team, as the only modern MLB teams to lose 100 games before September.[296] They avoided tying the 1962 Mets' then modern MLB record of 120 losses only by winning five of their last six games of the season, including three out of four against the Minnesota Twins, who had already clinched the AL Central and were resting their stars.[130][297]

Mike Maroth went 9–21, becoming the first pitcher to lose 20 games since Brian Kingman lost 20 for the Oakland Athletics in 1980.[298] Maroth, Jeremy Bonderman (6–19), and Nate Cornejo (6–17) were the top three pitchers in losses in the entire major leagues, the first time in history that this had occurred.[299][300][c]

The Tigers finished 43–119, the worst record in franchise history.[130][297][300] This eclipsed the previous AL record of 117 losses set by the 1916 Philadelphia Athletics,[302] which was later surpassed by the 2024 Chicago White Sox.[303][304][305] While the 2003 Tigers rank as the fourth worst team in major league history based on total losses,[303][305] they fare slightly better based on winning percentage. Their .265 win percentage is the majors' seventh-worst since 1900.[299][305]

Rebuilding the franchise (2004–2006)

[edit]

After the embarrassing 2003 season, the Tigers vowed to make changes.[297][306] Under Dave Dombrowski, the franchise demonstrated a willingness to sign marquee free agents.[307] In 2004, the team signed or traded for several talented but high-risk veterans, such as Fernando Viña, Rondell White, Iván Rodríguez, Ugueth Urbina, and Carlos Guillén, and the gamble paid off.[308][309][310][311][312] The 2004 Tigers finished 72–90, a 29-game improvement over the previous season.[130][313][314] This was the largest improvement in the AL since the Baltimore Orioles had a 33-game improvement from 1988 to 1989.[314]

Prior to the 2005 season, the Tigers spent a large sum for two prized free agents, Troy Percival and Magglio Ordóñez.[315][316] On June 8, 2005, the Tigers traded pitcher Ugueth Urbina and infielder Ramón Martínez to the Philadelphia Phillies for Plácido Polanco.[317] The Tigers stayed on the fringes of contention for the AL wild card for the first four months of the season, but then faded badly, finishing 71–91.[314][318] The collapse was perceived as being due both to injuries and to a lack of player unity; Rodríguez in particular was disgruntled, taking a leave of absence during the season to deal with a difficult divorce.[314][319] Trammell, though popular with the fans, took part of the blame for the poor clubhouse atmosphere and lack of continued improvement, and he was fired at the end of the season.[314]

A highlight of the 2005 campaign was Detroit's hosting of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, its first since 1971.[320] In the Home Run Derby, Rodríguez finished second, losing to the Phillies' Bobby Abreu.[321]

In October 2005, Jim Leyland, who managed Dombrowski's 1997 World Series champion Florida Marlins, replaced Trammell as manager; two months later, in response to Troy Percival's arm problems, closer Todd Jones, who had spent five seasons in Detroit (1997–2001), signed a two-year deal to return to the Tigers.[322][323] Veteran left-hander Kenny Rogers also joined the Tigers from the Texas Rangers in late 2005.[323]

The return of the Tigers: 2006 American League Champions

[edit]
Magglio Ordóñez hit a walk-off home run to clinch the 2006 AL pennant

After years of futility, the 2006 season showed signs of hope. The impressive rookie campaigns of eventual AL Rookie of the Year Justin Verlander, centerfielder Curtis Granderson, and flamethrowing relief pitcher Joel Zumaya, coupled with a well-publicized early-season tirade by Leyland, helped the team explode and quickly rise to the top of the AL Central.[130][276] The team reached a high point when they were 40 games over .500, but a second half swoon started to raise questions about the team's staying power.[111][276] On August 27, a 7–1 victory over the Cleveland Indians gave the Tigers their 82nd victory and their first winning season since 1993.[276][324][325] On September 24, the Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 11–4 to clinch their first playoff berth since 1987.[326][327] A division title seemed inevitable. All that was required was one win in the final five games of the season, which included three games against the Royals, whom the Tigers had manhandled much of the season. However, the Tigers lost all five games to finish 95–67, and the division title went to the 96–66 Minnesota Twins. The Tigers instead settled for the AL wild card.[328]

The playoffs saw the Tigers beat the heavily favored New York Yankees 3–1 in the ALDS and sweep the Oakland Athletics in the 2006 ALCS, thanks to a walk-off home run in Game 4 by right fielder Magglio Ordóñez.[329][330] They advanced to the World Series, where they lost to the underdog St. Louis Cardinals in five games.[331]

Falling short (2007–2010)

[edit]
Curtis Granderson in 2007

2007

[edit]

During the offseason, the Tigers traded for outfielder Gary Sheffield, who had been a part of the 1997 World Series champion Florida Marlins managed by Jim Leyland.[332] In addition to acquisitions, Dombrowski developed a productive farm system. Justin Verlander and Joel Zumaya, the most notable rookie contributors to the 2006 team, were followed by Andrew Miller, who was drafted in 2006 and called up early in the 2007 campaign, and minor leaguer Cameron Maybin, an athletic five-tool outfielder ranked #6 in Baseball America's 2007 Top 100 Prospects.[333]

On June 12, Verlander threw the Tigers' first no-hitter since 1984 (Jack Morris) and the first in Comerica Park history, in a 4–0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers.[334] The Tigers had the best record in baseball in late July, but lost a few players to injuries and started to play poorly in the second half.[335][336][337][338] The Tigers were officially eliminated from playoff competition on September 26, 2007, when the New York Yankees clinched a wild card berth.[339][340] The Tigers, at 88–74, finished second in the AL Central.[341]

Magglio Ordóñez captured the AL batting title in 2007 with a .363 average, becoming the first Tiger to win it since Norm Cash did so in 1961.[342]

2008

[edit]
Justin Verlander, June 2008

Going into the 2008 season, the franchise traded for prominent talent in Édgar Rentería (from the Atlanta Braves) and Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis (from the Florida Marlins).[343][344] However, the Tigers, who now boasted the second-highest team payroll in the majors at over $138 million,[345] began the regular season by losing seven straight games.[346] The Tigers climbed back, and at the midway point of the season, they were 42–40.[347] In the end, the team finished miserably, slumping to a 74–88 record.[348] Justin Verlander finished with his worst season as a pro, as he went 11–17 with a 4.84 ERA.[349] The Tigers also lost closer Todd Jones to retirement on September 25, 2008.[350] Despite the disappointing season, the team set an attendance record in 2008, drawing 3,202,654 customers to Comerica Park.[351]

2009

[edit]

Going into the 2009 season, the Tigers acquired starter Edwin Jackson from the 2008 AL Champion Tampa Bay Rays, and called up rookie and former #1 draft pick Rick Porcello.[352][353] Jackson was outstanding in the first half, making his first All-Star team, while Porcello was solid most of the year, posting a 14–9 record with a 3.96 ERA and displaying grit and maturity beyond his 20 years of age.[353][354] Justin Verlander bounced back from an off 2008 to win 19 games. He posted a 3.45 ERA and led the AL in strikeouts (269) to finish third in the AL Cy Young balloting.[355][356][357] Fernando Rodney assumed the closer role in spring training, replacing the retired Todd Jones.[358] Rodney responded with 37 saves in 38 tries, while Bobby Seay, Fu-Te Ni, Brandon Lyon, and Ryan Perry shored up the middle relief that plagued the team in 2007 and 2008.[355][359][360][361][362]

Despite the improvements, the Tigers once again found themselves struggling to hold a lead in the AL Central. The team entered September with a 7-game lead in the division, but wound up tied with the Minnesota Twins at 86 wins by the final day of the regular season.[363][364] The season ended on October 6 with a 6–5 loss in 12 innings to the Twins in the tie-breaker game, leaving the Tigers with an 86–77 record.[364][365] The Tigers spent 146 days of the 2009 season in first place, but became the first team in Major League history to lose a three-game lead with four games left to play.[364][366]

2010

[edit]
Alex Avila, March 2010

Entering 2010, the Tigers parted ways with Curtis Granderson and Edwin Jackson as part of a three-way trade with the New York Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks; in return they picked up outfield prospect Austin Jackson and pitchers Phil Coke, Max Scherzer and Daniel Schlereth.[367] Jackson made the Tigers opening day roster, and was American League Rookie of the Month for April.[368] 2010 also saw the debut of Brennan Boesch, who was named the AL Rookie of the Month for May and June.[369][370]

At the All-Star break, the Tigers were a half-game out of first place in the AL Central, behind the Chicago White Sox.[371] However, a slow start after the break and injuries to three key players sent the Tigers into yet another second half tailspin.[372][373][374] The Tigers finished the season in third place with an 81–81 record, 13 games back of the division-winning Minnesota Twins.[374][375] While playing outstanding baseball at home, the Tigers were just 29–52 on the road.[376]

Among the season highlights were Miguel Cabrera hitting .328 with 38 home runs and an AL-best 126 RBI, earning the AL Silver Slugger Award at first base and finishing second in the AL MVP race (earning 5 of 28 first-place votes).[377][378] Jackson (.293 average, 103 runs, 181 hits, 27 stolen bases) finished second in the AL Rookie of the Year voting.[379][380] Justin Verlander enjoyed another strong season (18–9 record, 3.37 ERA, 219 strikeouts).[379]

The near-perfect game
[edit]

On June 2, 2010, Armando Galarraga was pitching a perfect game against the Cleveland Indians with 2 outs in the top of the ninth inning when first-base umpire Jim Joyce made a controversial call, ruling Jason Donald safe at first. Video replay showed he was out.[381][382] A tearful Joyce later said, "I just cost that kid a perfect game. I thought he beat the throw. I was convinced he beat the throw, until I saw the replay."[382] Galarraga would later tell reporters that Joyce apologized to him directly and gave him a hug.[381] The next day, with Joyce umpiring home plate, Galarraga brought out the lineup card and the two shook hands.[383] Despite nationwide support for overturning the call, which included supportive statements from the Governor of Michigan and the White House, commissioner Bud Selig let the call stand. However, he said he would look into expanding instant replay in the future.[384]

Division winners (2011–2014)

[edit]

2011: First AL Central Championship

[edit]

The Tigers returned much of their roster from 2010, while adding relief pitcher Joaquín Benoit, catcher/DH Victor Martinez, and starting pitcher Brad Penny.[385][386][387]

On May 7, Verlander took a perfect game against the Toronto Blue Jays into the 8th inning. After a walk to J. P. Arencibia, Verlander coaxed a double-play grounder and went on to the 9th inning to complete his second career no-hitter by facing the minimum 27 batters. It was the seventh no-hitter in Tigers history.[388] On August 27, Verlander defeated the Minnesota Twins, 6–4, to become the first Tiger since Bill Gullickson in 1991 to win 20 games in a season. Verlander also became the first major league pitcher since Curt Schilling in 2002 to reach 20 wins before the end of August.[389]

In May, the Tigers were as many as eight games back of the first place Cleveland Indians. However, they would start to play better.[390][391]

The Tigers sent five players to the 2011 All-Star Game.[392] Catcher Alex Avila was voted in as a starter, while Justin Verlander, José Valverde and Miguel Cabrera were added as reserves.[392] Verlander was unavailable to play in the All-Star Game due to the rule where starting pitchers who play the Sunday beforehand are ineligible.[393] Shortstop Jhonny Peralta was later added to the All-Star team when the Yankees' Derek Jeter was unable to play due to injury.[392][394]

As a three-way battle for the division title developed between the Tigers, Indians, and Chicago White Sox, the Tigers put together an 18–10 record in August to begin to pull away.[391][395] Starter Doug Fister, who was acquired at the trade deadline, provided an immediate spark, going 8–1 over the final two months of the season with a sparkling 1.79 ERA.[396][397] After a loss on September 1, the Tigers reeled off a 12-game winning streak to put any thoughts of another late-season collapse to rest. The streak consisted of four consecutive three-game sweeps over their AL Central Division rivals. It was the Tigers' longest winning streak since the 1934 team won 14 straight.[398] On September 16, the Tigers clinched the AL Central Division title with a 3–1 win over the Oakland Athletics. It was their first AL Central title since joining the division in 1998, and first division title of any kind since 1987.[390][391]

Members of the 2011 Tigers won multiple statistical awards in 2011. Verlander won the pitching triple crown, leading the AL in wins (24), ERA (2.40) and strikeouts (250). On November 15, Verlander was a unanimous selection for the AL Cy Young Award.[399] In a much closer vote six days later, Verlander also won AL MVP, becoming the first pitcher to do so since Dennis Eckersley in 1992.[400] Valverde was the AL saves leader with 49 (in 49 save opportunities), winning the 2011 MLB Delivery Man of the Year Award.[203] Cabrera won the AL batting title with a .344 average, while also leading the AL in on-base percentage (.448) and doubles (48).[401][402]

The Tigers beat the New York Yankees by a score of 3–2 in Game 5 of the ALDS, winning the series 3–2.[403] They advanced to the ALCS, but they lost to the defending AL Champion Texas Rangers, 4–2.[404]

2012: American League Champions

[edit]
In 2012, Miguel Cabrera became the first Major League player to win the Triple Crown in 45 years.
Delmon Young (left) and Prince Fielder (right) in 2012

In 2012, the Tigers looked to defend their 2011 AL Central Division title, with the hopes of earning a second consecutive playoff appearance. On January 24, the Tigers signed free agent All-Star first baseman Prince Fielder to a 9-year, $214 million contract.[405] The move came shortly after the Tigers learned that Víctor Martínez had torn his anterior cruciate ligament during offseason training in Lakeland, Florida, and would likely miss the entire 2012 season.[406] Miguel Cabrera moved back to his original position of third base, leading to the eventual release of veteran Brandon Inge on April 26.[407] On July 23, the Tigers acquired veteran second baseman Omar Infante, who played for Detroit in 2003–07, and starting pitcher Aníbal Sánchez from the Miami Marlins in exchange for starting pitcher Jacob Turner and two other minor leaguers.[408]

At the midway point of the 2012 season, the Tigers were three games under .500 (39–42).[409] The team played much better in the second half and, after a fierce battle down the stretch with the Chicago White Sox, the Tigers clinched the AL Central division title on October 1 with a 6–3 win against the Kansas City Royals.[410] Coupled with the Tigers' division title in 2011, it marked the first back-to-back divisional titles in team history, and first back-to-back postseason appearances since 1934–35.[411] The Tigers concluded the season with an 88–74 record.[412]

On the final day of the season, Cabrera earned the Triple Crown in batting, leading the AL in batting average (.330), home runs (44), and runs batted in (139). No player had accomplished this feat since Carl Yastrzemski in 1967.[413] On the mound, starters Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer finished first and second among the American League strikeout leaders, with 239 and 231, respectively.[414] Verlander (17–8, 2.64 ERA) finished second in the Cy Young Award balloting to David Price of the Tampa Bay Rays.[415]

In the American League Division Series, the Tigers defeated the Oakland Athletics, 3–2, earning their second straight trip to the American League Championship Series.[416] The Tigers completed a four-game sweep of the New York Yankees in the ALCS to win their 11th AL pennant and earn a trip to the World Series.[417] In the World Series, the Tigers were swept by the San Francisco Giants.[418]

On November 15, 2012, Cabrera was named AL MVP.[419]

2013: American League title defense

[edit]

The Tigers entered the 2013 season looking to defend their 2012 AL pennant. Key acquisitions in the offseason included signing free agent outfielder Torii Hunter to a two-year, $26 million contract,[420] while also signing their 2012 trade deadline acquisition, pitcher Aníbal Sánchez, to a five-year, $80 million deal.[421] The Tigers also signed free agent catcher Brayan Peña to a one-year contract.[422] Moreover, ace starter Justin Verlander signed a $180 million contract extension.[423] The Tigers placed six players on the 2013 American League All-Star team: Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder, Jhonny Peralta, Torii Hunter, Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander.[424]

On September 25, the Tigers clinched their third consecutive AL Central Division title.[425] Tigers pitchers struck out 1,428 batters during the regular season, breaking the record of 1,404 held by the 2003 Chicago Cubs.[426] Cabrera (.348 average, 44 HR, 139 RBI) was voted the AL MVP for the second straight season,[427] while Scherzer (21–3, 2.90 ERA, 240 strikeouts) won the AL Cy Young Award.[428]

The Tigers played the Oakland Athletics for the second straight year in the ALDS, and defeated the A's, 3–2.[429] The Tigers set a record by striking out 57 Oakland batters in the ALDS.[430] With his Game 5 gem, Verlander ran his postseason scoreless streak against Oakland to 30 innings.[431]

The Tigers advanced to their third straight ALCS, where they played the Boston Red Sox for the first ever time in the postseason.[432] The Tigers would be defeated in six games.[433]

2014: Changes at the top

[edit]
Jim Leyland, manager from 2006 to 2013

Jim Leyland stepped down from his managerial position after eight years with Detroit,[434] and the Tigers hired Brad Ausmus as Leyland's successor.[435] On November 20, 2013, the Tigers traded Prince Fielder to the Texas Rangers for three time All-Star second baseman Ian Kinsler plus cash considerations with regard to Fielder's remaining contract amount.[436] The Tigers later traded starting pitcher Doug Fister to the Washington Nationals for infielder Steve Lombardozzi Jr. and pitchers Ian Krol and Robbie Ray.[437]

In an effort to improve a bullpen that often struggled in 2013, the Tigers signed veteran closer Joe Nathan to a two-year, $20 million contract, with a club option for 2016,[438] and later signed Joba Chamberlain to a one-year, $2.5 million deal.[439] On May 2, 2014, a month into the season, with the bullpen having a combined 5.37 ERA, which was 29th out of 30 in MLB, the Tigers signed free agent reliever Joel Hanrahan to a one-year contract.[440] However, he never came off the disabled list to pitch for the team.[441] The team further bolstered the bullpen near the MLB trading deadline, dealing pitchers Corey Knebel and Jake Thompson to the Texas Rangers in exchange for former All-Star closer Joakim Soria on July 23.[442]

On July 31, with just hours left before the end of the non-waiver trade deadline, the Tigers traded pitcher Drew Smyly and shortstop Willy Adames to the Tampa Bay Rays, and Austin Jackson to the Seattle Mariners in a three-team deal to acquire pitcher David Price from the Rays.[443] With the acquisition of Price, the Tigers became the first team in major league history with three consecutive Cy Young Award winners in its starting rotation.[444]

On September 28, the last day of the regular season, Price pitched a 3–0 gem against the Minnesota Twins, and the Tigers clinched their fourth consecutive AL Central Division title.[445] The 90–72 Tigers finished one game ahead of the Kansas City Royals.[446]

The Tigers faced the Baltimore Orioles in the 2014 American League Division Series, where they were swept, 3–0.[447] J. D. Martinez became the first player in franchise history to hit home runs in his first two career postseason games. Both were part of back-to-back homers, with Víctor Martínez and Nick Castellanos in Games 1 and 2, respectively.[448]

2015: Mid-season Reboot

[edit]

Brad Ausmus continued to manage the Tigers for a second season. Free agents Max Scherzer and Torii Hunter left for other teams at the end of the year, while Rick Porcello, Eugenio Suárez, Robbie Ray, and prospect Devon Travis were all lost through trades. On the receiving end, the Tigers traded for slugger Yoenis Céspedes, relief pitcher Alex Wilson, speedy outfielder Anthony Gose and starting pitchers Alfredo Simón and Shane Greene.[449][450][451][452][453]

After winning the first six games of the year in record-breaking fashion, the season slowly went downhill for the Tigers.[454] Inconsistent pitching, division rivals outperforming expectations, and injuries to multiple players, including Joe Nathan, who only appeared in one game, Victor Martínez, and career first stints on the disabled list for Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera, sent the team below the .500 mark as the trade deadline came and the decision was made to "reboot" the team.[455][456] Within a two-day span in late July, the Tigers traded David Price, Joakim Soria and Cespedes, receiving six well regarded prospects in return, including Daniel Norris and Michael Fulmer.[457]

On August 4, longtime general manager Dave Dombrowski was released by the team, with assistant GM Al Avila being promoted to general manager and president of baseball operations.[458]

Despite difficulties, the Tigers still ended up sending four players to the 2015 MLB All-Star Game: Miguel Cabrera received his 10th career All-Star selection and the starting nod, but could not play due to injury; David Price received his 5th career selection as well as the credit for the win for the American League; and J.D. Martinez and Jose Iglesias both received their first career All-Star selections.[459][460]

The Tigers ended the season in last place in the AL Central Division with a record of 74–87.[461] The pitching staff was one of the worst in MLB, ending 27th in ERA, 28th in FIP, and 27th in WHIP.[462] However, the team also ended with a team batting average of .270, the best in MLB,[463] while Miguel Cabrera finished with the highest player batting average in the AL and MLB (.338), earning his fourth batting title in five years.[464]

2016

[edit]

Brad Ausmus and the Tigers entered the 2016 season with new pitching coach Rich Dubee and 9 out of 25 members of the 2015 roster being replaced through trades and free agency. Prominent additions included two highly sought free agents, starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann and outfielder Justin Upton, as well as players acquired through trades: outfielder Cameron Maybin, and the veteran closer Francisco Rodriguez, who led a totally revamped bullpen.[465] The Tigers lost two 2016 draft picks due to free agent compensation but, because of their bottom-ten finish in 2015, they kept their first round pick.[466] Key veteran losses include catcher Alex Avila and outfielder Rajai Davis, who both signed free agent deals with other teams in the division.[467][468]

The Tigers finished the season with a record of 86–75, eight games behind the first place Cleveland Indians.[469] Detroit was the final team to fall out of contention for a wild card spot, losing Saturday and Sunday games to the Atlanta Braves, while the two teams they were chasing, Baltimore and Toronto, got needed wins.[470][471]

Pitcher Michael Fulmer, acquired from the New York Mets organization in 2015, won the 2016 AL Rookie of the Year Award.[472]

Rebuilding (2017–2023)

[edit]

2017

[edit]

Mike Ilitch, the Tigers owner since 1992, died at the age of 87 on February 10, 2017.[473] The team remains in an Ilitch family trust, under the leadership of Mike's son, Christopher Ilitch.[474][475] Like the Detroit Red Wings, the Tigers honored their owner in multiple ways, the most prominent being a "Mr. I" uniform patch.[476]

After a disappointing record through the All-Star break, the Tigers began committing to a rebuild, trading J. D. Martinez,[477] Alex Avila and Justin Wilson in July,[478] plus Justin Upton and Justin Verlander in August.[479][480] On September 22, the Tigers announced that the team would not extend manager Brad Ausmus' contract past the 2017 season, ending his four-year tenure as manager. Under the management of Ausmus, the Tigers had a record of 314–332 (.486 winning percentage) and won one AL Central division title in 2014.[481] The Tigers went 6–24 in September, ending the season in a tie for the worst record in MLB with the San Francisco Giants. However, due to a tiebreaker, the Tigers were awarded the number one overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft.[482]

2018

[edit]

On October 20, 2017, the Tigers announced that Ron Gardenhire and the team had reached a three-year agreement for the former Minnesota Twins skipper to succeed Brad Ausmus as the team's manager.[483] While rebuilding with young players, the team also lost slugger Miguel Cabrera and expected ace pitcher Michael Fulmer to extensive stints on the disabled list.[484][485] This led the team to the same 64–98 record as the previous year, the fifth worst record in MLB, but still good for third place in a very weak AL Central division.[486][487][488]

2019

[edit]

Significant changes to the 2019 season opening roster include the departure of José Iglesias, and the one-year signings of the middle infield tandem of Jordy Mercer and Josh Harrison, both formerly of the Pittsburgh Pirates.[489][490][491] On March 19, it was announced that Michael Fulmer would undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the 2019 season.[492] The Tigers finished the season with a 47–114 record, the worst in all of Major League Baseball, and their second worst season in franchise history after their 43–119 record in 2003.[493] The 2019 Tigers tied the 1939 St. Louis Browns for the most home losses (59) during a season in the modern era.[494]

2020

[edit]

On April 6, Al Kaline died at the age of 85. Kaline had been affiliated with the team for 67 years, most recently as an executive.[495] The Tigers wore a No. 6 patch to honor him.[496] In the shortened 60-game season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tigers remained in playoff contention heading into September.[497] On September 19, manager Ron Gardenhire announced his retirement from baseball effective immediately, citing health concerns. Bench coach Lloyd McClendon was named interim manager for the remainder of the season.[498] The Tigers ultimately faded down the stretch, finishing with a 23–35 record.[499]

2021

[edit]

On October 30, 2020, the Tigers hired A. J. Hinch as manager.[500][501] On May 18, 2021, Spencer Turnbull pitched the eighth no-hitter in Tigers history against the Seattle Mariners. Turnbull became the first Tigers player to throw a no-hitter since Justin Verlander on May 7, 2011.[502] The Tigers finished the season with a 77–85 record.[503] This outperformed preseason predictions for the team, most of which said the Tigers would finish last.[504][505][506]

2022

[edit]

On August 10, 2022, the Tigers fired Al Avila as general manager.[507] On September 19, 2022, the Tigers hired Scott Harris as president of baseball operations.[508] The Tigers finished the season with a 66–96 record and had one of the worst offense in the league.[509] On October 25, 2022, the Tigers hired Rob Metzler as vice president and assistant general manager.[510]

2023

[edit]

On September 21, 2023, the Tigers hired Jeff Greenberg as general manager.[511] The Tigers finished the season with a 78–84 record, and in second place in the division.[512] This was the final season for long-time Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera, who announced he would retire from playing. Following his retirement, he joined the Tigers' front office as a special assistant to Scott Harris.[513]

Return to the playoffs (2024)

[edit]

2024

[edit]

2024 was expected to be another quiet year for the Tigers. That appeared to be the case for much of the season as the team was 55–63 on August 10. The Tigers then went 31–11 to clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2014 on September 27.[514] They finished the season with a 86–76 record.[515]

In the American League Wild Card Series, the Tigers swept the Houston Astros 2–0, securing their first postseason series win since 2013.[516] In the American League Division Series, the Tigers were defeated by the Cleveland Guardians in five games.[517]

Best seasons in Detroit Tigers history

[edit]
Best seasons in Detroit Tigers history
Rank Year Wins Losses Win %   Finish
1 1934 101 53 .656 Lost 1934 World Series to Cardinals
2 1915 100 54 .649 2nd in AL behind Red Sox
3 1909 98 54 .645 Lost 1909 World Series to Pirates
4 1984 104 58 .642 Won 1984 World Series over Padres
5 1968 103 59 .636 Won 1968 World Series over Cardinals
6 1961 101 61 .623 2nd in AL behind Yankees
7 1950 95 59 .617 2nd in AL behind Yankees
8 1935 93 58 .616 Won 1935 World Series over Cubs
9 1907 92 58 .613 Lost 1907 World Series to Cubs
10 1987 98 64 .605 Lost 1987 ALCS to Twins

Worst seasons in Detroit Tigers history

[edit]
Worst seasons in Detroit Tigers history
Rank Year Wins Losses Win %
1 2003 43 119 .265
2 2019 47 114 .292
3 1952 50 104 .325
4 1996 53 109 .327
5 2002 55 106 .342
6 1975 57 102 .358
7 1989 59 103 .364
8 1902 52 83 .385
9 1953 60 94 .390
10 2017 and 2018 64 98 .395

Payroll

[edit]
Total team payroll[518]
Year Amount
2007 $93,880,369
2008 $137,685,196
2009 $115,085,145
2010 $122,864,928
2011 $105,700,231
2012 $138,800,000
2013 $151,420,000
2014 $172,571,526
2015 $172,282,250
2016 $180,855,981
2017 $180,250,600
2018 $111,286,000
2019 $104,581,900
2020 $43,164,880 (60-game season)
2021 $85,648,945

Nickname

[edit]
Tiger Stadium, home of the Tigers from 1912 to 1999, at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull Avenues in the Corktown district of Detroit

The team was referred to as the Wolverines and Creams in their inaugural season in 1894 before they became the Tigers.[519][520][521] There are various legends about how they got their nickname.[522][523] One involves the striped socks they wore.[522][523][524] George Stallings, the team's manager, took credit for the name. However, the earliest known use of it appeared in the Detroit Free Press on April 16, 1895, a year prior to Stallings joining the team.[520][522][523]

In the book A Place for Summer: A Narrative History of Tiger Stadium, Richard Bak states that the name originated from the Detroit Light Guard military unit, who were known as "The Tigers". They had played significant roles in certain Civil War battles and in the 1898 Spanish–American War. Upon entry into the majors, the ballclub sought and received formal permission from the Light Guard to use its trademark. From that day forth, the team has been known as the Tigers.[522][523]

Rivalries

[edit]

Chicago White Sox

[edit]

The series between the Tigers and Chicago White Sox is one of the oldest active rivalries in the league today. Both teams joined the American League in 1901 after being charter members of the original Western League. Both have actively played one another annually for over 120 seasons. As is often the case between professional sports teams located in Chicago or Detroit, there usually exists a rivalry as such with the Bulls–Pistons rivalry of the NBA, the Blackhawks–Red Wings rivalry of the NHL, and the Bears–Lions rivalry of the NFL.[525] Despite playing one another for over 2,200 games, both teams have yet to meet in the postseason.[526][527]

Divisional

[edit]

The Tigers also maintain divisional rivalries with the Cleveland Guardians, the Kansas City Royals, and the Minnesota Twins.[528][529][530] The rivalry with Cleveland came to a head when the Tigers played at Progressive Field on August 7, 2013, with the teams first and second in the AL Central standings. Many Tigers fans who made the short trip to Cleveland started several "Let's go Tigers!" chants while the game was tied in the 9th inning. Cleveland fans countered with a "Detroit's bankrupt!" chant, in reference to the city's 2013 bankruptcy. Footage of the game from SportsTime Ohio that had the chants clearly audible quickly went viral, with many baseball fans on social media criticizing Cleveland fans for the chant due to the circumstances of Detroit's financial situation.[531] The Tigers ended up defeating Cleveland 6–5 in 14 innings.[532]

Other teams

[edit]

The Tigers have a holdover rivalry with the Toronto Blue Jays due to when the Tigers competed in the AL East.[533] Additionally, the Tigers have had some rivalries with NL teams that they have faced repeatedly in the World Series, such as the Chicago Cubs (four times) and St. Louis Cardinals (three times).[534][535] In interleague play, the Pittsburgh Pirates are the Tigers' "natural rival."[536]

Fanbase

[edit]

There are numerous Tigers fans along the Lake Erie region throughout the state of Michigan, northwestern Ohio, southwestern Ontario, as well as a small fan base in and around the Erie, Pennsylvania area, due in part to Detroit's proximity to these regions as well as the presence of the Tigers' Double-A affiliate Erie SeaWolves in northwestern Pennsylvania.[537][538][539][540][541] The Tigers have their Triple-A affiliate Toledo Mud Hens in Toledo, Ohio in addition to their Double-A affiliate in Erie.[542] The cities of Windsor and Sarnia, Ontario, have large fan bases of loyal Tigers fans.[538][539] The Tigers continue to develop a strong and long line of baseball fans in Ontario; the majority of baseball fans in southwestern Ontario are considered Tigers loyalists.[538][539]

Home attendance

[edit]
Tigers opening day 2007; view from section 324 at Comerica Park

Comerica Park

[edit]
Home attendance at Comerica Park[543]
Year Total attendance Game average League rank
2000 2,438,617 30,106 7th
2001 1,921,305 23,720 9th
2002 1,503,623 18,795 12th
2003 1,368,245 16,892 13th
2004 1,917,004 23,667 9th
2005 2,024,431 24,993 10th
2006 2,595,937 32,049 5th
2007 3,047,133 32,719 3rd
2008 3,202,645 39,539 3rd
2009 2,567,165 31,693 4th
2010 2,461,237 30,386 6th
2011 2,642,045 32,618 6th
2012 3,028,033 37,383 5th
2013 3,083,397 38,067 3rd
2014 2,917,209 36,015 4th
2015 2,726,048 33,655 5th
2016 2,493,859 31,173 7th
2017 2,321,599 28,662 7th
2018 1,856,970 22,926 10th
2019 1,501,430 18,536 12th
2020 N/A (COVID-19 pandemic) N/A N/A
2021 1,102,623 13,612 11th
2022 1,575,544 19,214 10th
2023 1,612,876 19,912 12th
2024 1,858,295 22,942 11th

Rally cry

[edit]

During the 1968 season, the team was cheered on by the phrase, "Go Get 'Em, Tigers", which was made popular by a song of the same name written and recorded by Artie Fields.[544] "Sock it to 'em, Tigers!" was also a popular phrase during this time.[545][546]

During the 1984 World Series championship run, the team was cheered on to the cry, "Bless You Boys," a phrase coined by sportscaster Al Ackerman.[222][223][547]

In 2005, the team began using the phrase "Who's Your Tiger?" as its slogan.[548]

During the 2006 season, a rally cry caught on in the Tigers' dugout. In a June game against the New York Yankees, Tigers pitcher Nate Robertson was featured in an in-game interview with FSN Detroit. During the interview, Robertson began to stuff Big League Chew bubble gum into his mouth. The Tigers would spark a rally, in which they came back to tie the game. As a result, the phrase "Gum Time" became popular.[549][550]

Additionally, the chant of a local man, the late James Van Horn, who patrolled the streets around Comerica Park yelling out "Eat 'Em Up Tigers! Eat 'Em Up!", was very popular.[551]

In 2009, the team used the phrase "Always a Tiger" as its slogan.[552]

In 2011, the slogan was switched back to "Who's Your Tiger?"[548]

During the 2018 season, a rally cry caught on with both players and fans. In a May game against the Los Angeles Angels, a goose appeared on the field during a second rain delay. After a few minutes, it left the field only to fly into the scoreboard. The goose was unharmed. When the game resumed, the Tigers scored five runs in the sixth inning and won the game, 6–1. As a result, the goose was referred to as the "Rally Goose" and the phrase became popular.[553][554]

Uniforms and logos

[edit]
Primary logo
2016–present
Cap logo
1924–present. It is orange for road games.
Logo used on the home jersey until 2018. It was also the primary logo prior to 2016.
Outfielder Ron LeFlore wearing the traditional Tigers home uniform with navy blue piping down the front and an Old English "D" on the left chest

The Tigers have worn essentially the same home uniform since 1934 — solid white jersey with navy blue piping down the front and an Old English "D" on the left chest, white pants, navy blue hat with a white letter D in the blackletter or textur/textualis typeface associated with Middle and Early Modern English and popularly referred to as "Old English" even though it was not used for that language.[555][556] On the Tigers' road uniforms, the D on their hats is orange and a script "Detroit" appears across the jersey. The script "Detroit" design was first used as part of their road jersey in 1930, and would remain so until 1959, when they changed it to a block lettering style.[557] The current version of the Tigers' road uniform was first worn in 1994, initially with racing stripes, before going with a stripe-free design from 1995 to 1997, and then to the current version featuring navy piping inspired by the team's mid-1950s road uniforms. Prior to readopting the orange "D" all-navy road cap with this uniform, the Tigers wore two different cap variations with orange brim: one with just the orange "D" which they only wore in 1994, and another featuring a tiger walking through a white "D" logo trimmed in orange, which they wore until 1997.[557][558] The Tigers previously sported road uniforms with a block "Detroit" lettering from 1960 to 1993, adding orange trim in 1972. The caps initially featured white trim within the orange "D" until 1982.[557][558] A version of the team's blackletter D was first seen on Tigers uniforms in 1904, after using a simple block D in 1903. The blackletter D appeared frequently after that until being established in 1934.[555][556] In 1960, the Tigers changed their uniform to read "Tigers" in script form, but the change only lasted one season before the traditional uniform was reinstated.[556][559]

The Tigers used to have different versions of the Old English D on the cap and jersey.[555][560] In 2018, the Tigers changed the classic curved logo on their home uniforms to match that of the sharp-cornered hat logo; additionally, the logo on the cap was enlarged.[555][561][562] In 2019, the Tigers reverted to the smaller logo on the cap, but kept the cap sharp-cornered 'D' on the home jerseys.[563]

In 2023, the Tigers entered into a uniform sponsorship deal with Meijer, the state's major discount store chain based in Grand Rapids and a longtime team sponsor. The uniform patch's logo (attached to the sleeve of the player's dominant hand) is rendered solely in navy blue on white for the home uniform, and white text on a black background for the road jersey with an orange outline.[564]

Unique characteristics of the Tigers uniforms:

  • The Tigers are the only team in Major League Baseball to have a color on their road uniforms that is not on their home uniforms (orange). The Tigers first added orange to their road uniform in 1903, but it was not until 1972 that the Tigers made orange an accent color on their road uniforms full-time. The Tigers also wore the "orange D" navy caps at home during the late 1940s through the 1950s.[565][557][558]
  • The Tigers' uniforms have more belt loops than those of any other team, as their uniform pants do not feature the wide "tunnel" loops that appear on most baseball pants.[566]

Alternate jerseys:

In 1995, the Tigers introduced a solid navy blue alternate jersey, which featured the team's primary logo at the time, a tiger stepping through the D, on the chest. It was worn for one home game.[567]

The Tigers wear the throwback jerseys of the Detroit Stars for their annual Negro Leagues Tribute Game in order to pay tribute to the Negro leagues players and their contributions to the game of baseball.[568]

The Tigers wear a white and navy blue home jersey with "Tigres" across the chest for their annual "¡Fiesta Tigres!" game to recognize and honor the contributions of Hispanic and Latino players and coaches to the game of baseball.[569]

Like all of MLB, the Tigers wore a highly stylized and brightly colored jersey for Players Weekend. In the inaugural games from August 25–27, 2017, their away jerseys were grey with bright orange with "Tigers" on the chest, the orange cap had a tiger instead of the Old English "D" on it. Players were also encouraged to use nicknames on the back of their jerseys.[570] In the 2018 season, the Tigers wore a blue jersey with orange sleeves that said "Tigers" on the chest, with an orange cap that had a tiger on it.[571]

In 2024, the Tigers unveiled their first City Connect jersey, which is a nod to Detroit's automobile industry. The primarily navy blue jersey with electric blue tire tread patterns has the "Motor City" nickname emblazoned in front along with racing stripes on the sleeves and pants. The sleeve patch features the diamond highway shield for the Michigan State Trunkline Highway System and alludes to Comerica Park's location on Woodward Avenue, otherwise known as M-1, with the team's "D" logo replacing the "block M"; when shown in a different light, it shows Detroit's 313 area code, with the 3's rendered in a reflective text. Along the jock tag is the illustration of a tiger's eyes below the team name. The cap is navy blue with "Detroit" emblazoned in front, and the right side features a faux vehicle identification number tag, "1901354566884", referencing the Tigers' first American League season of 1901 and its four World Series championships mentioned by the year in two digits.[572]

Baseball Hall of Famers

[edit]
Detroit Tigers Hall of Famers
Affiliation according to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
Detroit Tigers

Sparky Anderson1[573]
Earl Averill[574]
Ed Barrow[575]
Jim Bunning2[576]
Ty Cobb[577]
Mickey Cochrane3[578]

Sam Crawford[579]
Larry Doby[580]
Billy Evans[581]
Rick Ferrell[582]
Charlie Gehringer[583]
Joe Gordon[584]

Goose Goslin[585]
Hank Greenberg[586]
Bucky Harris[587]
Harry Heilmann[588]
Whitey Herzog[589]
Waite Hoyt[590]

Hughie Jennings4[591]
Al Kaline[212]
George Kell[592]
Jim Leyland[593]
Heinie Manush5[594]
Eddie Mathews[595]

Jack Morris[596]
Hal Newhouser[597]
Iván Rodríguez[598]
Al Simmons[599]
Sam Thompson[600]
Alan Trammell[601]

  • Players and managers listed in bold are depicted on their Hall of Fame plaques wearing a Tigers cap insignia.
  • 1Although Sparky Anderson is depicted on his Hall of Fame plaque wearing a Cincinnati Reds cap insignia, the Hall recognizes the Tigers as his primary team.[573]
  • 2Although Jim Bunning is depicted on his Hall of Fame plaque wearing a Philadelphia Phillies cap insignia, the Hall recognizes the Tigers as his primary team.[576]
  • 3Although Mickey Cochrane is depicted on his Hall of Fame plaque wearing a Tigers cap insignia, the Hall recognizes the Philadelphia Athletics as his primary team.[578]
  • 4Although Hughie Jennings is depicted on his Hall of Fame plaque wearing a Tigers cap insignia, the Hall recognizes the Baltimore Orioles as his primary team.[591]
  • 5Although Heinie Manush is depicted on his Hall of Fame plaque wearing a Tigers cap insignia, the Hall recognizes the Washington Senators as his primary team.[594]

Ford C. Frick Award recipients

[edit]
Detroit Tigers Ford C. Frick Award recipients
Affiliation according to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

Ernie Harwell[602]

  • Names in bold received the award based primarily on their work as broadcasters for the Tigers.

Michigan Sports Hall of Fame

[edit]
Mickey Cochrane
Sam Crawford
Charlie Gehringer
Harry Heilmann
George Kell
Lou Whitaker
Detroit Tigers in the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame[603]
No. Name Position Tenure Notes
Frank Navin Owner 1908–1935 Born in Adrian.
Walter Briggs Sr. Owner 1919–1935 Born in Ypsilanti.
John Fetzer Owner 1961–1983
Mike Ilitch Owner 1992–2017 Born and raised in Detroit.
Marian Ilitch Owner 1992 Born and raised in Dearborn.
Jim Campbell Executive 1962–1983
1978–1990
1990–1992
Ty Tyson Broadcaster 1927-1942
Paul Carey Broadcaster 1973–1991 Born and raised in Mount Pleasant.
Ernie Harwell Broadcaster 1960–1991
1993–2002
Van Patrick Broadcaster 1949, 1952–1959
Ray Lane Broadcaster 1967–1972, 1999-2003
Frank Beckmann Broadcaster 1995-2003
Ty Cobb CF
Manager
1905–1926
1921–1926
Sam Crawford OF 1903–1917
Wish Egan P 1902 Born and raised in Evart.
Harry Heilmann RF/1B
Broadcaster
1914
1916–1929
Hughie Jennings IF
Manager
1907, 1909–1910, 1912, 1918
1907–1920
Heinie Manush LF 1923–1927
George Mullin P 1902–1913
1 Lou Whitaker 2B 1977–1995
2 Charlie Gehringer 2B
GM
1924–1942
1951–1953
Grew up near Fowlerville. Attended the University of Michigan.
3 Mickey Cochrane C
Manager
1934–1937
1934–1938
3 Dick McAuliffe 2B/SS 1960–1973
3 Alan Trammell SS
Coach
Manager
1977–1996
1999
2003–2005
4 Goose Goslin LF 1934–1937
4 Rudy York 1B 1934, 1937–1945
4 Charlie Maxwell LF 1955–1962 Born in Lawton. Attended Western Michigan University.
5 Hank Greenberg 1B 1930, 1933–1941
1945–1946
5, 20 Vic Wertz RF/1B 1947–1952
1961–1963
5 Jim Northrup OF 1964–1974 Born in Breckenridge. Attended Alma College.
6 Al Kaline RF
Broadcaster
1953–1974
7 Billy Rogell SS 1930–1939
7, 26 Harvey Kuenn OF/SS 1952–1959
7 Rick Leach OF/1B 1981–1983 Born in Ann Arbor. Attended the University of Michigan.
10 Tommy Bridges P 1930–1943
1945–1946
10 Jim Leyland Manager 2006–2013
11 Sparky Anderson Manager 1979–1995
11 Bill Freehan C 1961, 1963–1976 Born and raised in Detroit. Attended the University of Michigan.
13 Lance Parrish C 1977–1986
14 Schoolboy Rowe P 1933–1942
14, 15 Jim Bunning P 1955–1963 Elected mainly for his performance with Philadelphia Phillies.
15, 21 George Kell 3B
Broadcaster
1946–1952
1959–1963
1965–1996
16 Hal Newhouser P 1939–1953 Born and raised in Detroit.
17 Denny McLain P 1963–1970
18 John Hiller P 1965–1970
1972–1980
20 Billy Pierce P 1945, 1948 Elected mainly for his performance with Chicago White Sox. Born in Detroit and grew up in Highland Park.
21 Barney McCosky OF 1939–1942, 1946 Grew up in Detroit.
21, 30 Don Lund OF 1949, 1952–1954 Born and raised in Detroit. Attended the University of Michigan.
21 Willie Hernández P 1984–1989
22 Virgil Trucks P 1941–1952, 1956
23 Willie Horton LF/DH 1963–1977 Born and raised in Detroit. Attended Detroit Northwestern High School.
23 Kirk Gibson OF
Coach
Broadcaster
1979–1987
1993–1995
2003–2005
Born in Pontiac. Grew up in Waterford and attended Michigan State University.
24 Mickey Stanley CF 1964–1978 Grew up in Grand Rapids.
25 Norm Cash 1B
Broadcaster
1960–1974
26 Gates Brown LF
Coach
1963–1975
1978–1984
26 Frank Tanana P 1985–1992 Grew up in Detroit.
29 Mickey Lolich P 1963–1975
47 Jack Morris P
Broadcaster
1977–1990

Retired numbers and honorees

[edit]

This is how the retired numbers and honored names are displayed on the outfield walls at Comerica Park:

In left field:[604][605][606]

23
Willie
Horton

LF, DH
Retired July 15, 2000
TC
Ty
Cobb

CF
Manager
Honored
2000
5
Hank
Greenberg

1B
Retired June 12, 1983
2
Charlie
Gehringer

2B
Coach, GM
Retired June 12, 1983
16
Hal
Newhouser

P
Retired July 27, 1997
6
Al
Kaline

RF
Broadcaster
Executive
Retired August 17, 1980
47
Jack
Morris

P
Retired August 12, 2018
3
Alan
Trammell

SS
Coach, Mgr
Retired August 26, 2018
1
Lou
Whitaker

2B
Retired August 6, 2022

In right field:[604][607]

HH
Harry
Heilmann

RF, 1B
Honored
2000
HM
Heinie
Manush

LF
Honored
2000
HJ
Hughie
Jennings

Manager
Honored
2000
SC
Sam
Crawford

OF
Honored
2000
MC
Mickey
Cochrane

C
Manager
Honored
2000
GK
George
Kell

3B
Broadcaster
Honored
2000
EH
Ernie
Harwell

Broadcaster
Honored
2000
11
Sparky
Anderson

Manager
Retired June 26, 2011
42
Jackie
Robinson


All MLB
Honored April 15, 1997

Almost all the players with retired numbers (and Ty Cobb) also have statues of themselves that sit behind their names, which are painted on the left-center field wall.[611]

National Avenue, which runs behind the third-base stands at the Tigers' previous home Tiger Stadium, was renamed Cochrane Street for Mickey Cochrane.[612] Cherry Street, which runs behind the left-field stands at Tiger Stadium, was renamed Kaline Drive for Al Kaline.[613]

The Tigers retired Jim Leyland's No. 10 on August 3, 2024.[607]

Team captains

[edit]

Award winners

[edit]

Roster

[edit]
40-man roster Non-roster invitees Coaches/Other

Pitchers


Catchers

Infielders

Outfielders


Pitchers

Catchers

Infielders

Outfielders


Manager

Coaches



40 active, 0 inactive, 7 non-roster invitees

7-, 10-, or 15-day injured list
* Not on active roster
Suspended list
Roster, coaches, and NRIs updated December 23, 2024
Transactions Depth chart
All MLB rosters

Minor league affiliations

[edit]

The Detroit Tigers farm system consists of seven minor league affiliates.[619]

Class Team League Location Ballpark Affiliated
Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens International League Toledo, Ohio Fifth Third Field 1987
Double-A Erie SeaWolves Eastern League Erie, Pennsylvania UPMC Park 2001
High-A West Michigan Whitecaps Midwest League Comstock Park, Michigan LMCU Ballpark 1997
Single-A Lakeland Flying Tigers Florida State League Lakeland, Florida Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 1963
Rookie FCL Tigers Florida Complex League Lakeland, Florida Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 1995
DSL Tigers 1 Dominican Summer League San Pedro de Macorís, San Pedro de Macorís Detroit Tigers Academy 1992
DSL Tigers 2 2022

Broadcasters

[edit]
Ernie Harwell served as a broadcaster for the Tigers from 1960 to 1991, 1993 to 2002

Radio

[edit]

The Tigers' current flagship radio station is WXYT-FM (97.1 FM).[620] Dan Dickerson does play-by-play with Andy Dirks, Craig Monroe, and Bobby Scales rotating on color commentary. On games where Dickerson is assigned to work on television, Greg Gania, the radio voice of the Erie SeaWolves, the Tigers' Double-A affiliate, serves as an alternate.[621] Games are syndicated throughout Michigan, Toledo and Archbold, Ohio.[620]

Television

[edit]

As of 2024, the Tigers' current exclusive local television rights holder is FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, which picked up the rights in 1998 taking them away from Pro-Am Sports System, owned by Post-Newsweek Stations.[622][623] The Tigers renewed in 2008, over a bid from a rival regional sports channel by Dish Network and AT&T's U-verse,[624] apparently until 2021. Through 25 games in 2017, their games have averaged a 5.57 rating, which was fifth in the major league.[622] During the 2016 season, the Tigers averaged a 7.56 rating and 138,000 viewers on primetime TV broadcasts.[625]

The Tigers' television broadcast team consists of Jason Benetti on play-by-play and former Tigers players Kirk Gibson, Todd Jones, Craig Monroe, Carlos Peña, and Dan Petry rotating on color commentary. On games where Benetti is assigned to work for Fox Sports, Dan Dickerson serves as an alternate.[626][621]

Former

[edit]

Franchise records

[edit]

Facilities

[edit]

The team maintains a training center in the Dominican Republic.[627]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Known as Navin Field from 1912 to 1937 and Briggs Stadium from 1938 to 1960.
  2. ^ The Tigers played at Burns Park on Sundays during the 1901 and 1902 seasons.
  3. ^ The 1952 Tigers had the top three losers in the AL, but not the major leagues.[301]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Beck, Jason (May 7, 2020). "'Never saw them again': Tale of Tigers' blue jersey". Tigers.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on May 15, 2020. Retrieved May 17, 2020. They also had blue jerseys for batting practice at home starting in 1994. Those didn't have numbers on the front, but they had orange, white and blue striping on the top, as well as the Tiger walking through the Olde English D on the front.
  2. ^ Beck, Jason (February 9, 2016). "Tigers will don navy blue jerseys this spring". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on August 12, 2020. Retrieved February 11, 2019. Much like Tigers caps during the regular season, the navy jerseys will feature white trim for lettering and numbers for home games, and orange for the road games.
  3. ^ Clair, Michael (February 26, 2021). "The best baseball caps ever, by team". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on April 5, 2024. Retrieved May 27, 2024. The Tigers know you don't mess with perfection. The orange and navy road version is nice, but nothing compares with the crisp white letter of the home cap.
  4. ^ Anesi, Jen (October 17, 2012). "DSO Plays 'Go Get 'Em Tigers!'". Patch. Archived from the original on April 16, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  5. ^ Keri, Jonah. "Midseason report ... Tigers style". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on April 16, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  6. ^ Dubbin, Adam (September 27, 2022). "Series Preview: Detroit Tigers return home to host Kansas City Royals". Bless You Boys. Archived from the original on April 16, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  7. ^ Stavenhagen, Cody (September 26, 2024). "How Tigers third-base coach Joey Cora set the stage for the 'Gritty Tigs' of September". The Athletic. Archived from the original on September 27, 2024. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  8. ^ Blanchard, Evan (October 2, 2024). "Detroit Tigers make playoffs for the first time in 10 years". The Oakland Post. Archived from the original on October 2, 2024. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  9. ^ Carter, John (November 2, 2012). "Aging Franchises". Bill James Online. Archived from the original on July 31, 2018. Retrieved July 30, 2018.
  10. ^ "Detroit Tigers Team History & Encyclopedia". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on November 5, 2024. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  11. ^ Bak, Richard (1998). A Place for Summer: A Narrative History of Tiger Stadium. Wayne State University Press. p. 40. ISBN 978-0814325124. Archived from the original on March 1, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2020.
  12. ^ Bak, Richard (July 5, 2013). "The Tigers first 4th of July game was in 1894". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on July 16, 2019. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  13. ^ a b c Bak, Richard (1998). A Place for Summer: A Narrative History of Tiger Stadium. Wayne State University Press. pp. 58–59. ISBN 978-0814325124.
  14. ^ a b c Dickson, Marcus W. "April 28, 1896: There used to be a hay market here: Detroit Tigers open Bennett Park". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on July 30, 2018. Retrieved July 30, 2018.
  15. ^ O'Brien, Dan. "Rube Waddell". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on September 2, 2018. Retrieved September 1, 2018.
  16. ^ Bak, Richard (1998). A Place for Summer: A Narrative History of Tiger Stadium. Wayne State University Press. p. 70. ISBN 978-0814325124.
  17. ^ a b Bak, Richard (1998). A Place for Summer: A Narrative History of Tiger Stadium. Wayne State University Press. p. 73. ISBN 978-0814325124.
  18. ^ Santry, Joe; Thomson, Cindy. "Ban Johnson". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on July 30, 2018. Retrieved July 30, 2018.
  19. ^ Bak, Richard (1998). A Place for Summer: A Narrative History of Tiger Stadium. Wayne State University Press. pp. 77–79. ISBN 978-0814325124.
  20. ^ "Year In Review : 1901 American League". Baseball Almanac. Archived from the original on October 28, 2017. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  21. ^ a b "Tigers Timeline". MLB.com. Archived from the original on July 19, 2018. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  22. ^ "1901 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 13, 2018. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  23. ^ Clair, Michael (May 9, 2023). "The history of the baseball cap: The long, strange history of the baseball cap". MLB.com. Major League Baseball. Archived from the original on May 9, 2023. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  24. ^ "Cobb still revered, reviled 100 years after first game". ESPN.com. August 29, 2005. Archived from the original on August 20, 2017. Retrieved December 27, 2017.
  25. ^ "1907 Detroit Tigers Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 25, 2017. Retrieved December 27, 2017.
  26. ^ "1907 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 2, 2017. Retrieved December 27, 2017.
  27. ^ a b c "1907 World Series". MLB.com. Archived from the original on February 24, 2021. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
  28. ^ a b Bak, Richard (November 14, 2013). "When the Tigers played to a tie in the World Series". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 15, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  29. ^ "1908 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 13, 2018. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  30. ^ "1908 American League Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  31. ^ "1908 World Series Chicago Cubs over Detroit Tigers (4–1)". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on April 21, 2021. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  32. ^ Blum, Ronald (November 3, 2016). "Cubs win World Series Game 7, end 108-year drought". Chicago Tribune. Associated Press. Archived from the original on January 26, 2018. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  33. ^ "1909 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on May 12, 2019. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  34. ^ "Baseball History in 1909". Baseball Almanac. Archived from the original on April 26, 2007. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
  35. ^ a b "1909 American League Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on April 30, 2021. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
  36. ^ "1909 Detroit Tigers Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 12, 2018. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
  37. ^ Mowery, Matthew B. (June 22, 2013). "Scherzer makes history, becoming first Tigers starter to post an 11–0 record to begin the season". The Oakland Press. Archived from the original on July 13, 2018. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
  38. ^ Lowe, John (June 28, 2013). "Max Scherzer first pitcher to start 12–0 in 27 years". USA Today. Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on July 2, 2013. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
  39. ^ Axisa, Mike (July 13, 2013). "Rangers hand Max Scherzer first loss of 2013". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on July 26, 2019. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
  40. ^ "World Series Game 7 Played on Saturday, October 16, 1909 (D) at Bennett Park". Retrosheet. Archived from the original on January 23, 2021. Retrieved March 12, 2008.
  41. ^ "1910 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  42. ^ "1911 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 29, 2018. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  43. ^ "1912 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 28, 2018. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  44. ^ "1913 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 29, 2018. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  45. ^ Lutzke, Mitch. "July 4, 1912: George Mullin tosses first Tigers no-hitter". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on July 13, 2018. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
  46. ^ Dow, Bill (April 24, 2011). "The Day the Tigers Went on Strike to Support Ty Cobb". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on February 3, 2021. Retrieved January 17, 2020.
  47. ^ "Ty Cobb Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 6, 2011. Retrieved November 1, 2017.
  48. ^ "1915 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 30, 2018. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  49. ^ a b Holmes, Dan (July 15, 2012). "Led by Cobb, Tigers outfield was greatest ever". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 16, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  50. ^ Dwyre, Bill (April 9, 2012). "Fifty years ago, Maury Wills made crime pay off for the Dodgers". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on May 30, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
  51. ^ a b OKennedy, Patrick (October 19, 2012). "Which Tiger team is the greatest of all time?". Bless You Boys. Archived from the original on July 14, 2018. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
  52. ^ "1916 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 13, 2018. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  53. ^ "1917 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  54. ^ "1918 American League Standings". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 13, 2018. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
  55. ^ "1919 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 28, 2018. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  56. ^ "1920 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 10, 2021. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  57. ^ D'Addona, Dan. "Harry Heilmann". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
  58. ^ "Hughie Jennings Managerial Record". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 22, 2014. Retrieved February 14, 2014.
  59. ^ a b "Tigers 13, Indians 3". UPI.com. September 27, 1992. Archived from the original on July 18, 2018. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  60. ^ a b Ginsburg, Daniel. "Ty Cobb". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on July 14, 2018. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
  61. ^ a b c Holmes, Dan (February 17, 2012). "Ty Cobb served as player/manager for the Tigers during The Roaring '20s". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 15, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  62. ^ "Ty Cobb Managerial Record". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 18, 2018. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  63. ^ Siwoff, Seymour (2008). The Elias Book of Baseball Records. Elias Sports Bureau. p. 88. ISBN 978-0917050107.
  64. ^ "1921 American League Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 2, 2019. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  65. ^ "1921 Detroit Tigers Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 19, 2018. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  66. ^ "1921 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 19, 2018. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  67. ^ "The 3000 Hit Club: Ty Cobb". National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. Archived from the original on February 9, 2007. Retrieved February 10, 2007.
  68. ^ "Inside the numbers: 3,000 hits". Sporting News. August 6, 1999. Archived from the original on February 11, 2005. Retrieved February 10, 2007.
  69. ^ "1923 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 1, 2024. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
  70. ^ "Harry Heilmann Baseball Stats". Baseball Almanac. Archived from the original on July 19, 2018. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
  71. ^ Zerby, Jack. "October 4, 1925: Heilmann grabs AL batting title; Cobb 'saves' the day". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on July 19, 2018. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
  72. ^ "1925 American League Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on April 20, 2010. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
  73. ^ a b c d e f Ferkovich, Scott (September 27, 2015). "1935 Tigers: Missing the Babe leads to HR hire in Cochrane". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on September 5, 2019. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  74. ^ Mundy, Chip. "October 2, 1927: Heilmann takes batting title on season-ending spree". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on July 21, 2018. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  75. ^ Goldstein, Richard (August 13, 2003). "Billy Rogell Is Dead at 98; Star Shortstop in the 1930's". The New York Times. Archived from the original on July 31, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
  76. ^ "1934 Detroit Tigers Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 31, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
  77. ^ Holmes, Dan (June 7, 2014). "The hottest team in Detroit Tigers' history was 1934, not 1984". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 16, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  78. ^ a b c d "Postseason History: 1934 World Series". MLB.com. Archived from the original on July 21, 2018. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  79. ^ a b Heutmaker, Brent. "October 9, 1934: 'A case for Judge Landis': Medwick tossed in World Series melee as Cardinals win Game 7". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on June 17, 2020. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  80. ^ "1934 World Series Game 7, Cardinals at Tigers, October 9". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 21, 2018. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  81. ^ Lehman, Doug. "A Mechanical Man, a Hammer, the Goose, and Black Mike: 1935 Detroit Tigers in the Hall of Fame". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on July 31, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
  82. ^ "1935 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 31, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
  83. ^ "Hank Greenberg Baseball Stats". Baseball Alamanc. Archived from the original on July 31, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
  84. ^ a b "1935 American Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 31, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
  85. ^ "1935 Detroit Tigers Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 31, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
  86. ^ Okkonen, Marc; Jones, David. "Frank Navin". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on July 31, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
  87. ^ Holmes, Dan (April 29, 2012). "Mansion of former Tiger owner on the market for less than $500k". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 15, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  88. ^ Gallagher, John P. (April 12, 1936). "Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs Picked to Repeat Major League Victories". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on June 4, 2011. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  89. ^ "1936 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 4, 2018. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  90. ^ "1937 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 4, 2018. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  91. ^ "1938 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 4, 2018. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  92. ^ "1939 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 4, 2018. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  93. ^ "Hank Greenberg Facts from". The Baseball Page.com. Archived from the original on March 12, 2006. Retrieved March 16, 2010.
  94. ^ D'Addona, Dan (October 10, 2017). "Two Tigers made a run at the single-season home run record". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 15, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  95. ^ Ferkovich, Scott. "Hank Greenberg". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on August 4, 2018. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  96. ^ Detroit Tigers Point to Pennant in 1940 Archived November 20, 2015, at the Wayback Machine, Sid Feder, The Evening Independent, St. Petersburg, Florida, September 29, 1938
  97. ^ "1940 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 4, 2018. Retrieved August 4, 2018.
  98. ^ a b Coffey, Alex. "Tigers move first baseman Hank Greenberg to the outfield". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on August 4, 2018. Retrieved August 4, 2018.
  99. ^ a b c "1940 Detroit Tigers Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 4, 2018. Retrieved August 4, 2018.
  100. ^ "Sport: Vegetable Plate". Time. October 7, 1940. Archived from the original on December 7, 2007. Retrieved April 20, 2010.
  101. ^ Wancho, Joseph. "September 27, 1940: Tigers clinch American League pennant behind Floyd Giebell". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on August 6, 2018. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  102. ^ a b c d "1940 World Series". MLB.com. Archived from the original on February 24, 2021. Retrieved August 4, 2018.
  103. ^ a b c d e Bak, Richard (October 21, 2012). "1940 World Series was a heartbreaker for Bobo Newsom and Detroit". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 15, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  104. ^ Holmes, Dan (January 1, 2016). "Remembering Hank Greenberg's service in World War II". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 15, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  105. ^ "1941 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 11, 2018. Retrieved August 10, 2018.
  106. ^ "1942 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 11, 2018. Retrieved August 10, 2018.
  107. ^ "1943 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 11, 2018. Retrieved August 10, 2018.
  108. ^ a b "1944 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on June 3, 2022. Retrieved August 10, 2018.
  109. ^ a b "1944 Detroit Tigers Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 11, 2018. Retrieved August 10, 2018.
  110. ^ Goldstein, Richard (November 11, 1998). "Hal Newhouser, 77, a Hall of Fame Pitcher". The New York Times. Archived from the original on August 11, 2018. Retrieved August 10, 2018.
  111. ^ a b Holmes, Dan (July 5, 2016). "These Tiger teams blew leads late in the season". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 16, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  112. ^ Rosengren, John. "The Return of Hank Greenberg". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on August 17, 2018. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  113. ^ "1945 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 30, 2018. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  114. ^ Eagle, Ed (March 1, 2018). "Triple Crown in Pitching". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 28, 2018. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  115. ^ Nemec, David; Flatow, Scott (2008). Baseball Feats, Facts and Firsts (2008 ed.). Berkley. p. 153. ISBN 978-0451223630.
  116. ^ "1945 World Series". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 19, 2021. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  117. ^ Rice, Stephen V. "October 10, 1945: Newhouser leads Tigers to Game 7 victory". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on August 28, 2018. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  118. ^ Lancaster, Marc (October 27, 2016). "Last World Series at Wrigley Field was hardly a fall classic". Sporting News. Archived from the original on October 7, 2018. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  119. ^ "1946 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 1, 2018. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
  120. ^ "1947 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 1, 2018. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
  121. ^ "1948 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 1, 2018. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
  122. ^ "1949 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 1, 2018. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
  123. ^ a b "1950 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 1, 2018. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
  124. ^ a b c "George Kell, former Detroit Tigers broadcaster, dies at 86". ESPN.com. Associated Press. March 24, 2009. Archived from the original on September 1, 2018. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
  125. ^ a b c Goldstein, Richard (March 24, 2009). "George Kell, 86, Detroit Tigers Hall of Famer and Broadcaster, Dies". The New York Times. Archived from the original on September 1, 2018. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
  126. ^ Bak, Richard (August 31, 2014). "The Day George Kell Won the Batting Title". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 15, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  127. ^ Anderson, David (October 26, 2009). "In October 1950, Yankees Pitching Delivered a Sweep of the Phillies". The New York Times. Archived from the original on July 15, 2018. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
  128. ^
  129. ^ VandeBunte, Blake (October 28, 2009). "Team 108: The 1952 Tigers". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on September 6, 2018. Retrieved September 5, 2018.
  130. ^ a b c d e f Anderson, R.J. (May 1, 2018). "The 2003 Detroit Tigers, one of the worst MLB teams ever, provide rebuilding teams lessons to learn from 15 years later". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on September 6, 2018. Retrieved September 5, 2018.
  131. ^ Great Baseball Feats, Facts and Figures, 2008 Edition, p. 139, David Nemec and Scott Flatow, A Signet Book, Penguin Group, New York, ISBN 978-0-451-22363-0
  132. ^ McCosky, Chris (September 11, 2021). "Tigers' Miguel Cabrera makes history again, hits in 9 straight plate appearances". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on September 13, 2021. Retrieved September 14, 2021.
  133. ^ "WALTER O. BRIGGS, OWNED THE TIGERS". The New York Times. Associated Press. July 4, 1970. Archived from the original on September 6, 2018. Retrieved September 5, 2018.
  134. ^ Ferkovich, Scott (January 30, 2016). "Former Tigers' owner John Fetzer ushered baseball into TV era". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 15, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  135. ^ Holmes, Dan (March 8, 2017). "Knorr's important role in history of Detroit Tigers deserves to be remembered". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 15, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  136. ^ Al Kaline at the SABR Baseball Biography Project , by Nick Waddell, Retrieved October 14, 2013.
  137. ^ Couch, Graham (August 10, 2008). "Tigers notes: Ozzie Virgil blazed trail for today's Latin American players". MLive. Archived from the original on September 6, 2018. Retrieved September 5, 2018.
  138. ^ Austin, Dan (January 28, 2015). "The day the Detroit Tigers gave up their color barrier". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on July 30, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2018.
  139. ^ a b c d Adler, David (August 12, 2018). "The 9 times a 100-win team didn't finish first". MLB.com. Archived from the original on September 21, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  140. ^ a b "1961 American League Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 8, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  141. ^ Dow, Bill (2001). "Former Tiger Norm Cash". Baseball Digest. Archived from the original on July 10, 2012. Retrieved August 7, 2008.
  142. ^ "1961 Detroit Tigers Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 12, 2017. Retrieved September 28, 2021.
  143. ^ Markusen, Bruce (May 20, 2014). "Speedy Bill Bruton covered center field for the Tigers in the early 1960s". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 15, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  144. ^ Markusen, Bruce (October 21, 2015). "Wood was the first African-American star for the Tigers". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 15, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  145. ^ a b c Holmes, Dan. "Willie Horton". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on September 8, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  146. ^ a b Hyslop, Don. "Earl Wilson". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on September 9, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  147. ^ Markusen, Bruce (February 22, 2017). "Gates Brown went from troublemaker to team leader". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 15, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  148. ^ a b c Holmes, Dan. "Mickey Lolich". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2018.
  149. ^ Armour, Mark. "Danny McLain". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on June 20, 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2018.
  150. ^ Nechal, Jerry. "Mickey Stanley". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on September 12, 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2018.
  151. ^ a b c Sargent, Jim. "Jim Northrup". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on September 11, 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2018.
  152. ^ "1966 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on May 7, 2021. Retrieved September 11, 2018.
  153. ^ a b Jolly Charlie Dressen dies at 67 Archived May 14, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, The Montreal Gazette, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, August 11, 1966
  154. ^ a b "Tigers' Stand-In Pilot Bob Swift Dies At 51". St. Petersburg Times. Associated Press. October 18, 1966. Archived from the original on September 11, 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2018.
  155. ^ Skelton, David E. "Frank Skaff". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on September 12, 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2018.
  156. ^ Raglin, David. "Mayo Smith". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on July 2, 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2018.
  157. ^ a b c OKennedy, Patrick (October 12, 2013). "Flashback, 1967: Red Sox edge Tigers in AL Pennant race". Bless You Boys. Archived from the original on September 13, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  158. ^ a b c Armour, Mark. "October 1, 1967: Tigers drop season finale to give Red Sox the AL pennant". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on September 13, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  159. ^ "1967 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on May 2, 2021. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  160. ^ "1967 Detroit Tigers Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 12, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  161. ^ Steckroth, John (April 7, 2017). "From the vault: 1968's 'The Year of the Tiger'". ClickOnDetroit.com. Archived from the original on September 13, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  162. ^ a b Herzog, Bob (March 27, 2018). "A look back at 1968, the year of the pitcher". Newsday. Archived from the original on September 12, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  163. ^ "1968 American League Most Valuable Player Award voting results". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 30, 2009. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  164. ^ "1968 American League Cy Young Award voting results". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 30, 2009. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  165. ^ Keri, Jonah (February 7, 2008). "Forty years later, Gibson's 1.12 ERA remains magic number". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on September 13, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  166. ^ "Brock, Lou". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 29, 2017. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  167. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Nechal, Jerry. "October 10, 1968: Lolich outduels Gibson in dramatic Game Seven victory". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on September 14, 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  168. ^ a b c d Hall, Donald (October 17, 1988). "How a Stopgap Shortstop Won a World Series". SI.com. Archived from the original on September 13, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  169. ^ a b c "Greatest coaching decisions". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on July 4, 2017. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  170. ^ Muder, Craig. "Bob Gibson fans 17 Tigers in Game 1 of 1968 World Series". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on September 13, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  171. ^ "1968 World Series Game 1, Tigers at Cardinals, October 2". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 13, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  172. ^ a b c d e f Ford, Ryan (September 7, 2018). "The Tigers' 1968 World Series victory: Seven games to glory". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on November 8, 2019. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  173. ^ a b Paul, Tony (September 5, 2018). "Fifty years later, 1968 Detroit Tigers can't forget World Series-changing play". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on November 30, 2020. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  174. ^ Ruane, Tom. "A Retro-Review of the 1960s". Retrosheet. Archived from the original on September 18, 2018. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  175. ^ a b "1969 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 18, 2018. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  176. ^ "1969 American League Cy Young Award voting results". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on February 1, 2009. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  177. ^ "MLB's winningest seasons". Newsday. February 25, 2016. Archived from the original on September 18, 2018. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  178. ^ "1970 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 3, 2011. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  179. ^ Markusen, Bruce (November 26, 2014). "Mayo Smith deserves to remembered for what he did – and didn't do – as a Tigers' manager". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 15, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  180. ^ Markusen, Bruce (November 11, 2013). "Billy Martin infused veteran Tiger team with new life in early 1970s". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 16, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  181. ^ a b c d Acocella, Nick. "Billy battled opponents, himself". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on October 3, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  182. ^ Dow, Bill (July 29, 2009). "Remembering Detroit's Original Sports Bar: The Lindell AC". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  183. ^ a b Bad Boy Denny Back in Baseball Archived February 25, 2021, at the Wayback Machine, TimesDaily, Florence, Alabama, October 10, 1970
  184. ^ a b Acocella, Nick. "From the big time to the big house". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on August 31, 2017. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  185. ^ a b c d "Looking at a few of the worst deals in baseball history". The Oakland Press. July 22, 2007. Archived from the original on September 21, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  186. ^ a b Markusen, Bruce (January 8, 2015). "Elliott Maddox was part of lopsided deal that sent Denny McLain to Senators". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 16, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  187. ^ "1971 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 22, 2018. Retrieved September 21, 2018.
  188. ^ a b "1971 Detroit Tigers Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 22, 2018. Retrieved September 21, 2018.
  189. ^ Wallner, Peter J. (August 11, 2016). "Mickey Lolich, after 3,600 innings without surgery, says today's pitchers are 'coddled'". MLive. Archived from the original on September 22, 2018. Retrieved September 21, 2018.
  190. ^ Berkow, Ira (December 29, 2003). "BASEBALL; In a Lifetime Full of Second Chances, Denny McLain Receives His Biggest". The New York Times. Archived from the original on September 21, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  191. ^ a b Holmes, Dan (July 12, 2013). "Quirk in schedule helped Tigers to the AL East Division title in '72". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 15, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  192. ^ a b "1972 Detroit Tigers Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 11, 2022. Retrieved September 21, 2018.
  193. ^ "Tigers Awards". MLB. June 19, 2012. Archived from the original on July 24, 2011. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
  194. ^ a b Markusen, Bruce (October 30, 2013). "Fryman's heroic pitching efforts down the stretch in '72 make him a Tiger for life". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 15, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  195. ^ "Boston Red Sox at Detroit Tigers Box Score, October 3, 1972". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 22, 2018. Retrieved September 21, 2018.
  196. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l OKennedy, Patrick (September 30, 2013). "Playoff flashback, 1972: Oakland A's vs Detroit Tigers". Bless You Boys. Archived from the original on September 24, 2018. Retrieved September 23, 2018.
  197. ^ "1972 American League Championship Series (ALCS) Game 3, Oakland Athletics at Detroit Tigers, October 10, 1972". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 9, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2018.
  198. ^ "1973 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  199. ^ "1973 Detroit Tigers Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 29, 2018. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  200. ^ a b Hawkins, Jim (September 3, 1973). "Billy Martin Fired by Tigers". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on September 29, 2018. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  201. ^ a b Markusen, Bruce (December 17, 2013). "Hiller's amazing comeback is one of Tigers' greatest triumphs over adversity". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 16, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  202. ^ "Tigers ready to cope without their closer". The Oakland Press. April 3, 2006. Archived from the original on September 29, 2018. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  203. ^ a b "Jose Valverde Named Winner of the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Year Award". MLB.com. October 5, 2011. Archived from the original on October 23, 2013. Retrieved October 22, 2018.
  204. ^ Vorperian, John. "Ralph Houk". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on September 30, 2018. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  205. ^ Holmes, Dan (December 21, 2012). "War hero Houk managed Tigers through transitional era in 1970s". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 16, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  206. ^ "1974 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 30, 2018. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  207. ^ "1975 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on April 29, 2011. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  208. ^ a b "1976 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 30, 2018. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  209. ^ "1977 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 28, 2018. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  210. ^ "National Baseball Hall of Fame – The 3,000 Hit Club – Al Kaline". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on July 25, 2015. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  211. ^ Henning, Lynn (May 26, 2015). "399: Kaline's last day short of history, long on regret". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on March 26, 2019. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  212. ^ a b "Kaline, Al". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on September 30, 2018. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  213. ^ Gage, Tom (December 11, 2014). "Al Kaline, turning 80, reflects on Hall of Fame career". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on January 9, 2017. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  214. ^ a b c d e f Puerzer, Rich. "Mark Fidrych". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on September 30, 2018. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  215. ^ "The Bird: The Life and Legacy of Mark Fidrych Book Review". Baseball Almanac. Archived from the original on May 31, 2022. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  216. ^ Holmes, Dan (April 15, 2011). "Aurelio Rodriguez: The Detroit Tiger with the Golden Arm". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 15, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  217. ^ Schoenfield, David (January 12, 2012). "Morris, Trammell and the '80s Detroit Tigers". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on September 30, 2018. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  218. ^ Kornacki, Steve (July 22, 2010). "Tigers remember former manager Ralph Houk, who died at age 90". MLive. Archived from the original on September 30, 2018. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  219. ^ Holmes, Dan (May 14, 2012). "Faithful soldier Moss stepped aside for Sparky in '79". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 16, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  220. ^ Dow, Bill (February 24, 2014). "What a coup: 35 years ago the Tigers hired Sparky Anderson". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 16, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  221. ^ Kelly, Matt. "Sparky Anderson becomes first manager to win 100 games in both leagues". Baseball Fame of Fame. Archived from the original on January 20, 2021. Retrieved April 28, 2020.
  222. ^ a b GregEno (April 16, 2014). "Bless You Boys! Our name has sarcastic roots, thanks to 'Acid Al' Ackerman". Bless You Boys. Archived from the original on October 2, 2018. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
  223. ^ a b Bartkowiak, Dave Jr. (June 8, 2016). "Mort Crim: Al Ackerman originally used 'Bless You Boys' sarcastically". ClickOnDetroit.com. Archived from the original on October 1, 2018. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
  224. ^ "1983 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 2, 2018. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
  225. ^ "Tom Monaghan – Domino's Pizza". Giants for God. Archived from the original on August 4, 2019. Retrieved February 13, 2017.
  226. ^ Bak, Richard (1998). A Place for Summer: A Narrative History of Tiger Stadium. Wayne State University Press. p. 332. ISBN 978-0814325124.
  227. ^ Markusen, Bruce (May 14, 2014). "'84 Tigers had the best start in the history of the game". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on December 24, 2019. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  228. ^ Savage, Brendan (April 20, 2017). "Jack Morris no-hitter was sign of big things to come for 1984 Tigers". MLive. Archived from the original on March 9, 2021. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
  229. ^ a b DeCamp, Scott (August 2, 2017). "It was good to be a Detroit Tigers fan in 1984". MLive. Archived from the original on January 19, 2021. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
  230. ^ Chass, Murray (November 7, 1984). "Hernandez Adds M.V.P. to Cy Young". The New York Times. Archived from the original on October 2, 2018. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
  231. ^ "1984 American League Championship Series (ALCS) Game 1, Tigers at Royals, October 2, 1984". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on June 20, 2018. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
  232. ^ a b Lantz, Susan. "October 5, 1984: Slurves, Yackadoos, and an American League pennant". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on October 2, 2018. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
  233. ^ "1984 American League Championship Series (ALCS) Game 2, Tigers at Royals, October 3, 1984". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 2, 2018. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
  234. ^ Gross, Jane (October 6, 1984). "Wolcox Stops Royals as Tigers Win Pennant". The New York Times. Archived from the original on October 2, 2018. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
  235. ^ Doolittle, Bradford (October 23, 2016). "Chicago Cubs' six darkest days finally lead to their brightest". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on October 3, 2018. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  236. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "1984 World Series". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 29, 2021. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  237. ^ "1984 World Series Game 1, Detroit Tigers at San Diego Padres, October 9, 1984". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 4, 2018. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  238. ^ a b "1984 World Series Game 2, Detroit Tigers at San Diego Padres, October 10, 1984". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 4, 2018. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  239. ^ a b "1984 World Series Game 3, Detroit Tigers at San Diego Padres, October 12, 1984". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 4, 2018. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  240. ^ "1984 World Series Game 4, Detroit Tigers at San Diego Padres, October 13, 1984". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 4, 2018. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  241. ^ a b c d e "1984 World Series Game 5, Detroit Tigers at San Diego Padres, October 14, 1984". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 4, 2018. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  242. ^ a b c d e Wulf, Steve (October 22, 1984). "Detroit Jumped All Over 'Em". SI.com. Archived from the original on October 4, 2018. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  243. ^ "YouTube video of Kirk Gibson's 1984 World Series Game 5 home run, Sparky Anderson mic'd". YouTube.com. September 18, 2012. Archived from the original on December 11, 2021. Retrieved December 27, 2013.
  244. ^ Dow, Bill (March 11, 2011). "Rare Video of Sparky Anderson during Kirk Gibson's 1984 World Series Home Run". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  245. ^ Mather, Victor (April 13, 2015). "Jordan Spieth, Count Fleet and the 1927 Yankees: Wire-to-Wire Champions". The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 1, 2022. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
  246. ^ Thomson, Cindy. "Sparky Anderson". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on April 3, 2019. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
  247. ^ "1985 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 10, 2023. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  248. ^ "1986 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 5, 2018. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  249. ^ a b c d e f g h Duke, Mike (September 13, 2017). "30 years ago—the 1987 Detroit Tigers". The Daily Reporter. Archived from the original on October 6, 2018. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  250. ^ Turnquist, Ryan. "Tigers trade John Smoltz to Braves". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 6, 2018. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  251. ^ a b "1987 Major League Baseball Standings & Expanded Standings". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 6, 2018. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  252. ^ "1987 World Series". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 3, 2021. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  253. ^ "1987 American League Championship Series (ALCS) Game 5, Minnesota Twins at Detroit Tigers, October 12, 1987". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 9, 2018. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  254. ^ Durso, Joseph (January 30, 1988). "Gibson Agrees to Sign With the Dodgers". The New York Times. Archived from the original on October 6, 2018. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  255. ^ "The Story Of The 1988 Detroit Tigers". TheSportsNotebook.com. November 18, 2014. Archived from the original on May 29, 2016. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  256. ^ Newhan, Ross (May 7, 1990). "He Lost Spark, but Found Himself: Baseball: When his Detroit Tigers suddenly went downhill in 1989, it took a while for Anderson to pick himself up". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on September 20, 2015. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  257. ^ "1989 Major League Baseball Standings & Expanded Standings". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 6, 2018. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  258. ^ "Home Run Records by a Team During a Single Season". Baseball-almanac.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2013. Retrieved December 27, 2013.
  259. ^ Holmes, Dan (February 20, 2013). "Fielder was the best bargain the Tigers ever had". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 15, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  260. ^ GregEno (December 7, 2014). "Hot stove throwback: Cecil Fielder, the prodigal son slugger who became a Tigers legend". Bless You Boys. Archived from the original on October 7, 2018. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
  261. ^ Muder, Craig. "Henderson named 1990 AL MVP". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 7, 2018. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
  262. ^ Chass, Murray (November 20, 1991). "BASEBALL; Ripken Outpolls Fielder in Winning M.V.P. Award". The New York Times. Archived from the original on October 7, 2018. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
  263. ^ "1990 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 5, 2018. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
  264. ^ "1991 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 6, 2018. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
  265. ^ "1991 Detroit Tigers Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 7, 2018. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
  266. ^ Holmes, Dan (May 30, 2012). "For Travis Fryman, the timing was wrong in Detroit". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 15, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  267. ^ Holmes, Dan (February 9, 2012). "Unfortunate timing: The Career of Bobby Higginson". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 15, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  268. ^ "Tony Clark debuts on Hall of Fame ballot". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 8, 2018. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
  269. ^ "Tigers Fire Ernie Harwell, Broadcast Veteran of 31 Seasons". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. December 19, 1990. Archived from the original on December 28, 2020. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
  270. ^ Bohn, Matt. "Ernie Harwell". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on October 8, 2018. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
  271. ^ "1992 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 5, 2018. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
  272. ^ "Cecil Fielder Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 8, 2018. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
  273. ^ "Tigers sold to rival pizza baron". UPI.com. August 13, 1992. Archived from the original on October 7, 2018. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
  274. ^ "Tigers rehire Harwell". UPI.com. September 18, 1992. Archived from the original on October 7, 2018. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
  275. ^ a b Young, Geoff (September 8, 2010). "Losing streaks, winning teams". FanGraphs. Archived from the original on October 8, 2018. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
  276. ^ a b c d e Chirco, Vito (April 26, 2016). "Leyland changed the way Detroiters viewed their baseball team". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on January 15, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  277. ^ "Sparky Anderson". BaseballBiography.com. Archived from the original on December 1, 2022. Retrieved December 27, 2013.
  278. ^ a b c Amore, Dom (June 1, 2006). "RESTORING THE ROAR". Hartford Courant. Archived from the original on October 27, 2018. Retrieved October 26, 2018.
  279. ^ "Tigers name Randy Smith as GM". UPI.com. October 30, 1995. Archived from the original on October 8, 2018. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  280. ^ VandeBunte, Blake (October 29, 2009). "Team 107: The 1996 Tigers". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on October 9, 2018. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  281. ^ Perry, Dayn (September 9, 2013). "Regrets, I've had a few: A tour of the Pirates' 20-year drought". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on March 1, 2024. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  282. ^ Chass, Murray (October 16, 1997). "Owners' Vote Allows One Team to Move to National League". The New York Times. Archived from the original on October 8, 2018. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  283. ^ Chass, Murray (November 6, 1997). "Brewers Cleared to Shift to N.L. Central in '98". The New York Times. Archived from the original on October 8, 2018. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  284. ^ Rogers, Phil (February 8, 1998). "Tigers Can't Wait to Leave AL East". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on October 9, 2018. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  285. ^ "Tigers Win In New Stadium". CBS News. April 11, 2000. Archived from the original on October 9, 2018. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  286. ^ Beck, Jason (June 13, 2005). "Comerica Park fair to hitters, pitchers". Tigers.com. Archived from the original on December 12, 2008. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  287. ^ "Rangers trade Gonzalez to Tigers in blockbuster". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 4, 1999. Archived from the original on October 9, 2018. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  288. ^ Berríos, Alfredo R. (May 7, 2010). "Former Texas Rangers slugger Juan Gonzalez eases into new baseball life in his native Puerto Rico". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on May 13, 2016. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  289. ^ Niyo, John (March 1, 2003). "Comerica getting a new dimension". USA Today. The Detroit News. Archived from the original on August 3, 2017. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  290. ^ Beck, Jason (January 14, 2005). "Comerica Park to see alterations". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 12, 2017. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  291. ^ Lage, Larry (November 4, 2001). "Source: Tigers to Hire Dombrowski". Associated Press. Archived from the original on October 9, 2018. Retrieved October 8, 2001.
  292. ^ Chass, Murray (April 9, 2002). "BASEBALL; Tigers Dismiss Garner And Smith". The New York Times. Archived from the original on October 8, 2018. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  293. ^ "Tigers clean house, fire manager Garner, GM Smith". ESPN.com. Associated Press. April 9, 2002. Archived from the original on February 24, 2021. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  294. ^ Lage, Larry (September 30, 2002). "Tigers fire Pujols as manager". USA Today. Associated Press. Archived from the original on October 4, 2002. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  295. ^ Lage, Larry (October 9, 2002). "Tigers Hire Trammell As Its Manager". The Edwardsville Intelligencer. Associated Press. Archived from the original on October 10, 2018. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  296. ^ "Thomas has 10 homers in past 12 games". ESPN.com. Associated Press. August 30, 2018. Archived from the original on October 10, 2018. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  297. ^ a b c Lapointe, Joe (September 29, 2003). "BASEBALL; The Tigers Are Happy To Avoid Making History". The New York Times. Archived from the original on August 30, 2018. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  298. ^ "Pitchers With 20 or More Losses in a Season". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 14, 2008. Retrieved September 26, 2008.
  299. ^ a b "The Ten Worst Major League Baseball Seasons". JM Pressley Writing. Archived from the original on October 3, 2018. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  300. ^ a b Kornacki, Steve (December 28, 2008). "Tigers challenged Mets' futility record in 2003". MLive. Archived from the original on September 14, 2019. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  301. ^ "1952 Major League Pitching Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 15, 2021. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
  302. ^ "Game Lost Records". Baseball Almanac. Archived from the original on October 5, 2018. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  303. ^ a b "White Sox tie record for most losses since 1900 with 120". ESPN.com. September 22, 2024. Archived from the original on September 22, 2024. Retrieved September 23, 2024.
  304. ^ Nadkarni, Rohan (September 27, 2024). "Chicago White Sox lose 121st game this season, most in baseball history". NBC News. Archived from the original on September 29, 2024. Retrieved September 28, 2024.
  305. ^ a b c Sharkey-Gotlieb, Simon (September 29, 2024). "Ranking the 2024 White Sox among the worst teams in MLB history". theScore. Archived from the original on September 29, 2024. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  306. ^ Wagner, John (September 29, 2003). "Tigers notebook: Ilitch vows to make changes". Toledo Blade. Archived from the original on October 10, 2018. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  307. ^ OKennedy, Patrick (August 5, 2015). "Reviewing Dave Dombrowski's tenure with the Detroit Tigers". Bless You Boys. Archived from the original on October 10, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  308. ^ "Second baseman agrees to two-year deal". ESPN.com. ESPN.com news services. December 10, 2003. Archived from the original on October 10, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  309. ^ "AP: Rondell White Signs With the Tigers". Associated Press. December 14, 2003. Archived from the original on October 11, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  310. ^ "Less than half of $40M is guaranteed". ESPN.com. ESPN.com news services. February 4, 2004. Archived from the original on October 11, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  311. ^ "Tigers, Urbina close to 1-year agreement". Chicago Tribune. March 26, 2004. Archived from the original on October 10, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  312. ^ Tigers acquire veteran shortstop from Mariners Archived February 25, 2021, at the Wayback Machine, The Argus-Press, Owosso, Michigan, January 9, 2004
  313. ^ VandeBunte, Blake (December 1, 2009). "Team 81: The 2004 Detroit Tigers". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on October 11, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  314. ^ a b c d e "Tigers fire Trammell after 71–91 season". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 4, 2005. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  315. ^ "Percival to Sign With the Tigers". The New York Times. Associated Press. November 18, 2004. Archived from the original on October 10, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  316. ^ "Five-year deal worth $75 million". ESPN.com. ESPN.com news services. February 5, 2005. Archived from the original on October 11, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  317. ^ "POLANCO DEALT TO TIGERS". Newsday. Associated Press. June 8, 2005. Archived from the original on October 11, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  318. ^ "Tigers beat reeling Twins to get back to .500". ESPN.com. Associated Press. July 24, 2005. Archived from the original on October 11, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  319. ^ Harrington, Mike (August 21, 2005). "Pudge isn't nudging Tigers toward postseason". The Buffalo News. Archived from the original on October 10, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  320. ^ "Tejada homers, named All-Star MVP". ESPN.com. Associated Press. July 13, 2005. Archived from the original on August 4, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  321. ^ "Abreu shatters Home Run Derby records". ESPN.com. Associated Press. July 12, 2005. Archived from the original on October 8, 2017. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  322. ^ "Tigers pounce quickly, hire Leyland to manage". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 4, 2005. Archived from the original on October 11, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  323. ^ a b "Tigers sign veterans Kenny Rogers, Todd Jones". Toledo Blade. December 8, 2005. Archived from the original on October 11, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  324. ^ "Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Indians Box Score, August 27, 2006". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 11, 2018. Retrieved October 11, 2018.
  325. ^ "Rogers' gem helps Tigers avoid sweep vs. Indians". ESPN.com. Associated Press. August 28, 2006. Archived from the original on March 30, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  326. ^ "Detroit Tigers at Kansas City Royals Box Score, September 24, 2006". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 11, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  327. ^ "Detroit rejoices in its first postseason since 1987". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 25, 2006. Archived from the original on October 11, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  328. ^ "Tigers blow six-run lead, lose AL Central title in extras". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 2, 2006. Archived from the original on March 29, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  329. ^ "Detroit rocks NY: Bonderman, Tigers eliminate Yanks". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 8, 2006. Archived from the original on March 29, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  330. ^ "Ordonez's walk-off blast puts Tigers in World Series". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 15, 2006. Archived from the original on March 29, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  331. ^ "Cards roll past Tigers for first Series win since '82". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 28, 2006. Archived from the original on September 6, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  332. ^ Blum, Ronald (November 10, 2006). "Yankees Trade Gary Sheffield to Tigers". The Washington Post. Associated Press. Archived from the original on October 5, 2018. Retrieved October 11, 2018.
  333. ^ "2007 Top 100 Prospects". Baseball America. February 28, 2007. Archived from the original on March 3, 2007. Retrieved October 22, 2018.
  334. ^ "Tigers' Verlander throws no-hitter against Brewers". Reuters. June 12, 2007. Archived from the original on September 6, 2018. Retrieved October 11, 2018.
  335. ^ Knobler, Danny (March 30, 2007). "Rogers out for 3 months after surgery to remove blood clot". MLive. Archived from the original on August 11, 2020. Retrieved October 11, 2018.
  336. ^ "Extensive torque on ball causes Zumaya's injury". ESPN.com. Associated Press. May 9, 2007. Archived from the original on October 12, 2018. Retrieved October 11, 2018.
  337. ^ Knobler, Danny (August 26, 2007). "Jurrjens heads to DL, but it doesn't look too serious". MLive. Archived from the original on January 17, 2021. Retrieved October 11, 2018.
  338. ^ Lage, Larry (August 28, 2007). "Game of the Day | Tigers hammer Yankees 16–0". The Seattle Times. Associated Press. Archived from the original on October 12, 2018. Retrieved October 12, 2018.
  339. ^ "Minnesota Twins at Detroit Tigers Box Score, September 26, 2007". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 12, 2018. Retrieved October 11, 2018.
  340. ^ "Tigers win in 5, but eliminated from posteason [sic]". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 27, 2007. Archived from the original on March 30, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  341. ^ "2007 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on December 24, 2020. Retrieved October 11, 2018.
  342. ^ "Ordonez becomes 2nd Tiger to win AL batting title since 1961". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 30, 2007. Archived from the original on October 12, 2018. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  343. ^ "Tigers deal two prospects to Braves for Renteria". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 30, 2007. Archived from the original on October 16, 2018. Retrieved October 15, 2018.
  344. ^ "Tigers send top prospects to Marlins for Cabrera, Willis". ESPN.com. ESPN.com news services. December 5, 2007. Archived from the original on October 16, 2018. Retrieved October 15, 2018.
  345. ^ Fox Sports. "Fox Sports on MSN: 2008 MLB team payrolls". Fox Sports. Archived from the original on June 10, 2008. Retrieved December 27, 2013.
  346. ^ "Tigers fall to Red Sox for seventh straight loss". Reuters. April 8, 2008. Archived from the original on October 16, 2018. Retrieved October 15, 2018.
  347. ^ "Twins' bullpen loses touch as Tigers come back to win sixth in row". ESPN.com. Associated Press. July 1, 2008. Archived from the original on April 3, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  348. ^ "Ramirez's grand slam paves way as White Sox force tiebreaker with Twins". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 30, 2008. Archived from the original on December 2, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  349. ^ Stark, Jayson (March 13, 2009). "Jayson Stark: Detroit Tigers' success hinges on pitching". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on October 16, 2018. Retrieved October 15, 2018.
  350. ^ "Tigers reliever Todd Jones to retire". UPI.com. September 25, 2008. Archived from the original on October 16, 2018. Retrieved October 15, 2018.
  351. ^ Shea, Bill (July 3, 2017). "Tigers at the midway point: Attendance bleeding continues". Crain's Detroit Business. Archived from the original on October 15, 2018. Retrieved October 15, 2018.
  352. ^ "Tigers add Jackson to rotation in second trade; Joyce moves to Tampa Bay". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 11, 2008. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  353. ^ a b Van Stratt, Gillian (December 11, 2014). "A farewell to arm: Looking back at Rick Porcello's career with the Detroit Tigers". MLive. Archived from the original on May 17, 2019. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  354. ^ Wezner, Paul (July 5, 2009). "Three Tigers Named to AL All-Star Team". 247Sports. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  355. ^ a b "2009 Detroit Tigers Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 18, 2018. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  356. ^ Kornacki, Steve (October 6, 2009). "Success for Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander is built in offseason". MLive. Archived from the original on January 19, 2021. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  357. ^ "Kansas City Royals' Zack Greinke wins American League Cy Young Award". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 18, 2009. Archived from the original on July 30, 2016. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  358. ^ Kornacki, Steve (April 2, 2009). "Fernando Rodney named Tigers' closer for now". MLive. Archived from the original on October 19, 2018. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  359. ^ Kornacki, Steve (June 27, 2009). "Lefty Bobby Seay settles down with the Tigers". MLive. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  360. ^ Schmehl, James (October 28, 2009). "Tigers' Fu-Te Ni returns to Taiwan, addresses game-fixing probe". MLive. Archived from the original on March 10, 2021. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  361. ^ Kornacki, Steve (November 10, 2009). "Reliever Brandon Lyon interested in returning to Tigers". MLive. Archived from the original on August 14, 2020. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  362. ^ Kornacki, Steve (February 19, 2010). "Tigers' Ryan Perry puts motorcycle accident behind, concentrates on pitching". MLive. Archived from the original on January 16, 2021. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  363. ^ "Win puts Tigers in tiebreaker with Twins for Central crown". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 5, 2009. Archived from the original on April 4, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  364. ^ a b c McIntyre, Nick. "October 6, 2009: Twins defeat Tigers in Game 163 to win AL Central tiebreaker". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on October 18, 2018. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  365. ^ "2009 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 24, 2018. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  366. ^ Matuszewski, Erik (October 6, 2009). "Tigers Face Historic Collapse in Baseball Tiebreaker With Twins". Bloomberg.com. Archived from the original on July 21, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2013.
  367. ^ Kornacki, Steve (December 9, 2009). "It's official: Three-team trade sends Tigers' Curtis Granderson to Yankees, Edwin Jackson to D'Backs". MLive. Archived from the original on February 15, 2020. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
  368. ^ Beck, Jason (May 5, 2010). "Jackson is AL Rookie of Month for April". MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 15, 2011. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
  369. ^ Beck, Jason (June 2, 2010). "Boesch named AL's top rookie for May". MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 6, 2010. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
  370. ^ Beck, Jason; DiFilippo, Alex (July 7, 2010). "Boesch is AL Rookie of the Month for June". MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 15, 2011. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
  371. ^ Beck, Jason (July 14, 2010). "Tigers have learned season is a marathon". MLB.com. Archived from the original on July 18, 2010. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
  372. ^ Kornacki, Steve (July 23, 2010). "Brandon Inge's injury could impact Tigers' interest in third basemen Mike Lowell, Ty Wigginton". MLive. Archived from the original on January 16, 2021. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
  373. ^ "Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Guillen of Detroit Tigers placed on 15-day disabled list". ESPN.com. Associated Press. July 26, 2010. Archived from the original on October 20, 2018. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
  374. ^ a b "Brandon Inge homers as Tigers avoid losing season". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 3, 2010. Archived from the original on April 6, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  375. ^ "2010 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on April 2, 2018. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  376. ^ Mensching, Kurt (June 11, 2013). "Tigers road record: Why are they so awful away from Comerica Park?". Bless You Boys. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
  377. ^ Beck, Jason (November 11, 2010). "Cabrera wins third Silver Slugger, first in Detroit". MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 15, 2011. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
  378. ^ "Rangers' Hamilton wins AL MVP award". CBS Sports. CBS Sports.com wire services. November 23, 2010. Archived from the original on January 29, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2013.
  379. ^ a b "2010 Detroit Tigers Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 20, 2018. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
  380. ^ Durrett, Richard (November 16, 2010). "Texas Rangers closer Neftali Feliz wins AL Rookie of the Year award". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on October 20, 2018. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
  381. ^ a b Kornacki, Steve (June 2, 2010). "Tigers' Armando Galarraga comes within one out of perfect game after umpire misses call". MLive. Archived from the original on January 16, 2020. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
  382. ^ a b "Umpire: 'I just cost that kid a perfect game'". ESPN.com. Associated Press. June 2, 2010. Archived from the original on January 15, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  383. ^ "A tearful Jim Joyce takes lineup card from Armando Galarraga". Los Angeles Times. June 3, 2010. Archived from the original on October 20, 2018. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
  384. ^ "Selig won't overturn bad call nixing perfect game". CBC Sports. Associated Press. June 3, 2010. Archived from the original on January 17, 2021. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
  385. ^ Rojas, Enrique (November 17, 2010). "Detroit Tigers agree with Joaquin Benoit on 3-year contract, source says". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on October 22, 2018. Retrieved October 22, 2018.
  386. ^ "Reports: Victor Martinez leaves Boston Red Sox for Detroit Tigers". ESPN Boston. November 23, 2010. Archived from the original on October 22, 2018. Retrieved October 22, 2018.
  387. ^ "Source: Tigers, Brad Penny agree to deal". FOX Sports. January 10, 2011. Archived from the original on October 22, 2018. Retrieved October 22, 2018.
  388. ^ Kornacki, Steve (May 7, 2011). "Detroit Tigers' Justin Verlander tosses second career no-hitter in win over Blue Jays". MLive. Archived from the original on January 15, 2020. Retrieved October 22, 2018.
  389. ^ "Verlander wins MLB-best 20th win as Tigers top Twins". CBS Sports. CBSSports.com wire reports. August 27, 2011. Archived from the original on January 29, 2012. Retrieved October 22, 2018.
  390. ^ a b "A's Loss Results In Tigers Winning AL Central". CBS San Francisco. September 16, 2011. Archived from the original on October 23, 2018. Retrieved October 22, 2018.
  391. ^ a b c Iott, Chris (September 17, 2011). "Tigers clinch Central Division title with 3–1 victory over A's". MLive. Archived from the original on January 16, 2021. Retrieved October 22, 2018.
  392. ^ a b c "2011 All-Star Game: Rosters". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 10, 2019. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  393. ^ Rosenthal, Ken (July 12, 2011). "All-Star Game needs more changing". FOX Sports. Archived from the original on October 22, 2018. Retrieved October 22, 2018.
  394. ^ Iott, Chris (July 9, 2011). "Tigers' Jhonny Peralta thrilled to be late addition to American League All-Star team". MLive. Archived from the original on January 16, 2021. Retrieved October 22, 2018.
  395. ^ Schmehl, James (September 29, 2011). "Month-by-month highlights that led to Tigers' first playoff berth since 2006". MLive. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved October 22, 2018.
  396. ^ "Detroit Tigers acquire Doug Fister in deal with Seattle Mariners". ESPN.com. Associated Press. July 31, 2011. Archived from the original on February 17, 2017. Retrieved October 22, 2018.
  397. ^ "2011 Detroit Tigers Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on June 4, 2022. Retrieved October 22, 2018.
  398. ^ Miller, Scott (September 14, 2011). "Tigers roar to longest winning streak since 1934". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on October 4, 2013. Retrieved October 22, 2018.
  399. ^ Brunell, Evan (November 15, 2011). "It's unanimous: Verlander claims AL Cy Young". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on November 16, 2011. Retrieved October 22, 2018.
  400. ^ Snyder, Matt (November 21, 2011). "Justin Verlander wins AL MVP". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on November 23, 2011. Retrieved October 22, 2018.
  401. ^ "Miguel Cabrera wins AL batting title; Tigers fall short of home field". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 29, 2011. Archived from the original on April 10, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  402. ^ "2011 American League Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. October 22, 2018. Archived from the original on October 23, 2018. Retrieved October 22, 2018.
  403. ^ "Tigers start early then hold off Yankees in decisive Game 5 of ALDS". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 7, 2011. Archived from the original on January 16, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  404. ^ "Nelson Cruz sets home run record as Rangers return to Series". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 16, 2011. Archived from the original on January 15, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  405. ^ "Source – Detroit Tigers land Prince Fielder with nine-year, $214 million deal". ESPN.com. ESPN.com news services. January 25, 2012. Archived from the original on June 26, 2012. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
  406. ^ "Victor Martinez of Detroit Tigers tears ACL, likely needs season-ending surgery". ESPN.com. ESPN.com news services. January 18, 2012. Archived from the original on December 29, 2018. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  407. ^ Schmehl, James (April 26, 2012). "Detroit Tigers sever ties with Brandon Inge, but 'heart will always be in Detroit'". MLive. Archived from the original on November 27, 2020. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  408. ^ Rosecrans, C. Trent (July 23, 2012). "Tigers land Anibal Sanchez, Omar Infante from Marlins". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on February 5, 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  409. ^ "MLB Recap – Minnesota Twins at Detroit Tigers – Jul 03, 2012". CBS Sports. July 3, 2012. Archived from the original on October 4, 2013. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  410. ^ "Tigers repeat as AL Central champs; Cabrera improves Triple Crown chances". CBS Sports. October 1, 2012. Archived from the original on November 13, 2012. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  411. ^ Sharp, Drew (October 2, 2012). "Drew Sharp: Patience pays as Tigers celebrate AL Central title in Kansas City". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on January 23, 2013. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  412. ^ "2012 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 24, 2018. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  413. ^ "Venezuela's Miguel Cabrera wins baseball's Triple Crown". BBC News. October 4, 2012. Archived from the original on October 7, 2012. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
  414. ^ "Player Pitching Stats". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on October 20, 2012. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  415. ^ Ortiz, Jorge L. (November 14, 2012). "David Price wins AL Cy Young in tight race". USA Today. Archived from the original on July 2, 2018. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  416. ^ "Verlander's four-hit shutout sends Tigers back to AL Championship Series". CBS Sports. CBSSports.com wire reports. October 12, 2018. Archived from the original on October 5, 2013. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  417. ^ "Tigers sweep Yankees in ALCS to reach World Series". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 19, 2012. Archived from the original on October 24, 2018. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  418. ^ "Giants top Tigers in 10th for World Series sweep". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 29, 2012. Archived from the original on January 16, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  419. ^ Perry, Dayn (November 15, 2012). "Miguel Cabrera wins 2012 American League MVP Award". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on February 5, 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  420. ^ Rosenthal, Ken (November 14, 2012). "Sources: Hunter, Tigers reach deal". FOX Sports. Archived from the original on October 28, 2014. Retrieved November 14, 2012.
  421. ^ Simon, Andrew (December 14, 2012). "Anibal Sanchez, Tigers agree to five-year, $80 million deal". MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 17, 2012. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  422. ^ Nowak, Joey (December 10, 2012). "Tigers add veteran Pena as backup catcher". MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 12, 2012. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  423. ^ Beck, Jason (March 29, 2013). "Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander agrees to five-year contract extension". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 1, 2013. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  424. ^ "2013 All-Star Game Interactive Roster". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 11, 2018. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  425. ^ Iott, Chris (September 25, 2013). "Division champs! Detroit Tigers clinch Central title for third straight season with 1–0 win over Twins". MLive. Archived from the original on August 14, 2020. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  426. ^ Schmehl, James (September 30, 2013). "Detroit Tigers' pitching staff sets strikeout record, breaks Chicago Cubs' 10-year-old record". MLive. Archived from the original on May 17, 2019. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  427. ^ Axisa, Mike (November 14, 2013). "Tigers' Miguel Cabrera named 2013 AL Most Valuable Player". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on November 15, 2013. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  428. ^ Beck, Jason (November 13, 2013). "Tigers right-hander Max Scherzer wins 2013 AL Cy Young Award". MLB.com. Archived from the original on November 14, 2013. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  429. ^ "Verlander sends Tigers past A's in Game 5 gem". CBS Sports. CBSSports.com wire reports. October 10, 2013. Archived from the original on October 12, 2013. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  430. ^ Beaton, Al (October 11, 2013). "ALDS Game 5 – Tigers 3, A's 0: Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera carry Tigers to ALCS". Bless You Boys. Archived from the original on October 24, 2018. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  431. ^ Caple, Jim (October 11, 2013). "Justin Verlander completely dominates Oakland Athletics in Game 5 of ALDS". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on October 24, 2018. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  432. ^ Kepner, Tyler (October 11, 2013). "Detroit Arms Facing Test From Boston Bats". The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 1, 2022. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  433. ^ "Shane Victorino's grand slam sends Red Sox to World Series". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 20, 2013. Archived from the original on January 16, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  434. ^ Beck, Jason (October 21, 2013). "Jim Leyland steps down as Detroit Tigers manager". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  435. ^ Beck, Jason (November 3, 2013). "Detroit Tigers choose Brad Ausmus as next manager". MLB.com. Archived from the original on January 14, 2014. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  436. ^ Beck, Jason (November 21, 2013). "Ian Kinsler joins Tigers as Prince Fielder dealt to Rangers". MLB.com. Archived from the original on November 27, 2013. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  437. ^ Beck, Jason (December 2, 2013). "Detroit Tigers trade Doug Fister to Washington Nationals for three players". MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 6, 2013. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  438. ^ Beck, Jason (December 4, 2013). "Joe Nathan seeks elusive World Series with Tigers". MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 11, 2013. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  439. ^ Beaton, Al (December 12, 2013). "Tigers come to terms with reliever Joba Chamberlain on one-year, $2.5 million deal". Bless You Boys. Archived from the original on December 24, 2013. Retrieved December 27, 2013.
  440. ^ "Tigers agree to deal with Hanrahan". The Sports Xchange. May 2, 2014. Archived from the original on May 3, 2014. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  441. ^ Rogacki, Rob; Slonksnis, Catherine (November 14, 2014). "Tigers re-sign Joel Hanrahan to minor league contract". Bless You Boys. Archived from the original on October 24, 2018. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  442. ^ Beck, Jason (July 24, 2014). "Tigers land All-Star reliever Soria from Rangers". MLB.com. Archived from the original on January 15, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  443. ^ Beck, Jason (July 31, 2014). "Tigers land huge Deadline prize in Price". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 8, 2016. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
  444. ^ Newman, Mark (August 1, 2014). "Tigers have three Cy Young Award winners from last three years". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 8, 2014. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  445. ^ Iott, Chris (September 28, 2014). "Tigers 3, Twins 0: Four-time champions! Detroit claims Central Division title on season's final day". MLive. Archived from the original on August 7, 2020. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  446. ^ "2014 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 25, 2018. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  447. ^ "Nelson Cruz homer all Orioles need to sweep Tigers, advance to ALCS". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 6, 2014. Archived from the original on January 15, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  448. ^ Berry, Adam (October 3, 2014). "Tigers hit back-to-back homers in second straight game". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 25, 2018. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  449. ^ Gleeman, Aaron (March 16, 2015). "2015 Preview: Detroit Tigers". NBC Sports. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
  450. ^ "Torii Hunter signs one-year deal with Minnesota Twins". SI.com. SI Wire. December 2, 2014. Archived from the original on October 26, 2018. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  451. ^ OKennedy, Patrick (December 5, 2014). "Tigers acquire Shane Greene in 3-way trade, send Robbie Ray to Arizona". Bless You Boys. Archived from the original on October 26, 2018. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  452. ^ Chisholm, Gregor (November 13, 2014). "Toronto sends Gose to Tigers for prospect Travis". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 26, 2018. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  453. ^ Schmehl, James (December 11, 2014). "Detroit Tigers acquire Alfredo Simon, trade Eugenio Suarez and Jonathon Crawford to Cincinnati Reds". MLive. Archived from the original on September 20, 2019. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  454. ^ Sipple, George (April 12, 2015). "Detroit 8, Cleveland 5: Tigers sweep Indians, 6–0 for first time since 1985". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on September 7, 2020. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  455. ^ Slonksnis, Catherine (July 29, 2015). "MLB trade rumors: Tigers 'rebooting,' willing to deal David Price, Yoenis Cepedes". Bless You Boys. Archived from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  456. ^ Slonksnis, Catherine (July 30, 2015). "Tigers trade David Price to Blue Jays". Bless You Boys. Archived from the original on August 1, 2015. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  457. ^ Sipple, George (August 1, 2015). "George Sipple: Trades beef up Detroit Tigers' top prospects list". Archived from the original on August 4, 2015. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
  458. ^ Beck, Jason (August 4, 2015). "Avila replaces Dombrowski as Tigers GM". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 26, 2018. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  459. ^ Rogacki, Rob (July 6, 2015). "Tigers send 4 players to MLB All-Star Game, Yoenis Cepedes in final vote". Bless You Boys. Archived from the original on September 9, 2015. Retrieved October 28, 2015.
  460. ^ Rogacki, Rob (July 14, 2015). "MLB All-Star Game 2015: David Price notches win for American League". Bless You Boys. Archived from the original on September 9, 2015. Retrieved October 28, 2015.
  461. ^ Fenech, Anthony (October 5, 2015). "Tigers end dismal 2015 season with 6–0 win". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on November 10, 2015. Retrieved October 28, 2015.
  462. ^ OKennedy, Patrick (October 14, 2015). "Tigers don't need a proven closer to fix the bullpen". Bless You Boys. Archived from the original on October 17, 2015. Retrieved October 28, 2015.
  463. ^ Slonksnis, Catherine (October 24, 2015). "5 things that went well for the Tigers in 2015". Bless You Boys. Archived from the original on October 27, 2015. Retrieved October 28, 2015.
  464. ^ Fenech, Anthony (October 4, 2015). "Detroit Tigers' Miguel Cabrera locks up 4th batting title in 5 years". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on November 10, 2015. Retrieved October 28, 2015.
  465. ^ Fielder'sChoice (January 22, 2016). "Detroit Tigers approval poll: GM Al Avila, January 2016". Bless You Boys. Archived from the original on January 24, 2016. Retrieved February 15, 2015.
  466. ^ Adams, Steve (January 20, 2016). "Tigers Sign Justin Upton". MLB Trade Rumors. Archived from the original on January 22, 2016. Retrieved February 15, 2015.
  467. ^ Merkin, Scott (November 25, 2015). "White Sox sign catcher Avila to one-year deal". MLB.com. Archived from the original on February 1, 2018. Retrieved November 25, 2015.
  468. ^ Merkin, Scott (December 17, 2015). "Davis brings versatility to Tribe's outfield, lineup". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 26, 2018. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  469. ^ "2016 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 26, 2018. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  470. ^ Beck, Jason (October 2, 2016). "Tigers battle, but are denied postseason berth". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
  471. ^ Beck, Jason; Bowman, Mark (October 2, 2016). "Braves eliminate Tigers, close Turner Field". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  472. ^ Beck, Jason (November 14, 2016). "Michael Fulmer wins AL Rookie of the Year Award". MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 21, 2019. Retrieved November 14, 2016.
  473. ^ Gallagher, John; McGraw, Bill (February 10, 2017). "Tigers, Red Wings owner and pizza titan Mike Ilitch dead at 87". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on February 16, 2017. Retrieved February 16, 2017.
  474. ^ Bill Shea (February 18, 2017). "Who owns the Tigers? Family plan is a matter of trust". Crain's Detroit Business. Archived from the original on October 4, 2019. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  475. ^ Lynch, Jim (February 14, 2017). "Son Christopher rises to fill Ilitch's big shoes". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on February 22, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  476. ^ Shea, Bill (April 7, 2017). "Opening Day: Sunny skies as Tigers honor 'Mr. I'". Crain's Detroit Business. Archived from the original on June 14, 2017. Retrieved April 13, 2017.
  477. ^ Beck, Jason (July 18, 2017). "D-Backs acquire J.D. Martinez from Tigers". MLB.com. Archived from the original on September 26, 2019. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
  478. ^ Beck, Jason (July 31, 2017). "Tigers trade Justin Wilson, Alex Avila to Cubs". MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 23, 2019. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
  479. ^ Beck, Jason (August 31, 2017). "Justin Upton traded from Tigers to Angels". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  480. ^ Beck, Jason (September 1, 2017). "Justin Verlander traded for 3 top prospects". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 12, 2019. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  481. ^ MacLennan, Ashley; Mensching, Kurt (September 22, 2017). "Tigers will not renew manager Brad Ausmus' contract after 2017". Bless You Boys. Archived from the original on October 4, 2017. Retrieved October 3, 2017.
  482. ^ Rogacki, Rob (October 1, 2017). "Tigers will have No. 1 overall pick in 2018 MLB draft". Bless You Boys. Archived from the original on October 3, 2017. Retrieved October 3, 2017.
  483. ^ Beck, Jason (October 20, 2017). "Ron Gardenhire is Tigers new manager". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 31, 2020. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  484. ^ Sipple, George (June 12, 2018). "Detroit Tigers: Miguel Cabrera needs season-ending surgery". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on June 14, 2018. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  485. ^ Fenech, Anthony (September 17, 2018). "Detroit Tigers' Michael Fulmer likely done for 2018; surgery next?". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on April 12, 2019. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  486. ^ Chirco, Vito (October 3, 2018). "Detroit Tigers: 9 numbers you must know about 2018 season". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on October 4, 2018. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  487. ^ Callis, Jim (October 1, 2018). "2019 MLB Draft order set Orioles pick first". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 1, 2018. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  488. ^ "2018 American League Season Summary". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 1, 2020. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  489. ^ Beck, Jason (December 12, 2018). "Jordy Mercer signs with Tigers". MLB.com. Archived from the original on July 11, 2019. Retrieved March 30, 2019.
  490. ^ Sheldon, Mark (February 23, 2019). "Jose Iglesias signs Minor League deal with Reds". MLB.com. Archived from the original on September 9, 2019. Retrieved March 30, 2019.
  491. ^ Beck, Jason (February 24, 2019). "Josh Harrison signs with Tigers". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 9, 2020. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
  492. ^ Rogacki, Rob (March 19, 2019). "Tigers' Michael Fulmer to undergo Tommy John surgery". Bless You Boys. Archived from the original on August 8, 2019. Retrieved March 28, 2019.
  493. ^ McCosky, Chris (September 29, 2019). "Fitting finale: Tigers close dreary year with another loss, finish 47-114". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on September 30, 2019. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  494. ^ Beck, Jason (September 26, 2019). "Tigers tie record with 59th home loss of season". MLB.com. Archived from the original on September 27, 2019. Retrieved November 26, 2019.
  495. ^ Beck, Jason (April 6, 2020). "HOFer Kaline, beloved 'Mr. Tiger,' dies at 85". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 19, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  496. ^ Petzold, Evan (July 24, 2020). "Detroit Tigers to wear No. 6 patch in honor of Al Kaline this season". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on September 18, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  497. ^ Woodbery, Evan (September 24, 2020). "Tigers officially out of playoffs, but this weekend's series could still have meaning". MLive. Archived from the original on September 27, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  498. ^ Beck, Jason (September 19, 2020). "Citing health, Tigers manager Gardy retires". MLB.com. Archived from the original on September 25, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  499. ^ McCosky, Chris (September 27, 2020). "It was a grind': Tigers end unusual 2020 season on losing note, finish 23-35". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on October 29, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  500. ^ Beck, Jason (October 30, 2020). "Hinch: 'The good times are coming' to Detroit". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 31, 2020. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
  501. ^ McCosky, Chris (October 30, 2020). "'A difference-maker': Tigers name AJ Hinch their new manager". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
  502. ^ Beck, Jason (May 18, 2021). "Tigers' Turnbull spins MLB's 5th no-no of '21". MLB.com. Archived from the original on May 28, 2021. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  503. ^ Beck, Jason (October 3, 2021). "Tigers close on high note as rivalry grows". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 4, 2021. Retrieved October 4, 2021.
  504. ^ "Predicting the 2021 MLB Standings". SI.com. March 29, 2021. Archived from the original on October 3, 2021. Retrieved October 3, 2021.
  505. ^ Snyder, Matt (March 31, 2021). "MLB 2021 season predictions: Expert picks for division winners, World Series champs". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on October 4, 2021. Retrieved October 4, 2021.
  506. ^ Woodbery, Evan (October 4, 2021). "Tigers deserve to celebrate their turnaround season. But the hard part comes next". MLive. Archived from the original on October 4, 2021. Retrieved October 4, 2021.
  507. ^ Petzold, Evan (August 10, 2022). "Detroit Tigers fire general manager Al Avila after 7 seasons". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on November 6, 2022. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  508. ^ Petzold, Evan (September 19, 2022). "Detroit Tigers hire San Francisco Giants GM Scott Harris as president of baseball operations". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on January 15, 2023. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  509. ^ Beck, Jason (October 5, 2022). "For Soto, Tigers, 'the best is coming next year'". MLB.com. Archived from the original on November 7, 2022. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  510. ^ McCosky, Chris (October 25, 2022). "Rob Metzler to bring 'innovative spirit' as Tigers' vice president, assistant GM". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on November 5, 2022. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  511. ^ Petzold, Evan (September 21, 2023). "Detroit Tigers hire Chicago Blackhawks executive Jeff Greenberg as general manager". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  512. ^ Petzold, Evan (October 1, 2023). "Detroit Tigers take down Cleveland Guardians, 5-2, in final game of Miguel Cabrera's career". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on October 6, 2023. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  513. ^ Stavenhagen, Cody (September 29, 2023). "Miguel Cabrera joining Tigers' front office as special assistant to Scott Harris after retiring". The Athletic. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  514. ^ Lage, Larry (September 27, 2024). "Tigers clinch AL wild card with 4-1 win over White Sox, ending decade-long postseason drought". Associated Press. Archived from the original on September 29, 2024. Retrieved September 28, 2024.
  515. ^ Woodbery, Evan (September 29, 2024). "Tigers will head to Houston after losing regular-season finale". MLive. Archived from the original on September 29, 2024. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  516. ^ Beck, Jason (October 2, 2024). "Gritty Tigers rally late to oust Astros in stunning sweep". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 2, 2024. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  517. ^ Ramsey, Jared (October 12, 2024). "Detroit Tigers, Tarik Skubal slammed by Cleveland Guardians, 7-3, in Game 5 of ALDS". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on October 12, 2024. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
  518. ^ "Detroit Tigers Salaries". USA Today. Archived from the original on February 7, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
  519. ^ Bak, Richard (July 5, 2013). "The Tigers' first 4th of July game was in 1894". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on June 3, 2022. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  520. ^ a b Meyer, Zlati (April 11, 2015). "This week in Michigan history: Detroit baseball team 1st called Tigers in Freep". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on June 26, 2018. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  521. ^ Calcaterra, Craig (April 16, 2020). "Today in Baseball History: Detroit Tigers become the 'Tigers'". NBC Sports. Archived from the original on December 3, 2023. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  522. ^ a b c d Beck, Jason (December 1, 2021). "How they came to be called the Tigers". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 16, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  523. ^ a b c d Bak, Richard (1998). A Place for Summer: A Narrative History of Tiger Stadium. Wayne State University Press. pp. 46–49. ISBN 978-0814325124.
  524. ^ Holmes, Dan (June 29, 2016). "10 things most fans don't know about the Detroit Tigers". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  525. ^ Wilkins, Earnest (May 16, 2009). "Midwest Masscre: A Look at The Chicago/Detroit Rivalry". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on June 27, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  526. ^ Stavenhagen, Cody (October 1, 2021). "The Tigers-White Sox drama might just foreshadow a budding AL Central rivalry". The Athletic. Archived from the original on June 27, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  527. ^ Petzold, Evan (April 8, 2022). "Detroit Tigers seek 'competitive rivalry' with Chicago White Sox for AL Central". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on June 27, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  528. ^ Rogacki, Rob (February 4, 2015). "Who are the Tigers' three biggest rivals?". Bless You Boys. Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  529. ^ LaMar, Matthew (April 30, 2015). "Which team is the Royals' biggest rival?". Royals Review. Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  530. ^ McMann, Aaron (May 8, 2015). "Rivalry forming between the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals? Depends on who you ask". MLive. Archived from the original on January 16, 2021. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  531. ^ Brookbank, Michael; Rohrer, Kimberlee (August 9, 2013). "VIDEO: Indians fans' 'Detroit's bankrupt' chant goes viral". News 5 Cleveland. Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  532. ^ "Tigers outlast Indians in 14 innings". USA Today. Associated Press. August 8, 2013. Archived from the original on December 15, 2013. Retrieved December 27, 2013.
  533. ^ Buffery, Steve (June 3, 2014). "Jays-Tigers rivalry isn't what it used to be". Toronto Sun. Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  534. ^ Thomas, Steve (June 22, 2009). "Storied Tigers-Cubs Rivalry Dates Back 102 Years". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  535. ^ Pelc, Matt (May 15, 2015). "Detroit Tigers-St. Louis Cardinals: Natural Interleague Rivals". Motor City Bengals. Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  536. ^ "Pirates' interleague 'rival' slated to be Tigers". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on April 13, 2019. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  537. ^ Fielder'sChoice (April 24, 2014). "New York Times releases map of baseball fandom". Bless You Boys. Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  538. ^ a b c Waldstein, David (October 28, 2012). "Windsor, Ontario, Shares Detroit's Thrills (Tigers) and Ills (Auto Industry)". The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 1, 2022. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  539. ^ a b c Bridge, Terry (April 5, 2015). "Local Detroit Tigers' fan looks forward to Opening Day". Sarnia Observer. Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  540. ^ Beck, Jason (September 19, 2016). "Tigers to continue relationship with SeaWolves". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 13, 2019. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  541. ^ Wilson, Al (October 9, 2022). "The road to Detroit leads through...Erie, Pennsylvania?". Lansing State Journal. Archived from the original on March 1, 2024. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  542. ^ Beck, Jason (February 16, 2018). "Detroit Tigers renew Triple-A Toledo contract". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  543. ^ "Detroit Tigers Attendance, Stadiums, and Park Factors". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 3, 2024. Retrieved February 5, 2020.
  544. ^ Newman, Mark. "Download a hot Motown ringtone". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 1, 2016. Retrieved October 26, 2018.
  545. ^ Bak, Richard (July 2, 2018). "50 Years Later: A Look Back at the Tigers' 1968 World Series Win". Hour Detroit Magazine. Archived from the original on January 28, 2021. Retrieved October 26, 2018.
  546. ^ Edwards, Chris (October 8, 2018). "How the 1968 Detroit Tigers helped heal a city". The Drive. Archived from the original on August 4, 2020. Retrieved October 26, 2018.
  547. ^ "Bless You Boys: A Celebration of the '84 Tigers". MLB.com. Archived from the original on February 11, 2007. Retrieved December 27, 2013.
  548. ^ a b "Ellen Hill Zeringue". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 27, 2018. Retrieved October 26, 2018.
  549. ^ Robertson, Nate (June 26, 2006). "How Gum Time Started". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 27, 2018. Retrieved October 26, 2018.
  550. ^ D'Addona, Dan (June 12, 2017). "How "Gum Time" became a dugout rally ritual for the 2006 Detroit Tigers". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  551. ^ Solano, David (July 27, 2013). "Known for 'Eat 'em up Tigers' shouts, James Van Horn carved out niche, Tigers style". WXYZ.com. Archived from the original on July 30, 2013. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  552. ^ Casselberry, Ian (January 10, 2009). "Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger?". Bless You Boys. Archived from the original on October 27, 2018. Retrieved October 26, 2018.
  553. ^ Sipple, George (May 30, 2018). "Rally Goose OK, Detroit Tigers best L.A. Angels after rain delays, 6–1". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on March 1, 2019. Retrieved February 28, 2019.
  554. ^ Pevos, Edward (June 23, 2018). "That wacky Detroit Tigers rally goose official swag you can actually get". MLive. Archived from the original on March 1, 2019. Retrieved February 28, 2019.
  555. ^ a b c d Beck, Jason (January 25, 2018). "Tigers honor history with unified Olde English D". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on July 25, 2018. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
  556. ^ a b c Dodd, Mike (October 22, 2006). "Tigers' historic D emblematic of pride". USA Today. Archived from the original on June 29, 2012. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
  557. ^ a b c d "Detroit Tigers Uniform History (1903–1971)". MLB Collectors. Archived from the original on May 26, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  558. ^ a b c "Detroit Tigers Uniform History (1972–2016)". MLB Collectors. Archived from the original on May 26, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  559. ^ Radom, Todd (October 4, 2013). "The Detroit Tigers, Rarely Known as "Tigers" in Uniform". Todd Radom Design. Archived from the original on October 6, 2018. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
  560. ^ Lukas, Paul. "The cap that killed the Cardinals?". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on October 29, 2018. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
  561. ^ Fenech, Anthony (January 25, 2018). "Detroit Tigers change Old English 'D' on iconic home uniforms". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on January 19, 2019. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
  562. ^ Woodberry, Evan (January 25, 2018). "Check out Tigers' new 2018 jerseys with Old English D logo". MLive. Archived from the original on July 7, 2019. Retrieved February 11, 2018.
  563. ^ Paul, Tony (February 1, 2019). "Downsizing the 'D': Detroit Tigers reverting to old hat logo". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on February 2, 2019. Retrieved February 1, 2019.
  564. ^ Beck, Jason (May 25, 2023). "Tigers name Meijer as jersey patch sponsor". MLB.com. Archived from the original on May 25, 2023. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  565. ^ Gagnier, Sean (July 2, 2012). "It's time to change the Detroit Tigers' road uniforms". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on February 5, 2023. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  566. ^ Lukas, Paul (June 8, 2012). "Uni Watch: MLB's top 10 uniform oddities". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on February 12, 2018. Retrieved February 11, 2018.
  567. ^ Lukas, Paul. "Uni Watch: One and done". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on June 29, 2017. Retrieved December 27, 2013.
  568. ^ "Tigers honor Torii Hunter during 16th annual Negro Leagues Weekend". MLB.com. June 7, 2018. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
  569. ^ Littmann, Chris (July 30, 2013). "Detroit Tigers become 'Tigres' to celebrate Hispanic and Latino heritage". Sporting News. Archived from the original on January 20, 2021. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
  570. ^ Beck, Jason (August 15, 2017). "Tigers to celebrate Players Weekend". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 31, 2020. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
  571. ^ Galli, Brad (August 9, 2018). "See the Tigers' hats and jerseys for Players' Weekend". WXYZ.com. Archived from the original on October 29, 2018. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
  572. ^ Beck, Jason (May 6, 2024). "Tigers' City Connect unis celebrate the Motor City". MLB.com. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  573. ^ a b "Anderson, Sparky". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on March 9, 2018. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
  574. ^ "Averill, Earl". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on September 13, 2017. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  575. ^ "Barrow, Ed". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 31, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  576. ^ a b "Bunning, Jim". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 26, 2018. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  577. ^ "Cobb, Ty". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  578. ^ a b c "Cochrane, Mickey". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on July 12, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  579. ^ a b "Crawford, Sam". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 31, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  580. ^ "Doby, Larry". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 31, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  581. ^ "Evans, Billy". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 31, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  582. ^ "Ferrell, Rick". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 31, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  583. ^ "Gehringer, Charlie". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on July 9, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  584. ^ "Gordon, Joe". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 31, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  585. ^ "Goslin, Goose". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 31, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  586. ^ "Greenberg, Hank". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 31, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  587. ^ "Harris, Bucky". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 31, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  588. ^ a b "Heilmann, Harry". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 31, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  589. ^ "Herzog, Whitey". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  590. ^ "Hoyt, Waite". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 31, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  591. ^ a b c "Jennings, Hughie". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 29, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  592. ^ a b c "Kell, George". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on September 11, 2017. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  593. ^ "Jim Leyland". National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on July 24, 2024. Retrieved December 3, 2023.
  594. ^ a b c "Manush, Heinie". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 31, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  595. ^ "Mathews, Eddie". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 29, 2017. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  596. ^ "Morris, Jack". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on July 30, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  597. ^ "Newhouser, Hal". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 31, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  598. ^ "Rodríguez, Iván". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 29, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  599. ^ "Simmons, Al". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 31, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  600. ^ "Thompson, Sam". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 31, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  601. ^ "Trammell, Alan". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on July 30, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  602. ^ "1981 Ford C. Frick Award Winner Ernie Harwell". Baseball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 31, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  603. ^ "MSHOF Inductees". Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 30, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  604. ^ a b c "Retired Numbers". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 8, 2022. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
  605. ^ a b Crawford, Kirkland (August 26, 2018). "Detroit Tigers retire Alan Trammell's No. 3: See Hall of Famer's speech". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on August 27, 2018. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
  606. ^ Beck, Jason (August 6, 2022). "Sweet Lou's No. 1 joins Tigers greats on outfield wall". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 10, 2022. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
  607. ^ a b Paul, Tony (August 3, 2024). "'Will never forget you': Tigers retire Jim Leyland's No. 10 at Comerica Park". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on August 5, 2024. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
  608. ^ a b Holmes, Dan (July 31, 2012). "It's time for the Tigers to retire more uniform numbers". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  609. ^ "Al Kaline Bio". MLB.com. Archived from the original on November 7, 2018. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
  610. ^ MacLennan, Ashley (January 25, 2018). "Throwback Tigers: Remembering Ernie Harwell on his 100th birthday". Bless You Boys. Archived from the original on June 19, 2018. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
  611. ^ "Comerica Park Attractions". MLB.com. Archived from the original on November 7, 2018. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
  612. ^ Dow, Bill (April 12, 2009). "Mickey Cochrane's Arrival 75 Years Ago Made the Tigers Roar". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  613. ^ Dow, Bill (July 18, 2010). "Remembering Al Kaline Day 40 Years Later". Vintage Detroit. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  614. ^ Faber, Charles F. (2010). Major League Careers Cut Short: Leading Players Gone by 30. McFarland & Company. p. 128. ISBN 978-0786447435.
  615. ^ Holmes, Dan. "Germany Schaefer". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on November 5, 2018. Retrieved November 4, 2018.
  616. ^ Enders, Eric. "George Moriarty". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on November 5, 2018. Retrieved November 4, 2018.
  617. ^ a b c "Tigers Manager Picks Tri-Captains". Associated Press. June 21, 1999. Archived from the original on October 2, 2018. Retrieved November 4, 2018.
  618. ^ a b c Anderson, William M. (June 24, 1999). "Doug Brocail, talks about state of Detroit Tigers". Ludington Daily News. Archived from the original on February 18, 2022. Retrieved November 4, 2018.
  619. ^ "Detroit Tigers Minor League Affiliates". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Archived from the original on September 15, 2020. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  620. ^ a b "TV and Radio Affiliates". MLB.com. Archived from the original on February 27, 2024. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
  621. ^ a b "Detroit Tigers, Bally Sports Detroit, and Audacy Announce Broadcast Talent for 2024 Season". Ilitch Companies News Hub. February 13, 2024. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
  622. ^ a b Shea, Bill (July 7, 2017). "Tigers TV ratings decline as team struggles". Crain's Detroit Business. Archived from the original on July 15, 2017. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  623. ^ Petzold, Evan (November 13, 2024). "Detroit Tigers stay on FanDuel Sports Network in 2025 with revised TV rights deal". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
  624. ^ Reynolds, Mike (March 19, 2008). "FSN Detroit Nets Pro Sports Three-Pointer". Multichannel. Archived from the original on March 18, 2020. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  625. ^ Brown, Maury (September 28, 2016). "Here Are The 2016 MLB Prime Time Television Ratings For Each Team". Forbes. Archived from the original on November 7, 2018. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
  626. ^ Beck, Jason (November 9, 2023). "'World-class' broadcaster Benetti to handle Tigers play-by-play". MLB.com. Archived from the original on November 9, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
  627. ^ Fenech, Anthony (March 22, 2020). "Inside the Detroit Tigers' Dominican academy, there's hope for the future". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on April 6, 2020. Retrieved May 3, 2020.

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Achievements
Preceded by World Series champions
1935
Succeeded by
Preceded by World Series champions
1945
Succeeded by
Preceded by World Series champions
1968
Succeeded by
Preceded by World Series champions
1984
Succeeded by
Preceded by American League champions
19071909
Succeeded by
Preceded by American League champions
19341935
Succeeded by
Preceded by American League champions
1940
Succeeded by
Preceded by American League champions
1945
Succeeded by
Preceded by American League champions
1968
Succeeded by
Preceded by American League champions
1984
Succeeded by
Preceded by American League champions
2006
Succeeded by
Preceded by American League champions
2012
Succeeded by