Detroit Tigers History
The Detroit Tigers began play in the American League at Bennett Park versus the Milwaukee Braves on April 25, 1901. 10,000 fans showed up for the contest. Four years later the signing of the most famous Tiger of all time occurred when Tyrus "Ty" Raymond Cobb was acqured for pitcher Eddie Cicotte and $700 from Augusta of the Salley League. Cobb remained in Detroit for 22 years where he played 3,033 Major League Games. By 1907 Detroit netted their first American League pennant.
1935 saw the Detroit Tigers win their first ever World Series in a six game affair versus the Chicago Cubs. Other memorable seasons for Detroit feature the 1984 World Series champions. That team became the first since the 1955 Dodgers to hold first place from start to finish by winning the title. 2,704,794 fans witnessed the Jack Morris led team, a club record. The 1968 club finished 12 games ahead of second-place Baltimore behind the pitching of Denny McLain. McLain sported a 31-6 record that season and through to this day remains the last pitcher to accomplish 30 or more wins in one season. The '68 Tigers won the World Series as well.
On September 27, 1999, Tiger Stadium, Detroit's home for 87 years, closed its doors to baseball. The venue was demolished and made way for the opening of Comerca Park in 2000. Unfortunately for the Tigers winning has not come easy since moving into their new home. A steady decline in the winning percentage from .488 in 2000 to a American League worst record of .265 has set the tone for Comerca Park. For the franchise in general, the 1993 club was the last to see a winning record at 85-77. Detroit has missed the playoffs since 1987.
World Series Appearances:
- 1984 vs. San Diego Padres W. 4-1
- 1968 vs. St. Louis Cardinals W. 4-3
- 1945 vs. Chicago Cubs W. 4-3
- 1940 vs. Cincinnati Reds L. 3-4
- 1935 vs. Chicago Cubs W. 4-2
- 1934 vs. St. Louis Cardinals L. 3-4
- 1909 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates L. 3-4
- 1908 vs. Chicago Cubs L. 1-4
- 1907 vs. Chicago Cubs L. 0-4
Detroit Tigers All-Time Team Leaders
| Rank |
Player |
Statistic |
| Batting Average |
| 1 |
Ty Cobb |
.369 |
| 2 |
Harry Heilmann |
.342 |
| 3 |
Bob Fothergill |
.337 |
| Homeruns |
| 1 |
Al Kaline |
399 |
| 2 |
Norm Cash |
373 |
| 3 |
Hank Greenberg |
306 |
| RBI's |
| 1 |
Ty Cobb |
1,805 |
| 2 |
Al Kaline |
1,583 |
| 3 |
Harry Heilmann |
1,442 |
| Hits |
| 1 |
Ty Cobb |
3,902 |
| 2 |
Al Kaline |
3,007 |
| 3 |
Charlie Gehringer |
2,839 |
| Stolen Bases |
| 1 |
Ty Cobb |
865 |
| 2 |
Donie Bush |
400 |
| 3 |
Sam Crawford |
317 |
| Wins |
| 1 |
Hooks Dauss |
223 |
| 2 |
George Mullin |
209 |
| 3 |
Mickey Lolich |
207 |
| Earned Run Average |
| 1 |
Harry Covelseki |
2.34 |
| 2 |
Ed Killian |
2.38 |
| 3 |
Bill Donovan |
2.49 |
| Strikeouts |
| 1 |
Mickey Lolich |
2,679 |
| 2 |
Jack Morris |
1,980 |
| 3 |
Hal Newhouser |
1,770 |
| Saves |
| 1 |
Mike Henneman |
154 |
| 2 |
Todd Jones |
142 |
| 3 |
John Hiller |
125 |
Detroit Tigers Retired Numbers
| Number |
Player |
| 2 |
Charlie Gehringer |
| 5 |
Hank Greenberg |
| 6 |
Al Kaline |
| 16 |
Hal Newhouser |
| 23 |
Willie Horton |
|
