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.
The franchise's best winning percentage was .656 in 1934, while its worst was .265 in 2003. ==Franchise history== ===Western League beginnings (1894–1900) === The franchise was founded as a member of the reorganized Western League in 1894.
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.
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. 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".
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.
The first game at The Corner was an exhibition on April 13, 1896.
The Tigers played their first Western League game at Bennett Park on April 28, 1896, defeating the Columbus Senators 17–2. At the end of the 1897 season, Rube Waddell was loaned to the team to gain professional experience.
The Tigers played their first Western League game at Bennett Park on April 28, 1896, defeating the Columbus Senators 17–2. At the end of the 1897 season, Rube Waddell was loaned to the team to gain professional experience.
They had played significant roles in certain Civil War battles and in the 1898 Spanish–American War.
After being fined, Waddell left Detroit to pitch in Canada. 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.
Their .265 win percentage is the majors' sixth-worst since 1900.
They are also the oldest continuous one name, one city franchise in the AL. Since their establishment as a major league franchise in 1901, the Tigers have won four World Series championships (, , , and ), 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).
It was renamed Tiger Stadium in 1961 and the Tigers played there until 1999. From 1901 to 2020, the Tigers overall win–loss record is 9,369–9,226 (a winning percentage of ).
However, these rumors were put to rest when the two leagues made peace in 1903 when they signed a new National Agreement. ===First Major League season (1901)=== The Tigers were established as a charter member of the now major league American League in 1901.
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.
However, these rumors were put to rest when the two leagues made peace in 1903 when they signed a new National Agreement. ===First Major League season (1901)=== The Tigers were established as a charter member of the now major league American League in 1901.
A version of the team's blackletter D was first seen on Tigers uniforms in 1904, after using a simple block D in 1903.
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 team finished third in the eight-team league. ===The Cobb era (1905–1926)=== ====1905==== In 1905, the team acquired 18-year-old Ty Cobb, a fearless player with a mean streak, 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. ====1907 American League Champions==== 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.
They are also the oldest continuous one name, one city franchise in the AL. Since their establishment as a major league franchise in 1901, the Tigers have won four World Series championships (, , , and ), 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).
Cobb hit .324, while Sam Crawford hit .311 with 7 home runs, which was enough to lead the league in the "dead ball" era. The Cubs, however, would defeat the Tigers again in the 1908 World Series, this time in five games.
They are also the oldest continuous one name, one city franchise in the AL. Since their establishment as a major league franchise in 1901, the Tigers have won four World Series championships (, , , and ), 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).
This would be the Cubs' last World Championship until 2016. ====1909 American League Champions==== In 1909, Detroit posted a 98–54 season, winning the AL pennant by 3.5 games over the Athletics.
Ty Cobb won the batting triple crown in 1909, hitting .377 with 9 home runs (all inside-the-park) and 107 RBIs.
Mullin's 11–0 start in 1909 was a Tiger record for 104 years, finally being broken by Max Scherzer's 13–0 start in 2013. 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. ====1910–1914==== The Tigers dropped to third place in the American League in 1910 with an 86–68 record.
They posted 89 wins in 1911 to finish second, but were still well behind a powerhouse Philadelphia Athletics team that won 101 games.
In 1912, the team moved into Navin Field, which was built on the same location.
The team sunk to a dismal sixth place in both the 1912 and 1913 seasons.
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. Cobb went into the stands in a May 15, 1912, game to attack a fan that was abusing him, and was suspended.
The team sunk to a dismal sixth place in both the 1912 and 1913 seasons.
During this five-season stretch, Cobb posted batting averages of .383, .420, .409, .390 and .368, winning the AL batting title every year. ====1915==== 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.
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.
Cobb also set a stolen base record with 96 steals in 1915 that stood until 1962, when it was broken by Maury Wills.
Baseball historian Bill James has ranked the 1915 Tigers outfield as the greatest in the history of baseball.
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.
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.
Louis Cardinals. ====1916–1920==== 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.
This eclipsed the previous AL record of 117 losses set by the 1916 Philadelphia Athletics.
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. Hughie Jennings left the Tigers after the 1920 season, having accumulated 1,131 wins as a manager.
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. ====1921==== 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.
The downfall of the 1921 Tigers, however, was the absence of good pitching.
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. 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). ====1922–1926==== 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.
Harry Heilmann hit .403 in 1923, becoming the last AL player to top .400 until Ted Williams hit .406 in 1941.
They are also the oldest continuous one name, one city franchise in the AL. Since their establishment as a major league franchise in 1901, the Tigers have won four World Series championships (, , , and ), 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).
The franchise's best winning percentage was .656 in 1934, while its worst was .265 in 2003. ==Franchise history== ===Western League beginnings (1894–1900) === The franchise was founded as a member of the reorganized Western League in 1894.
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.
Schoolboy Rowe led a strong pitching staff, winning 16 straight decisions at one point of the season and finishing with a 24–8 record. The Tigers would fall in the 1934 World Series in seven games to the "Gashouse Gang" St.
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.
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.
This was the first time the Tigers and Cardinals had met in the World Series since 1934.
It was the Tigers' longest winning streak since the 1934 team won 14 straight.
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.
The blackletter D appeared frequently after that until being established in 1934.
They are also the oldest continuous one name, one city franchise in the AL. Since their establishment as a major league franchise in 1901, the Tigers have won four World Series championships (, , , and ), 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).
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. ====1935 World Series Champions==== The Tigers 1935 lineup featured four future Hall of Famers (Hank Greenberg, Mickey Cochrane, Goose Goslin and Charlie Gehringer).
took over control of the team. ====1936–1939==== Despite being forecast to win the American League pennant again in 1936, the Tigers fell to a distant second place behind the New York Yankees both that season and in 1937.
took over control of the team. ====1936–1939==== Despite being forecast to win the American League pennant again in 1936, the Tigers fell to a distant second place behind the New York Yankees both that season and in 1937.
It was expanded in 1938 and renamed Briggs Stadium.
The team fell further down the standings with an 84–70 record in 1938 and an 81–73 record in 1939.
Hank Greenberg nevertheless provided some excitement for Tigers fans in 1938 by challenging the single-season home run record held by Babe Ruth (60).
The team fell further down the standings with an 84–70 record in 1938 and an 81–73 record in 1939.
The 2019 Tigers tied the 1939 St.
They are also the oldest continuous one name, one city franchise in the AL. Since their establishment as a major league franchise in 1901, the Tigers have won four World Series championships (, , , and ), 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).
Charlie Gehringer batted .313 while collecting 101 walks and scoring 108 runs. Bobo Newsom was the ace of the Tiger pitching staff in 1940, going 21–5 with a 2.83 ERA.
Feller surrendered just three hits, one being a 2-run homer by Rudy York, while Giebell blanked the Tribe for a 2–0 victory. The Tigers lost the 1940 World Series to the Cincinnati Reds in seven games.
This was the third time the Tigers had lost a World Series in a deciding seventh game. ===The war years (1941–1945)=== 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.
Harry Heilmann hit .403 in 1923, becoming the last AL player to top .400 until Ted Williams hit .406 in 1941.
This was the third time the Tigers had lost a World Series in a deciding seventh game. ===The war years (1941–1945)=== 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.
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.
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.
They are also the oldest continuous one name, one city franchise in the AL. Since their establishment as a major league franchise in 1901, the Tigers have won four World Series championships (, , , and ), 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).
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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
The last place 1952 team went 50–104 (.325), which was the worst season in Tigers history until the 2003 team lost 119 games.
Despite the dismal season, starter Virgil Trucks threw two no-hitters in 1952, becoming only the third pitcher in major league history to accomplished this feat.
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.
inherited the team, but he was forced to sell it in 1956 to broadcast media owners John Fetzer and Fred Knorr. Notwithstanding Detroit's fall in the standings, the decade saw the debut of outfielder Al Kaline in 1953.
In 1955, the 20-year-old Kaline hit .340 to become the youngest-ever batting champion in major league history. 1958 saw the Tigers become the second to last team to integrate their roster when Dominican player Ozzie Virgil Sr.
This had not been done in the major leagues since the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers.
inherited the team, but he was forced to sell it in 1956 to broadcast media owners John Fetzer and Fred Knorr. Notwithstanding Detroit's fall in the standings, the decade saw the debut of outfielder Al Kaline in 1953.
The Tigers won 101 games, a whopping 30-game improvement over the 71–83 1960 team, but still finished eight games behind the Yankees.
Cash also drew 124 walks for a league-leading .487 on-base percentage. 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. ====1962–1966==== As a strong nucleus developed, Detroit repeatedly posted winning records throughout the 1960s.
The roster of players who played under Houk were mostly aging veterans from the 1960s, whose performance had slipped from their peak years.
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. The Tigers used to have different versions of the Old English D on the cap and jersey.
It was renamed Tiger Stadium in 1961 and the Tigers played there until 1999. From 1901 to 2020, the Tigers overall win–loss record is 9,369–9,226 (a winning percentage of ).
Only the Boston Red Sox trailed the Tigers in integrating their roster. ====1961==== As the American League expanded from 8 to 10 teams, Detroit began its slow ascent back to success with an outstanding 1961 campaign.
Cash never hit over .286 before or after the 1961 season, and would later say of the accomplishment: "It was a freak.
Cash also drew 124 walks for a league-leading .487 on-base percentage. 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. ====1962–1966==== As a strong nucleus developed, Detroit repeatedly posted winning records throughout the 1960s.
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.
The Tigers, at 88–74, finished second in the AL Central. 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. ====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).
Cobb also set a stolen base record with 96 steals in 1915 that stood until 1962, when it was broken by Maury Wills.
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.
They avoided tying the 1962 Mets' 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. Mike Maroth went 9–21, becoming the first pitcher to lose 20 games in more than 20 years.
In 1963, pitchers Mickey Lolich and Denny McLain entered the rotation.
Outfielders Willie Horton (1963), Mickey Stanley (1964) and Jim Northrup (1964) would also come aboard around this time. 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.
Following the season, the Tigers hired Mayo Smith to be their new manager. ====1967==== In 1967, the Tigers were involved in one of the closest pennant races in history.
No player had accomplished this feat since Carl Yastrzemski in 1967.
They are also the oldest continuous one name, one city franchise in the AL. Since their establishment as a major league franchise in 1901, the Tigers have won four World Series championships (, , , and ), 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).
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. ===1968–1972=== ====Glory in '68: 1968 World Series Champions==== The Tigers finally returned to the World Series in 1968.
McLain won the AL MVP and Cy Young Award for his efforts. =====1968 World Series===== In the 1968 World Series, the Tigers met the defending World Series champion St.
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. 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.
Fryman was also the winning pitcher in the division-clinching game against the Boston Red Sox, a 3–1 victory on October 3. =====1972 ALCS===== 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.
The Tigers' 90 wins placed them a distant second in the division to a very strong Baltimore Orioles team, which had won 109 games. The Tigers suffered a disappointing 1970 season, finishing fourth in the AL East with a 79–83 record.
The Tigers acquired pitcher Joe Coleman, shortstop Eddie Brinkman and third baseman Aurelio Rodríguez. Martin's Tigers posted 91 wins in 1971.
Third base coach Joe Schultz served as interim manager for the remainder of the season. 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.
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. A highlight of the 2005 campaign was Detroit's hosting of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, its first since 1971.
They also won division titles in 1972, 1984, and 1987 as a member of the AL East.
Coleman paid immediate dividends for Detroit, winning 20 games, while McLain went 10–22 for the Senators and was out of baseball by the following season. ====1972 AL East Champions==== Joe Coleman, Eddie Brinkman and Aurelio Rodríguez all played critical roles in 1972, when the Tigers captured their first AL East division title.
Fryman was also the winning pitcher in the division-clinching game against the Boston Red Sox, a 3–1 victory on October 3. =====1972 ALCS===== 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.
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.
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. ===A slow decline (1973–1978)=== The 1973 season saw the Tigers drop to third place in the division, with an 85–77 record.
Northrup even proclaimed to the press that Martin "took the fun out of the game." Martin did not survive the 1973 season as manager.
Third base coach Joe Schultz served as interim manager for the remainder of the season. 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.
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.
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.
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.
They both entered the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum as Detroit Tigers, and their plaques in the Hall show them wearing the Tigers' cap. Al Kaline was also a TV color commentator for the Tigers from 1975 to 2002.
Kaline finished with 3,007 hits and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1980. ====1976: The Year of The Bird==== Tiger fans were provided a glimmer of hope when 21-year-old rookie Mark Fidrych made his debut in 1976.
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. 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. ====1977–1978==== Injuries to his knee, and later his arm, drastically limited Fidrych's appearances in 1977–78.
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.
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. 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. ====1977–1978==== Injuries to his knee, and later his arm, drastically limited Fidrych's appearances in 1977–78.
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. ===The "Bless You Boys" era (1979–1987)=== Houk's immediate successor as Tigers manager in 1979 was Les Moss, but Moss would only last until June of that year.
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.
Houk served in that capacity for five full seasons, through the end of the 1978 season.
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. ===The "Bless You Boys" era (1979–1987)=== Houk's immediate successor as Tigers manager in 1979 was Les Moss, but Moss would only last until June of that year.
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. ===The "Bless You Boys" era (1979–1987)=== Houk's immediate successor as Tigers manager in 1979 was Les Moss, but Moss would only last until June of that year.
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.
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. Acerbic sports anchor Al Ackerman initiated the phrase "Bless You Boys".
Kaline finished with 3,007 hits and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1980. ====1976: The Year of The Bird==== Tiger fans were provided a glimmer of hope when 21-year-old rookie Mark Fidrych made his debut in 1976.
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. =====1984 ALCS===== The Tigers faced the Kansas City Royals in the American League Championship Series.
They are also the oldest continuous one name, one city franchise in the AL. Since their establishment as a major league franchise in 1901, the Tigers have won four World Series championships (, , , and ), 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.
The Tigers would open the 1984 World Series on the road in San Diego. In Game 1, Larry Herndon hit a two-run home run that gave the Tigers a 3–2 lead.
With fellow 1984 teammates Kirk Gibson and Lance Parrish on the coaching staff, the rebuilding process began.
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. 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.
"Sock it to 'em, Tigers!" was also a popular phrase during this time. 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. In 2005, the team began using the phrase "Who's Your Tiger?" as its slogan. During the 2006 season, a rally cry caught on in the Tigers' dugout.
With the win, Anderson became the first manager to win the World Series in both leagues. ====1987 AL East Champions==== After a pair of third-place finishes in 1985 and 1986, the 1987 Tigers faced lowered expectations – which seemed to be confirmed by an 11–19 start to the season.
With the win, Anderson became the first manager to win the World Series in both leagues. ====1987 AL East Champions==== After a pair of third-place finishes in 1985 and 1986, the 1987 Tigers faced lowered expectations – which seemed to be confirmed by an 11–19 start to the season.
They also won division titles in 1972, 1984, and 1987 as a member of the AL East.
With the win, Anderson became the first manager to win the World Series in both leagues. ====1987 AL East Champions==== After a pair of third-place finishes in 1985 and 1986, the 1987 Tigers faced lowered expectations – which seemed to be confirmed by an 11–19 start to the season.
At Exhibition Stadium, the Tigers dropped three in a row to the Blue Jays before winning a dramatic extra-inning showdown. The Tigers entered the final week of the 1987 season 2.5 games behind.
Detroit finished the season two games ahead of Toronto, securing the best record in the majors (98–64). 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.
The Twins clinched the series in Game 5 at Tiger Stadium, 9–5. ===A new approach (1988–1995)=== Despite their 1987 division title victory, the Tigers proved unable to build on their success.
On September 24, the Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 11–4 to clinch their first playoff berth since 1987.
It was their first AL Central title since joining the division in 1998, and first division title of any kind since 1987. Members of the 2011 Tigers won multiple statistical awards in 2011.
The team lost Kirk Gibson to free agency in the offseason, but still spent much of 1988 in first place in the AL East.
This was the largest improvement in the AL since the Baltimore Orioles had a 33-game improvement from 1988 to 1989. Prior to the 2005 season, the Tigers spent a large sum for two prized free agents, Troy Percival and Magglio Ordóñez.
A late season slump left the team in second place at 88–74, one game behind the Boston Red Sox. In 1989, the team collapsed to a 59–103 record, worst in the majors.
This was the largest improvement in the AL since the Baltimore Orioles had a 33-game improvement from 1988 to 1989. Prior to the 2005 season, the Tigers spent a large sum for two prized free agents, Troy Percival and Magglio Ordóñez.
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.
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).
Their minor league system was largely barren of talent as well, producing only a few everyday players during the 1990s.
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.
He hit 44 home runs and collected 132 RBI in 1991, again finishing second in the AL MVP balloting.
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).
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.
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.
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.
This stood as a Tiger record until 1992, when it was broken by Sparky Anderson.
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.
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.
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. Pitcher Michael Fulmer, acquired from the New York Mets organization in 2015, won the 2016 AL Rookie of the Year Award. ===Rebuilding (2017–present)=== ====2017==== Mike Ilitch, the Tigers owner since 1992, died at the age of 87 on February 10, 2017.
The team also responded with an 85–77 season in 1993, but it would be their last winning season for a number of years. On October 2, 1995, manager Sparky Anderson chose to not only end his career with the Tigers, but retire from baseball altogether. ===Randy Smith era (1996–2002)=== From 1994 to 2005, the Tigers did not post a winning record, the longest sub-.500 stretch in franchise history.
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.
On August 27, a 7–1 victory over the Cleveland Indians gave the Tigers their 82nd victory and their first winning season since 1993.
The team also responded with an 85–77 season in 1993, but it would be their last winning season for a number of years. On October 2, 1995, manager Sparky Anderson chose to not only end his career with the Tigers, but retire from baseball altogether. ===Randy Smith era (1996–2002)=== From 1994 to 2005, the Tigers did not post a winning record, the longest sub-.500 stretch in franchise history.
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.
The team also responded with an 85–77 season in 1993, but it would be their last winning season for a number of years. On October 2, 1995, manager Sparky Anderson chose to not only end his career with the Tigers, but retire from baseball altogether. ===Randy Smith era (1996–2002)=== From 1994 to 2005, the Tigers did not post a winning record, the longest sub-.500 stretch in franchise history.
In 1996, the Tigers lost a then-team record 109 games, under new general manager Randy Smith.
In 2005, the team moved the bullpens to the vacant area beyond the left field fence and filled the previous location with seats. In late 2001, Dave Dombrowski, former general manager of the 1997 World Series champion Florida Marlins, was hired as team president.
In the Home Run Derby, Rodríguez finished second, losing to the Phillies' Bobby Abreu. 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.
Louis Cardinals in five games. ===Falling short (2007–2010)=== ====2007==== 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.
It was their first AL Central title since joining the division in 1998, and first division title of any kind since 1987. Members of the 2011 Tigers won multiple statistical awards in 2011.
Games are syndicated throughout Michigan, Toledo and Archbold, Ohio, and Angola, Indiana. ===Television=== As of 2021, the Tigers' current exclusive local television rights holder is Bally Sports Detroit, which picked up the rights in 1998 taking them away from Pro-Am Sports System, owned by Post-Newsweek Stations.
It was renamed Tiger Stadium in 1961 and the Tigers played there until 1999. From 1901 to 2020, the Tigers overall win–loss record is 9,369–9,226 (a winning percentage of ).
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.
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). After the season, the Tigers hired Ralph Houk to be their new manager.
After four consecutive seasons of no fewer than 39 home runs, González only hit 22 homers in 2000.
In 2005, the team moved the bullpens to the vacant area beyond the left field fence and filled the previous location with seats. In late 2001, Dave Dombrowski, former general manager of the 1997 World Series champion Florida Marlins, was hired as team president.
In 2002, the Tigers started the season 0–6, prompting Dombrowski to fire the unpopular Smith, as well as manager Phil Garner.
Verlander also became the first major league pitcher since Curt Schilling in 2002 to reach 20 wins before the end of August. In May, the Tigers were as many as eight games back of the first place Cleveland Indians.
They both entered the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum as Detroit Tigers, and their plaques in the Hall show them wearing the Tigers' cap. Al Kaline was also a TV color commentator for the Tigers from 1975 to 2002.
The franchise's best winning percentage was .656 in 1934, while its worst was .265 in 2003. ==Franchise history== ===Western League beginnings (1894–1900) === The franchise was founded as a member of the reorganized Western League in 1894.
The last place 1952 team went 50–104 (.325), which was the worst season in Tigers history until the 2003 team lost 119 games.
In 2003, the franchise largely quieted the criticism by moving in the left-center fence to , taking the flagpole in that area out of play, a feature carried over from Tiger Stadium.
After the season was over, Pujols was let go. ===Most losses in American League history (2003)=== Dave Dombrowski hired popular former shortstop Alan Trammell to manage the team in 2003.
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.
While the 2003 Tigers rank as the third worst team in major league history based on total losses, they fare slightly better based on winning percentage.
===Rebuilding the franchise (2004–2006)=== After the embarrassing 2003 season, the Tigers vowed to make changes.
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. At the midway point of the 2012 season, the Tigers were three games under .500 (39–42).
Tigers pitchers struck out 1,428 batters during the regular season, breaking the record of 1,404 held by the 2003 Chicago Cubs.
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.
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.
The 2004 Tigers finished 72–90, a 29-game improvement over the previous season.
The team also responded with an 85–77 season in 1993, but it would be their last winning season for a number of years. On October 2, 1995, manager Sparky Anderson chose to not only end his career with the Tigers, but retire from baseball altogether. ===Randy Smith era (1996–2002)=== From 1994 to 2005, the Tigers did not post a winning record, the longest sub-.500 stretch in franchise history.
In 2005, the team moved the bullpens to the vacant area beyond the left field fence and filled the previous location with seats. In late 2001, Dave Dombrowski, former general manager of the 1997 World Series champion Florida Marlins, was hired as team president.
This was the largest improvement in the AL since the Baltimore Orioles had a 33-game improvement from 1988 to 1989. Prior to the 2005 season, the Tigers spent a large sum for two prized free agents, Troy Percival and Magglio Ordóñez.
On June 8, 2005, the Tigers traded pitcher Ugueth Urbina and infielder Ramón Martínez to the Philadelphia Phillies for Plácido Polanco.
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. A highlight of the 2005 campaign was Detroit's hosting of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, its first since 1971.
In the Home Run Derby, Rodríguez finished second, losing to the Phillies' Bobby Abreu. 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.
Veteran left-hander Kenny Rogers also joined the Tigers from the Texas Rangers in late 2005. ====The return of the Tigers: 2006 American League Champions==== After years of futility, the 2006 season showed signs of hope.
"Sock it to 'em, Tigers!" was also a popular phrase during this time. 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. In 2005, the team began using the phrase "Who's Your Tiger?" as its slogan. During the 2006 season, a rally cry caught on in the Tigers' dugout.
They are also the oldest continuous one name, one city franchise in the AL. Since their establishment as a major league franchise in 1901, the Tigers have won four World Series championships (, , , and ), 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).
Detroit finished the season two games ahead of Toronto, securing the best record in the majors (98–64). 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.
Veteran left-hander Kenny Rogers also joined the Tigers from the Texas Rangers in late 2005. ====The return of the Tigers: 2006 American League Champions==== After years of futility, the 2006 season showed signs of hope.
The Tigers instead settled for the AL wild card. 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.
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. 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.
"Sock it to 'em, Tigers!" was also a popular phrase during this time. 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. In 2005, the team began using the phrase "Who's Your Tiger?" as its slogan. During the 2006 season, a rally cry caught on in the Tigers' dugout.
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. 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.
The Tigers were officially eliminated from playoff competition on September 26, 2007 when the New York Yankees clinched a wild card berth.
The Tigers, at 88–74, finished second in the AL Central. 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. ====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).
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. Despite the improvements, the Tigers once again found themselves struggling to hold a lead in the AL Central.
The Tigers, at 88–74, finished second in the AL Central. 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. ====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).
The Tigers also lost closer Todd Jones to retirement on September 25, 2008.
Despite the disappointing season, the team set an attendance record in 2008, drawing 3,202,654 customers to Comerica Park. ====2009==== 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.
Justin Verlander bounced back from an off 2008 to win 19 games.
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. Despite the improvements, the Tigers once again found themselves struggling to hold a lead in the AL Central.
The Tigers renewed in 2008, over a bid from a rival regional sports channel by Dish Network and AT&T's U-verse, apparently until 2021.
Despite the disappointing season, the team set an attendance record in 2008, drawing 3,202,654 customers to Comerica Park. ====2009==== 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.
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. ====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.
As a result, the phrase "Gum Time" became popular. 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. In 2009, the team used the phrase "Always a Tiger" as its slogan. In 2011, the slogan was switched back to "Who's Your Tiger?" During the 2018 season, a rally cry caught on with both players and fans.
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. ====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.
Justin Verlander enjoyed another strong season (18–9 record, 3.37 ERA, 219 strikeouts). =====The near-perfect game===== 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.
However, he said he would look into expanding instant replay in the future. ===Division winners (2011–2014)=== ====2011: First AL Central Championship==== The Tigers returned much of their roster from 2010, while adding relief pitcher Joaquín Benoit, catcher/DH Victor Martinez, and starting pitcher Brad Penny. On May 7, Verlander took a perfect game against the Toronto Blue Jays into the 8th inning.
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). After the season, the Tigers hired Ralph Houk to be their new manager.
However, they would start to play better. The Tigers sent five players to the 2011 All-Star Game.
It was their first AL Central title since joining the division in 1998, and first division title of any kind since 1987. Members of the 2011 Tigers won multiple statistical awards in 2011.
Valverde was the AL saves leader with 49 (in 49 save opportunities), winning the 2011 MLB Delivery Man of the Year Award.
They advanced to the ALCS, but they lost to the defending AL Champion Texas Rangers, 4–2. ====2012: American League Champions==== In 2012, the Tigers looked to defend their 2011 AL Central Division title, with the hopes of earning a second consecutive playoff appearance.
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.
As a result, the phrase "Gum Time" became popular. 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. In 2009, the team used the phrase "Always a Tiger" as its slogan. In 2011, the slogan was switched back to "Who's Your Tiger?" During the 2018 season, a rally cry caught on with both players and fans.
They are also the oldest continuous one name, one city franchise in the AL. Since their establishment as a major league franchise in 1901, the Tigers have won four World Series championships (, , , and ), 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).
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.
They advanced to the ALCS, but they lost to the defending AL Champion Texas Rangers, 4–2. ====2012: American League Champions==== In 2012, the Tigers looked to defend their 2011 AL Central Division title, with the hopes of earning a second consecutive playoff appearance.
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.
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. At the midway point of the 2012 season, the Tigers were three games under .500 (39–42).
In the World Series, the Tigers were swept by the San Francisco Giants. On November 15, 2012, Cabrera was named AL MVP. ====2013: American League title defense==== 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, while also signing their 2012 trade deadline acquisition, pitcher Aníbal Sánchez, to a five-year, $80 million deal.
They are also the oldest continuous one name, one city franchise in the AL. Since their establishment as a major league franchise in 1901, the Tigers have won four World Series championships (, , , and ), 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).
Mullin's 11–0 start in 1909 was a Tiger record for 104 years, finally being broken by Max Scherzer's 13–0 start in 2013. It was hoped that a new opponent in the 1909 Series, the Pittsburgh Pirates, would yield different results.
In the World Series, the Tigers were swept by the San Francisco Giants. On November 15, 2012, Cabrera was named AL MVP. ====2013: American League title defense==== The Tigers entered the 2013 season looking to defend their 2012 AL pennant.
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. On September 25, the Tigers clinched their third consecutive AL Central Division title.
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.
and pitchers Ian Krol and Robbie Ray. 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, and later signed Joba Chamberlain to a one-year, $2.5 million deal.
In interleague play, the Pittsburgh Pirates are the Tigers' "natural rival." The rivalry with the Indians came to a head when the Tigers played the Indians at Progressive Field in Cleveland on August 7, 2013, with the teams first and second in the AL Central standings.
Irritated that their rivals were "taking over" their home stadium, many Indians fans decided to combat the chant with a "Detroit's bankrupt!" chant, in reference to the city's 2013 bankruptcy.
They are also the oldest continuous one name, one city franchise in the AL. Since their establishment as a major league franchise in 1901, the Tigers have won four World Series championships (, , , and ), 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).
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 the MLB, the Tigers signed free agent reliever Joel Hanrahan to a one-year contract.
The 90–72 Tigers finished one game ahead of the Kansas City Royals. The Tigers faced the Baltimore Orioles in the 2014 American League Division Series, where they were swept, 3–0.
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.
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.
However, the team also ended with a team batting average of .270, the best in the MLB, while Miguel Cabrera finished with the highest player batting average in the AL and the MLB (.338), earning his fourth batting title in five years. ===2016=== 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.
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.
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. Pitcher Michael Fulmer, acquired from the New York Mets organization in 2015, won the 2016 AL Rookie of the Year Award. ===Rebuilding (2017–present)=== ====2017==== Mike Ilitch, the Tigers owner since 1992, died at the age of 87 on February 10, 2017.
This would be the Cubs' last World Championship until 2016. ====1909 American League Champions==== In 1909, Detroit posted a 98–54 season, winning the AL pennant by 3.5 games over the Athletics.
and pitchers Ian Krol and Robbie Ray. 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, and later signed Joba Chamberlain to a one-year, $2.5 million deal.
However, the team also ended with a team batting average of .270, the best in the MLB, while Miguel Cabrera finished with the highest player batting average in the AL and the MLB (.338), earning his fourth batting title in five years. ===2016=== 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.
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.
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. Pitcher Michael Fulmer, acquired from the New York Mets organization in 2015, won the 2016 AL Rookie of the Year Award. ===Rebuilding (2017–present)=== ====2017==== Mike Ilitch, the Tigers owner since 1992, died at the age of 87 on February 10, 2017.
During the 2016 season, the Tigers averaged a 7.56 rating and 138,000 viewers on primetime TV broadcasts.
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. Pitcher Michael Fulmer, acquired from the New York Mets organization in 2015, won the 2016 AL Rookie of the Year Award. ===Rebuilding (2017–present)=== ====2017==== Mike Ilitch, the Tigers owner since 1992, died at the age of 87 on February 10, 2017.
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.
However, due to a tiebreaker, the Tigers were awarded the number one overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft. ====2018==== 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.
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.
Through 25 games in 2017, their games have averaged a 5.57 rating which was 5th in the major league.
However, due to a tiebreaker, the Tigers were awarded the number one overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft. ====2018==== 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.
As a result, the phrase "Gum Time" became popular. 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. In 2009, the team used the phrase "Always a Tiger" as its slogan. In 2011, the slogan was switched back to "Who's Your Tiger?" During the 2018 season, a rally cry caught on with both players and fans.
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.
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. ==Baseball Hall of Famers== ===Ford C.
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. ====2019==== 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.
On March 19, it was announced that Michael Fulmer would undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the 2019 season.
The 2019 Tigers tied the 1939 St.
It was renamed Tiger Stadium in 1961 and the Tigers played there until 1999. From 1901 to 2020, the Tigers overall win–loss record is 9,369–9,226 (a winning percentage of ).
The Tigers ultimately faded down the stretch, finishing with a 23–35 record. ====2021==== On October 30, 2020, the Tigers hired A.
Cherry Street, which runs behind the left-field stands at Tiger Stadium, was renamed Kaline Drive for Al Kaline. Lou Whitaker's number 1 was to be retired on August 29, 2020.
Hal Newhouser became the first pitcher in the history of the AL, and still the only pitcher as of 2021, to win the MVP Award in two consecutive seasons.
On May 18, 2021, Spencer Turnbull pitched the eighth no-hitter in Tigers history against the Seattle Mariners.
Games are syndicated throughout Michigan, Toledo and Archbold, Ohio, and Angola, Indiana. ===Television=== As of 2021, the Tigers' current exclusive local television rights holder is Bally Sports Detroit, which picked up the rights in 1998 taking them away from Pro-Am Sports System, owned by Post-Newsweek Stations.
The Tigers renewed in 2008, over a bid from a rival regional sports channel by Dish Network and AT&T's U-verse, apparently until 2021.
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