Detroit Tigers: Facts, History, Stats, and Resources

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History of the Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers were one of the first eight franchises of the American League. The team was founded in 1894. They won the American League Championship in 1907, 1908 and 1909, however none of these wins brought them a World Series Championship. In 1934, the team won their fourth American League Championship, but still did not bring home a World Series win. In 1935, however, the team’s luck, and talent, changed. They finally won their first World Series Championship.

Another win came a short nine years later, in 1945. From 1945 to 1967, however, the Tigers brought no post season plays to their fans. It wasn’t until 1968 that the team not only made it to the post season, but won the World Series for their third time. They won their last World Series to date in 1984.

Fun Facts about the Detroit Tigers

What are Detroit Tigers team colors?
Navy, White, Orange

Where did the Detroit Tigers get their name and why are they called it?
Although it is not known exactly how the Tigers came to be known as such, there are many theories. One explains that Detroit players wore black stockings with orange stripes, white another theory explains that the team’s manager at the time called his team the Tigers. In a book written about the history of the team’s stadium, the author explains that the team name was chosen because the Detroit Light Guard military was known as The Tigers.

Who designed the Detroit Tigers logo?
The teams logo was drawn by an unknown designer. It includes a letter “D” written in Olde English typeface.

Who is the mascot for the Detroit Tigers?
The Detroit Tigers’ mascot is, appropriately, a tiger named Paws.

Who owns the Detroit Tigers?
Michael Illitch

What numbers have been retired by the Detroit Tigers?
No number Ty Cobb
2 Charlie Gehringer
5 Hank Greenberg
6 Al Kaline
16 Hal Newhouser
23 Willie Horton
42 Jackie Robinson (retired by all MLB)

What players from the Detroit Tigers are in the Baseball Hall Of Fame?
Ty Cobb
Mickey Cochrane
Sam Crawford
Charlie Gehringer
Hank Greenberg
Harry Heilmann
Highie Jennings
Al Kaline
George Kell
Henry Emmett Manush
Hal Newhouser

How many World Series have the Detroit Tigers won?
Four (1935, 1945, 1968, 1984)

Fun Facts about Comerica Park

What is the Detroit Tigers stadium called?
Comerica Park

What is the address of Comerica Park?
2100 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, Michigan 48201

How many seats are in Comerica Park?
45,010

Items NOT allowed in Comerica Park
• aerosol cans (hairspray, mace, pepper spray etc,)
• airhorns, bullhorns, thundersticks, cowbells, and other noisemakers
• animals (except certified service dogs or service dogs in training)
• Bags larger than 16″ x 16″ x 8″
• baseball bats of any size
• beach balls or other inflatable items
• beverages (except juice boxes with children in your party)
• bottles (glass or plastic with exception to sealed clear, plastic, bottles of plain, unflavored water)
• brooms
• fireworks, firearms or other weapons
• fishing nets or poles
• framed backpacks
• frisbees
• hard sided coolers
• knives
• laser devices/pointers
• liquid containers (with exception to sealed clear, plastic, bottles of plain, unflavored water)
• noisemaking devices: air horns, bullhorns, thundersticks, cowbells, bells, horns, kazoos, whistles, and other noisemakers
• non-baseball related signs
• objects that can be used as missiles or projectiles: sticks, bats, clubs, Frisbees, beach balls
• skateboards or rollerblades
• squirt guns including super soakers
• sticks, including signs attached to sticks
• stools, folding chairs, stools or back supports

When was Comerica Park built?
Ground was broken on October 29, 1997 for the Detroit Tigers’ new stadium, The construction was completed for opening day on April 11, 2000.

How far is it down the right field line in Comerica Park?
330 feet

How far is it down the left field line in Comerica Park?
345 feet

How far is the center field wall in Comerica Park?
420 feet

Travel Information if You’re going to watch the Detroit Tigers

Best restaurants in the area of Comerica Park
1. Chelis Chili Bar
47 East Adams Avenue
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 961-1700
chelischilibar.com

2. Foxtown: Da Edoardo Fox Town Grille
2203 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 471-3500
daedoardo.com

3. Edwood Bar & Grill
300 East Adams Avenue
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 962-2337
elwoodgrill.com

Best hotels near Comerica Park
1. Milner Hotel
1538 Centre Street
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 963-3950
milner-hotels.com

2. Hilton Garden Inn Detroit Downtown
351 Gratiot Avenue
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 967-0900
hiltongardeninn.com

3. Atheneum Suite Hotel
1000 Brush Avenue
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 962-2323
summithotels.com

Top 5 Players of all time for Detroit Tigers

5. Al Kaline
Al Kaline was a right fielder for the Detroit Tigers during his entire MLB career, which spanned from 1953 to 1974. During this time, Kaline was an 18-time All-Star selection. He won the Gold Glove Award ten times, as well as the Roberto Clemente Award, the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award and the Hutch Award. He was part of the 1968 World Series Champion Detroit Tigers team. His number, 6, was retired by the Tigers, and he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1980, his first year of eligibility.
Batting Average: .297
Hits: 3,007
Home runs: 399
Runs Batted In: 1,583

4. Ty Cobb
Ty Cobb played for the Detroit Tigers for almost his entire MLB career, from 1905 until 1926. In 1927 and 1928 he briefly played for the Philadelphia Athletics before retiring from the sport. Cobb earned a number of offensive records during his career, including the highest number of steals home of all time, with 54. His .367 career batting average is the highest ever recorded by an MLB player. He is the third highest base stealer of all time, with a total of 892 bases stolen. He is the second highest run scorer, with 2,245, and the second highest career hitter, with a total of 4,191. Cobb was named to the MLB All-Century Team. His number was retired by the Detroit Tigers and he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.
Batting Average: .367
Hits: 4,191
Home Runs: 117
Runs Batted In: 1,939

3. Hal Newhouser
Hal Newhouser played for the Detroit Tigers from 1939 until 1953. He briefly played for the Cleveland Indians in 1954 and 1955, before retiring from the sport. Newhouser was the team’s pitcher, and during his time with Detroit became a seven-time All-Star selection. He helped the team to their 1945 World Series championship title and was twice named the American League Most Valuable Player, in 1944 and 1945. In the same two years, he was named TSN (The Sporting News) Pitcher of the Year. His number, 16, was retired by the Detroit Tigers and he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992.
Win-Loss Record: 207-150
ERA: 3.06
Strikeouts: 1,796

2. Charlie Gehringer
Charlie Gehringer played his entire 19 season baseball career with the Detroit Tigers, from 1924 until 1942. Gehringer was the team’s second baseman, and he is considered to have been the best the sport has ever seen. He held the league’ highest batting average in 1937, at .371. He was a six-time All-Star selection, and in 1935, in the middle of his career, he helped the Detroit Tigers to their World Series victory over the Chicago Cubs. His number, 2, was retired by the Detroit Tigers, and he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1949.
Batting Average: .320
Hits: 2,839
Home Runs: 184
Runs Batted In: 1,427

1. Hank Greenberg
Hank Greenberg played for the Detroit Tigers in 1930, from 1933 to 1941 and from 1956 to 1946. He ended his career playing one season for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1947. Greenberg was the first baseman for the Tigers, helping them to two World Series championship titles in 1935 and 1945, both played against the Chicago Cubs. He was twice named the American League MVP. He was a huge hitter for the Tigers, setting records including the most RBIs in one season in 1937 and consistent high battering averages. The Tigers retired his number, 5, and he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1956.
Batting Average: .313
Home Runs: 331
Runs Batted In: 1,276
Hits: 1,628

Resources about Detroit Tigers

The Official Site of the Detroit Tigers
website

Detroit Tigers – Tigers Baseball Clubhouse – ESPN
website

Detroit Tigers MLB at CBSSports.com
website

Detroit Tigers News, Schedule, Photos, Stats, Players, MLB Baseball
website

Resource by k.Pearson

My name is Kim, I am a volunteer at a local Zoo in Chicago, IL. I have been a volunteer for about 5 years now and love it. My full time job is at a vet just outside of the city. I am intrigued by the nature of animals and how they interact with one another.

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