The Detroit Tigers have been around for more than 120 years, making them one of the oldest franchises in Major League Baseball. From big home runs to clutch strikeouts, this team’s history is full of moments that shaped the game. Let’s take a look back at how the Tigers got started and the journey they’ve been on ever since.
Start of a Franchise
The Tigers got their start back in 1894 as a charter member of the Western League, which at the time was considered a top-level minor league. By 1901, Detroit had made the jump to the big stage, becoming one of the original eight franchises in the American League. Their first major league game came on April 25, 1901, against the Milwaukee Brewers, and it couldn’t have been scripted any better. The Tigers stormed back from a 10-0 deficit to win, setting the tone for what would become one of baseball’s most storied franchises.
Ty Cobb and the 1920’s
In 1905, Detroit welcomed a player who would define the franchise for decades. Ty Cobb joined the Tigers and quickly became the face of the team, building a reputation as one of baseball’s all-time great hitters. From 1907 to 1909, Detroit rolled to three straight American League pennants, but each run ended with a World Series loss. During this era, the Tigers also opened Navin Field, the ballpark that later became known as Tiger Stadium. Cobb piled up records and left a lasting legacy, but a World Series title in Detroit was the one thing that always escaped him
First Championships and First Struggles
The Tigers made another World Series run in 1934 but fell to the St. Louis Cardinals. A year later, they bounced back and captured their first championship against the Chicago Cubs. The pattern repeated—losing to the Reds in 1939, then beating the Cubs again in 1940. The 1950s brought mostly average seasons, though Al Kaline emerged as the franchise’s next superstar. By the 1960s, mediocrity was gone. Detroit won 101 games in 1961, and in 1968 they put together a magical season. Led by Denny McLain, the Tigers beat the Cardinals in the World Series, cementing one of the city’s most iconic championships.
70’s and 80’s
The 1970s brought some competitive seasons, but outside of a 1972 ALCS appearance, the Tigers stayed mostly middle of the pack. The 1980s, however, were a different story. In 1984, Detroit came out on fire with a 35-5 start and finished the year 104-58. The run ended with a World Series championship over the San Diego Padres. Just a few years later, in 1987, the Tigers took the AL East crown but came up short in the ALCS against the Minnesota Twins.
Down Years and Transition
The 1990s were a tough decade for Detroit, as the team struggled to stay competitive and went through several rebuilding phases. Things began to turn around in the early 2000s, though the Tigers hit rock bottom in 2003 with a 43-119 record, one of the worst seasons in MLB history. But just three years later, the turnaround was complete. In 2006, Detroit shocked the league by making it all the way to the World Series before falling to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Recent Years
The success carried into the 2010s, where Detroit dominated the AL Central. From 2011 to 2014, the Tigers won four straight division titles, powered by stars like Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera, and Max Scherzer. Their biggest shot came in 2012, but a World Series loss to the San Francisco Giants kept the championship just out of reach. Since then, it’s been back to rebuilding, with the team focusing on developing young talent for the future. The results haven’t come yet, but the Tigers’ rich history and loyal fan base continue to fuel hope for the next big run in Detroit.
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