History of the Detroit Tigers

The history of the Detroit Tigers, a professional baseball franchise based in Detroit, Michigan, dates back to 1894 when they were a member of the minor league Western League. Becoming a charter member of the American League in 1901, they are the oldest continuous one name, one city franchise in the league.

Western League beginnings (1894–1900)

The franchise was founded as a member of the reorganized Western League in 1894.{{cite book|first=Richard|last=Bak|title=A Place for Summer: A Narrative History of Tiger Stadium|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Rw532hJGaTwC&pg=PA40|year=1998|page=40|publisher=Wayne State University Press|isbn=978-0814325124|access-date=2020-01-17|archive-date=2024-10-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001042941/https://books.google.com/books?id=Rw532hJGaTwC&pg=PA40#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|first=Richard|last=Bak|title=The Tigers first 4th of July game was in 1894|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2013/07/05/the-tigers-first-4th-of-july-game-was-in-1894/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=July 5, 2013|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=July 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716005730/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2013/07/05/the-tigers-first-4th-of-july-game-was-in-1894/|url-status=live}} In 1895, owner George Vanderbeck decided to build Bennett Park at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull Avenues, which would remain their base of operations for the next 104 seasons.{{cite book|first=Richard|last=Bak|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Rw532hJGaTwC&pg=PA58|title=A Place for Summer: A Narrative History of Tiger Stadium|year=1998|pages=58–59|publisher=Wayne State University Press|isbn=978-0814325124|access-date=2020-01-17|archive-date=2023-04-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405182311/https://books.google.com/books?id=Rw532hJGaTwC&pg=PA58#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Marcus W.|last=Dickson|title=April 28, 1896: There used to be a hay market here: Detroit Tigers open Bennett Park|url=https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/april-28-1896-there-used-be-hay-market-here-detroit-tigers-open-bennett-park|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=July 30, 2018|archive-date=July 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730234613/https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/april-28-1896-there-used-be-hay-market-here-detroit-tigers-open-bennett-park|url-status=live}} 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. They 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 lent to the team to gain professional experience. After being fined, Waddell left Detroit to pitch in Canada.{{cite web|first=Dan|last=O'Brien|title=Rube Waddell|url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/a5b2c2b4|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=September 1, 2018|archive-date=September 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902052301/https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/a5b2c2b4|url-status=live}}

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.{{cite book|first=Richard|last=Bak|title=A Place for Summer: A Narrative History of Tiger Stadium|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Rw532hJGaTwC&pg=PA70|year=1998|page=70|publisher=Wayne State University Press|isbn=978-0814325124|access-date=2020-01-17|archive-date=2024-10-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001042950/https://books.google.com/books?id=Rw532hJGaTwC&pg=PA70#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}{{cite book|first=Richard|last=Bak|title=A Place for Summer: A Narrative History of Tiger Stadium|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Rw532hJGaTwC&pg=PA73|year=1998|page=73|publisher=Wayne State University Press|isbn=978-0814325124|access-date=2020-01-17|archive-date=2023-04-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405160619/https://books.google.com/books?id=Rw532hJGaTwC&pg=PA73#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first1=Joe|last1=Santry|first2=Cindy|last2=Thomson|title=Ban Johnson|url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/dabf79f8|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=July 30, 2018|archive-date=July 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730235021/https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/dabf79f8|url-status=live}} For a while, there were rumors of the team relocating to Pittsburgh, but the two leagues made peace in 1903 when they signed a new National Agreement.{{cite book|first=Richard|last=Bak|title=A Place for Summer: A Narrative History of Tiger Stadium|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Rw532hJGaTwC&pg=PA77|year=1998|pages=77–79|publisher=Wayne State University Press|isbn=978-0814325124|access-date=2020-01-17|archive-date=2023-04-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405160619/https://books.google.com/books?id=Rw532hJGaTwC&pg=PA73#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}

First Major League season (1901)

The Tigers were established as a charter member of the now major league American League in 1901.{{cite web|title=Year In Review : 1901 American League|url=https://www.baseball-almanac.com/yearly/yr1901a.shtml|website=Baseball Almanac|access-date=November 2, 2017|archive-date=October 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028062349/http://www.baseball-almanac.com/yearly/yr1901a.shtml|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|title=Tigers Timeline|url=https://www.mlb.com/tigers/history/timeline|website=Tigers.com|access-date=November 2, 2017|archive-date=July 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719054524/https://www.mlb.com/tigers/history/timeline|url-status=live}} After entering the ninth inning behind 13–4, the team staged a dramatic comeback to win 14–13. The team finished third in the eight-team league.{{cite web|title=1901 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1901.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 28, 2018|archive-date=July 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713230736/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1901.shtml|url-status=live}}

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 season.{{cite web |last1=Clair |first1=Michael |title=The history of the baseball cap: The long, strange history of the baseball cap |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/featured/baseball-cap-history-and-timeline |website=MLB.com |publisher=Major League Baseball |access-date=24 June 2023 |date=9 May 2023 |archive-date=9 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509204029/https://www.mlb.com/news/featured/baseball-cap-history-and-timeline |url-status=live }}

The Cobb era (1905–1926)

=1905=

File:Ty-Cobb-1913-NPC-detail-2.jpeg in 1913]]

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.{{cite web|title=Cobb still revered, reviled 100 years after first game|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2146324|website=ESPN.com|date=August 29, 2005|access-date=December 27, 2017|archive-date=August 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820120209/http://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2146324|url-status=live}}

=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.{{cite web|title=1907 Detroit Tigers Statistics|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1907.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=December 27, 2017|archive-date=July 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725144624/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1907.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1907 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1907.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=December 27, 2017|archive-date=August 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802212233/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1907.shtml|url-status=live}} They moved on to their first World Series appearance against the Chicago Cubs.{{cite web|title=1907 World Series|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/history/postseason/mlb_ws_recaps.jsp?feature=1907|website=MLB.com|access-date=January 15, 2018|archive-date=February 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224090414/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/history/postseason/mlb_ws_recaps.jsp?feature=1907|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Richard|last=Bak|title=When the Tigers played to a tie in the World Series|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2013/11/14/when-the-detroit-tigers-played-to-a-tie-in-the-world-series/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=November 14, 2013|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115231615/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2013/11/14/when-the-detroit-tigers-played-to-a-tie-in-the-world-series/|url-status=live}}

Game 1 ended in a rare 3–3 tie, called due to darkness after 12 innings. 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.

=1908 American League Champions=

The Tigers won the AL by just a half-game over the 90–64 Cleveland Naps with a 90–63 record.{{cite web|title=1908 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1908.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=January 25, 2018|archive-date=July 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713043114/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1908.shtml|url-status=live}} Cobb hit .324, while Sam Crawford hit .311 with 7 home runs, which was enough to lead the league in the "dead ball" era.{{cite web|title=1908 American League Batting Leaders|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1908-batting-leaders.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=January 25, 2018|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308195003/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1908-batting-leaders.shtml|url-status=live}}

The Cubs, however, would defeat the Tigers again in the 1908 World Series, this time in five games.{{cite web|title=1908 World Series Chicago Cubs over Detroit Tigers (4–1)|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1908_WS.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=January 25, 2018|archive-date=April 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421011954/http://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1908_WS.shtml|url-status=live}} This would be the Cubs' last World Championship until 2016.{{cite web|first=Ronald|last=Blum|title=Cubs win World Series Game 7, end 108-year drought|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/dp-cubs-world-series-beat-indians-game-7-20161103-story.html|website=Chicago Tribune|agency=Associated Press|date=November 3, 2016|access-date=January 25, 2018|archive-date=January 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126071022/http://www.chicagotribune.com/dp-cubs-world-series-beat-indians-game-7-20161103-story.html|url-status=live}}

=1909 American League Champions=

In 1909, Detroit posted a 98–54 season, winning the AL pennant by 3.5 games over the Athletics.{{cite web|title=1909 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1909.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 28, 2018|archive-date=May 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512211924/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1909.shtml|url-status=live}} Ty Cobb won the batting triple crown in 1909, hitting .377 with 9 home runs (all inside-the-park) and 107 RBIs.{{cite web|title=Baseball History in 1909|url=http://www.baseball-almanac.com/yearly/yr1909a.shtml|website=Baseball Almanac|access-date=July 12, 2018|archive-date=April 26, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070426043105/http://www.baseball-almanac.com/yearly/yr1909a.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1909 American League Batting Leaders|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1909-batting-leaders.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=July 12, 2018|archive-date=April 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430000903/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1909-batting-leaders.shtml|url-status=live}} He also led the league with 76 stolen bases. George Mullin was the pitching hero, going 29–8 with a 2.22 ERA, while fellow pitcher Ed Willett went 21–10.{{cite web|title=1909 Detroit Tigers Statistics|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1909.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=July 12, 2018|archive-date=July 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712220234/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1909.shtml|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|first=Matthew B.|last=Mowery|title=Scherzer makes history, becoming first Tigers starter to post an 11–0 record to begin the season|url=https://www.theoaklandpress.com/article/op/20130622/news/306229950/|website=The Oakland Press|date=June 22, 2013|access-date=July 12, 2018|archive-date=July 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713010608/http://www.theoaklandpress.com/article/OP/20130622/NEWS/306229950|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=John|last=Lowe|title=Max Scherzer first pitcher to start 12–0 in 27 years|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2013/06/28/max-scherzer-12-0-first-since-1986-tigers-beat-rays/2474509/|website=USA Today|agency=Detroit Free Press|date=June 28, 2013|access-date=July 12, 2018|archive-date=July 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702085649/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2013/06/28/max-scherzer-12-0-first-since-1986-tigers-beat-rays/2474509/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Mike|last=Axisa|title=Rangers hand Max Scherzer first loss of 2013|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/rangers-hand-max-scherzer-first-loss-of-2013/|website=CBS Sports|date=July 13, 2013|access-date=July 12, 2018|archive-date=July 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726171234/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/rangers-hand-max-scherzer-first-loss-of-2013/|url-status=live}}

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.{{cite web | title = World Series Game 7 Played on Saturday, October 16, 1909 (D) at Bennett Park | publisher = Retrosheet | url = https://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1909/B10160DET1909.htm | access-date = March 12, 2008 | archive-date = January 23, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210123144828/https://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1909/B10160DET1909.htm | url-status = live }}

=1910–1914=

The Tigers dropped to third place in the American League in 1910 with an 86–68 record.{{cite web|title=1910 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1910.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 28, 2018|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308065847/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1910.shtml|url-status=live}} They posted 89 wins in 1911 to finish second, but were still well behind a powerhouse Philadelphia Athletics team that won 101 games.{{cite web|title=1911 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1911.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 28, 2018|archive-date=March 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329184619/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1911.shtml|url-status=live}} The team sunk to a dismal sixth place in both the 1912 and 1913 seasons.{{cite web|title=1912 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1912.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 28, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828210227/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1912.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1913 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1913.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 28, 2018|archive-date=August 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829000139/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1913.shtml|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|first=Mitch|last=Lutzke|title=July 4, 1912: George Mullin tosses first Tigers no-hitter|url=https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/july-4-1912-george-mullin-tosses-first-tigers-no-hitter|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=July 12, 2018|archive-date=July 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713042150/https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/july-4-1912-george-mullin-tosses-first-tigers-no-hitter|url-status=live}}

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.{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Dow|title=The Day the Tigers Went on Strike to Support Ty Cobb|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2011/04/24/the-day-the-tigers-went-on-strike-to-support-ty-cobb/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=April 24, 2011|access-date=January 17, 2020|archive-date=February 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203220416/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2011/04/24/the-day-the-tigers-went-on-strike-to-support-ty-cobb/|url-status=live}} During this five-season stretch, Cobb posted batting averages of .383, .420, .409, .390 and .368, winning the AL batting title every year.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cobbty01.shtml|title=Ty Cobb Stats|website=Baseball-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=November 1, 2017|archive-date=July 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706022138/http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cobbty01.shtml|url-status=live}}

=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.{{cite web|title=1915 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1915.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 28, 2018|archive-date=March 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330012703/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1915.shtml|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=Led by Cobb, Tigers outfield was greatest ever|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2012/07/15/led-by-cobb-tigers-outfield-of-1915-was-greatest-ever/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=July 15, 2012|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116045002/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2012/07/15/led-by-cobb-tigers-outfield-of-1915-was-greatest-ever/|url-status=live}} Cobb also set a stolen base record with 96 steals in 1915 that stood until 1962, when it was broken by Maury Wills.{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Dwyre|title=Fifty years ago, Maury Wills made crime pay off for the Dodgers|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2012-apr-09-la-sp-0410-dwyre-maury-wills-20120410story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|date=April 9, 2012|access-date=July 13, 2018}}{{dead link|date=June 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} 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. Louis Cardinals.{{cite web|first=Patrick|last=OKennedy|title=Which Tiger team is the greatest of all time?|url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/2012/10/19/3520272/which-tiger-team-is-the-greatest-of-all-time|website=Bless You Boys|date=October 19, 2012|access-date=July 13, 2018|archive-date=July 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714021018/https://www.blessyouboys.com/2012/10/19/3520272/which-tiger-team-is-the-greatest-of-all-time|url-status=live}}

=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.{{cite web|title=1916 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1916-standings.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 28, 2018|archive-date=July 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713232346/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1916-standings.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1917 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1917.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 28, 2018|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308092859/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1917.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1918 American League Standings|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1918-standings.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=July 13, 2018|archive-date=July 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713232405/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1918-standings.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1919 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1919.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 28, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828210224/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1919.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1920 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1920.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 28, 2018|archive-date=October 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010210651/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1920.shtml|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|first=Dan|last=D'Addona|title=Harry Heilmann|url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/7257f49c|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=July 13, 2018|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612163254/https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/7257f49c|url-status=live}}

Hughie Jennings left the Tigers after the 1920 season, having accumulated 1,131 wins as a manager.{{cite web|title=Hughie Jennings Managerial Record|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/managers/jennihu01.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=February 14, 2014|archive-date=January 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122081743/http://www.baseball-reference.com/managers/jennihu01.shtml|url-status=live}} This stood as a Tiger record until 1992, when it was broken by Sparky Anderson.{{cite web|title=Tigers 13, Indians 3|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/09/27/Tigers-13-Indians-3/3918717566400/|website=UPI.com|date=September 27, 1992|access-date=July 18, 2018|archive-date=July 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718234618/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/09/27/Tigers-13-Indians-3/3918717566400/|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|first=Daniel|last=Ginsburg|title=Ty Cobb|url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/7551754a|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=July 13, 2018|archive-date=July 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714022516/https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/7551754a|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=Ty Cobb served as player/manager for the Tigers during The Roaring '20s|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2012/02/17/ty-cobb-served-as-playermanager-for-tigers-during-the-roaring-20s/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=February 17, 2012|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115221722/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2012/02/17/ty-cobb-served-as-playermanager-for-tigers-during-the-roaring-20s/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Ty Cobb Managerial Record|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/managers/cobbty01.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=July 18, 2018|archive-date=July 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718234539/https://www.baseball-reference.com/managers/cobbty01.shtml|url-status=live}}

=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.{{cite book|first=Seymour|last=Siwoff|title=The Elias Book of Baseball Records|year=2008|page=[https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780917050107/page/88 88]|publisher=Elias Sports Bureau|isbn=978-0917050107|url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780917050107/page/88}} 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.{{cite web|title=1921 American League Batting Leaders|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1921-batting-leaders.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=July 18, 2018|archive-date=September 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902134958/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1921-batting-leaders.shtml|url-status=live}} The downfall of the 1921 Tigers, however, was the absence of good pitching. The team ERA was 4.40.{{cite web|title=1921 Detroit Tigers Statistics|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1921.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=July 18, 2018|archive-date=July 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719024345/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1921.shtml|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|title=1921 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1921.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=July 18, 2018|archive-date=July 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719024320/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1921.shtml|url-status=live}}

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).{{cite web|url=http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/exhibits/online_exhibits/3000_hit_club/cobb_ty.htm |title=The 3000 Hit Club: Ty Cobb |access-date=February 10, 2007 |publisher=National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070209031106/http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/exhibits/online_exhibits/3000_hit_club/cobb_ty.htm |archive-date=February 9, 2007 |url-status=dead }}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/sports2000/numbers/172730.html |date=August 6, 1999 |title=Inside the numbers: 3,000 hits |access-date=February 10, 2007 |magazine=Sporting News |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050211195538/http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/sports2000/numbers/172730.html |archive-date=February 11, 2005 }}

=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.{{cite web|title=1923 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1923.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=July 19, 2018|archive-date=March 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301063558/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1923.shtml|url-status=live}} Harry Heilmann hit .403 in 1923, becoming the last AL player to top .400 until Ted Williams hit .406 in 1941.{{cite web|title=Harry Heilmann Baseball Stats|url=http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=heilmha01|website=Baseball Almanac|access-date=July 19, 2018|archive-date=July 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719233758/http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=heilmha01|url-status=live}} In 1925, Heilmann collected six hits in a season-ending doubleheader to win the batting title, finishing at .393 to Tris Speaker's .389.{{cite web|first=Jack|last=Zerby|title=October 4, 1925: Heilmann grabs AL batting title; Cobb 'saves' the day|url=https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/october-4-1925-heilmann-grabs-al-batting-title-cobb-saves-day|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=July 19, 2018|archive-date=July 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719233449/https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/october-4-1925-heilmann-grabs-al-batting-title-cobb-saves-day|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1925 American League Batting Leaders|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/MLB/1925-batting-leaders.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=July 19, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420081731/http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/MLB/1925-batting-leaders.shtml|url-status=live}}

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.

The Tigers break through (1927–1940)

File:Hank Greenberg 1937 cropped.jpg]]

=1927–1933=

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.{{cite web|first=Scott|last=Ferkovich|title=1935 Tigers: Missing the Babe leads to HR hire in Cochrane|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2015/09/27/detroit-tigers-world-series-babe-ruth/72921784/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=September 27, 2015|access-date=July 20, 2018|archive-date=September 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905232141/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2015/09/27/detroit-tigers-world-series-babe-ruth/72921784/|url-status=live}}

In 1927, Harry Heilmann flirted with a .400 batting average all year, eventually finishing at .398 and winning his fourth AL batting title.{{cite web|first=Chip|last=Mundy|title=October 2, 1927: Heilmann takes batting title on season-ending spree|url=https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/october-2-1927-heilmann-takes-batting-title-season-ending-spree|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=July 20, 2018|archive-date=July 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721014313/https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/october-2-1927-heilmann-takes-batting-title-season-ending-spree|url-status=live}}

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.

=1934 American League Champions=

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. 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.{{cite web|first=Richard|last=Goldstein|title=Billy Rogell Is Dead at 98; Star Shortstop in the 1930s|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/13/sports/billy-rogell-is-dead-at-98-star-shortstop-in-the-1930-s.html|website=The New York Times|date=August 13, 2003|access-date=July 31, 2018|archive-date=July 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731213118/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/13/sports/billy-rogell-is-dead-at-98-star-shortstop-in-the-1930-s.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1934 Detroit Tigers Statistics|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1934.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=July 31, 2018|archive-date=July 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731213244/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1934.shtml|url-status=live}} Schoolboy Rowe led a strong pitching staff, winning 16 straight decisions at one point of the season and finishing with a 24–8 record.{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=The hottest team in Detroit Tigers' history was 1934, not 1984|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2014/06/07/hottest-team-detroit-tigers-history-1934-1984/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=June 7, 2014|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116033923/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2014/06/07/hottest-team-detroit-tigers-history-1934-1984/|url-status=live}}

The Tigers would fall in the 1934 World Series in seven games to the "Gashouse Gang" St. Louis Cardinals.{{cite web|title=Postseason History: 1934 WORLD SERIES|url=http://m.mlb.com/postseason/history/1934/world-series/|website=MLB.com|access-date=July 20, 2018|archive-date=July 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721014438/http://m.mlb.com/postseason/history/1934/world-series/|url-status=dead}} 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). 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.{{cite web|first=Brent|last=Heutmaker|title=October 9, 1934: 'A case for Judge Landis': Medwick tossed in World Series melee as Cardinals win Game 7|url=https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/october-9-1934-case-judge-landis-medwick-tossed-world-series-melee-cardinals-win-game|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=July 20, 2018|archive-date=June 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617192727/https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/october-9-1934-case-judge-landis-medwick-tossed-world-series-melee-cardinals-win-game|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1934 World Series Game 7, Cardinals at Tigers, October 9|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET193410090.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=July 20, 2018|archive-date=July 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721014304/https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET193410090.shtml|url-status=live}} The final game was marred by an ugly incident. After spiking Tiger third baseman Marv Owen in the sixth inning, the Cardinals' 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).{{cite web|first=Doug|last=Lehman|title=A Mechanical Man, a Hammer, the Goose, and Black Mike: 1935 Detroit Tigers in the Hall of Fame|url=https://sabr.org/research/mechanical-man-hammer-goose-and-black-mike-1935-detroit-tigers-hall-fame|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=July 31, 2018|archive-date=July 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731213457/https://sabr.org/research/mechanical-man-hammer-goose-and-black-mike-1935-detroit-tigers-hall-fame|url-status=live}} Though 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.{{cite web|title=1935 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1935.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=July 31, 2018|archive-date=July 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731213444/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1935.shtml|url-status=live}} Greenberg was named AL MVP after hitting .328 and leading the league in home runs (36), extra-base hits (98) and RBIs (168).{{cite web|title=Hank Greenberg Baseball Stats|url=http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=greenha01|website=Baseball Alamanc|access-date=July 31, 2018|archive-date=July 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731213343/http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=greenha01|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1935 American Batting Leaders|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1935-batting-leaders.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=July 31, 2018|archive-date=July 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731213240/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1935-batting-leaders.shtml|url-status=live}} Incredibly, Greenberg's RBI total was 48 higher than the next closest player (Lou Gehrig, with 120). The Tigers also got strong contributions from Gehringer (.330), Cochrane (.319) and starting pitchers Tommy Bridges (21–10) and Elden Auker (18–7).{{cite web|title=1935 Detroit Tigers Statistics|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1935.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=July 31, 2018|archive-date=July 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731213444/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1935.shtml|url-status=live}}

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.

After owner Frank Navin died in the offseason, Walter Briggs Sr. took over control of the team.{{cite web|first1=Marc|last1=Okkonen|first2=David|last2=Jones|title=Frank Navin|url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/dba7471c|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=July 31, 2018|archive-date=July 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731213244/https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/dba7471c|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=Mansion of former Tiger owner on the market for less than $500k|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2012/04/29/mansion-of-former-tiger-owner-on-the-market-for-less-than-500k/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=April 29, 2012|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115221818/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2012/04/29/mansion-of-former-tiger-owner-on-the-market-for-less-than-500k/|url-status=live}}

=1936–1939=

Despite being forecast to win the American League pennant again in 1936,{{cite web|first=John P.|last=Gallagher|title=Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs Picked to Repeat Major League Victories|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/396409901.html?dids=396409901:396409901&FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:AI&date=Apr+12%2C+1936&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Detroit+Tigers+and+Chicago+Cubs+Picked+to+Repeat+Major+League+Victories&pqatl=google|website=Los Angeles Times|date=April 12, 1936|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604145427/https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/396409901.html?dids=396409901:396409901&FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:AI&date=Apr+12%2C+1936&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Detroit+Tigers+and+Chicago+Cubs+Picked+to+Repeat+Major+League+Victories&pqatl=google|archive-date=June 4, 2011|access-date=August 3, 2018}} the Tigers fell to a distant second place behind the New York Yankees both that season and in 1937.{{cite web|title=1936 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1936.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 3, 2018|archive-date=August 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804045718/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1936.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1937 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1937.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 3, 2018|archive-date=August 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804014239/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1937.shtml|url-status=live}} The team fell further down the standings with an 84–70 record in 1938 and an 81–73 record in 1939.{{cite web|title=1938 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1938.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 3, 2018|archive-date=August 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804014344/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1938.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1939 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1939.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 3, 2018|archive-date=August 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804014450/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1939.shtml|url-status=live}} Hank Greenberg nevertheless provided some excitement for Tiger 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.thebaseballpage.com/players/greenha01.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060312092740/http://www.thebaseballpage.com/players/greenha01.php |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 12, 2006 |title=Hank Greenberg Facts from |publisher=The Baseball Page.com |access-date=March 16, 2010 }}{{cite web|first=Dan|last=D'Addona|title=Two Tigers made a run at the single-season home run record|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2017/10/10/two-tigers-made-run-single-season-home-run-record/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=October 10, 2017|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115222557/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2017/10/10/two-tigers-made-run-single-season-home-run-record/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Scott|last=Ferkovich|title=Hank Greenberg|url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/64198864|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=August 3, 2018|archive-date=August 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804014246/https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/64198864|url-status=live}}

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.[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=uMYLAAAAIBAJ&sjid=tFQDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2621,2121213&dq=detroit-tigers-are-figuring-on-a-pennant Detroit Tigers Point to Pennant in 1940] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120230237/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=uMYLAAAAIBAJ&sjid=tFQDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2621,2121213&dq=detroit-tigers-are-figuring-on-a-pennant |date=2015-11-20 }}, Sid Feder, The Evening Independent, St. Petersburg, Florida, September 29, 1938

=1940 American League Champions=

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.{{cite web|title=1940 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1940.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 4, 2018|archive-date=August 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804201613/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1940.shtml|url-status=live}} Prior to the season, first baseman Hank Greenberg was persuaded to move to left field to make room for Rudy York.{{cite web|first=Alex|last=Coffey|title=Tigers move first baseman Hank Greenberg to the outfield|url=https://baseballhall.org/discover/inside-pitch/hank-greenberg-moves-to-left-field|website=Baseball Hall of Fame|access-date=August 4, 2018|archive-date=August 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804233053/https://baseballhall.org/discover/inside-pitch/hank-greenberg-moves-to-left-field|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|title=1940 Detroit Tigers Statistics|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1940.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 4, 2018|archive-date=August 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804201704/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1940.shtml|url-status=live}} Greenberg won his second AL MVP award, becoming the first major leaguer to win the award at two different positions. 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. 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.{{cite magazine| url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,802057,00.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071207222736/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,802057,00.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=December 7, 2007 | magazine=Time | title=Sport: Vegetable Plate | date=October 7, 1940 | access-date=April 20, 2010}}{{cite web|first=Joseph|last=Wancho|title=September 27, 1940: Tigers clinch American League pennant behind Floyd Giebell|url=https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/september-27-1940-tigers-clinch-american-league-pennant-behind-floyd-giebell|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=August 6, 2018|archive-date=August 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806145619/https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/september-27-1940-tigers-clinch-american-league-pennant-behind-floyd-giebell|url-status=live}}

The Tigers lost the 1940 World Series to the Cincinnati Reds in seven games.{{cite web|title=1940 World Series|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/history/postseason/mlb_ws_recaps.jsp?feature=1940|website=MLB.com|access-date=August 4, 2018|archive-date=February 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224165229/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/history/postseason/mlb_ws_recaps.jsp?feature=1940|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Richard|last=Bak|title=1940 World Series was a heartbreaker for Bobo Newsom and Detroit|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2012/10/21/1940-world-series-was-a-heartbreaker-for-bobo-newsom-and-detroit/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=October 21, 2012|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115222042/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2012/10/21/1940-world-series-was-a-heartbreaker-for-bobo-newsom-and-detroit/|url-status=live}} Despite a heroic effort by Bobo Newsom, the Tigers came up short in the deciding game, losing 2–1. Newsom's father had died in a Cincinnati hotel room after watching his son win Game 1. An inspired Newsom won Game 5 and pitched Game 7 on just one day's rest. 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 1941–44 seasons, the Tigers struggled to recapture the glory of 1940.{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=Remembering Hank Greenberg's service in World War II|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2016/01/01/remembering-hank-greenbergs-service-in-world-war-ii/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=January 1, 2016|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115222120/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2016/01/01/remembering-hank-greenbergs-service-in-world-war-ii/|url-status=live}} They finished no higher than fifth place in 1941–43, 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.{{cite web|title=1941 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1941.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 10, 2018|archive-date=August 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811032204/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1941.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1942 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1942.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 10, 2018|archive-date=August 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811032517/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1942.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1943 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1943.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 10, 2018|archive-date=August 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811033130/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1943.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1944 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1944.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 10, 2018|archive-date=June 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603080440/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1944.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1944 Detroit Tigers Statistics|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1944.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 10, 2018|archive-date=August 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811032806/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1944.shtml|url-status=live}} Newhouser, who was 29–9 with a 2.22 ERA, won the first of his two consecutive AL MVP awards this season.{{cite web|first=Richard|last=Goldstein|title=Hal Newhouser, 77, a Hall of Fame Pitcher|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/11/11/sports/hal-newhouser-77-a-hall-of-fame-pitcher.html|website=The New York Times|date=November 11, 1998|access-date=August 10, 2018|archive-date=August 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811032644/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/11/11/sports/hal-newhouser-77-a-hall-of-fame-pitcher.html|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=These Tiger teams blew leads late in the season|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2016/07/05/these-tiger-teams-blew-leads-late-in-the-season/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=July 5, 2016|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116045010/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2016/07/05/these-tiger-teams-blew-leads-late-in-the-season/|url-status=live}}

=1945 World Series Champions=

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.{{cite web|first=John|last=Rosengren|title=The Return of Hank Greenberg|url=https://baseballhall.org/discover-more/stories/baseball-history/hank-greenberg-return|website=Baseball Hall of Fame|access-date=August 17, 2018|archive-date=August 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817225532/https://baseballhall.org/discover-more/stories/baseball-history/hank-greenberg-return|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1945 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1945.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 28, 2018|archive-date=August 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830124210/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1945.shtml|url-status=live}} Hal Newhouser became the first pitcher in the history of the AL (and still the only pitcher as of 2018) to win the MVP Award in two consecutive seasons.{{cite book|first1=David|last1=Nemec|first2=Scott|last2=Flatow|title=Baseball Feats, Facts and Firsts|year=2008|page=[https://archive.org/details/greatbaseballfea00davi/page/153 153]|publisher=Berkley|isbn=978-0451223630|url=https://archive.org/details/greatbaseballfea00davi/page/153|edition=2008}} Newhouser won the pitching triple crown, leading the AL in wins (25), ERA (1.81) and strikeouts (212).{{cite web|first=Ed|last=Eagle|title=Triple Crown in Pitching|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/triple-crown-in-pitching/c-266118846|website=MLB.com|date=March 1, 2018|access-date=August 28, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828203255/https://www.mlb.com/news/triple-crown-in-pitching/c-266118846|url-status=live}}

With Newhouser, Virgil Trucks and Dizzy Trout on the mound and Greenberg leading the Tiger bats, 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.{{cite web|title=1945 World Series|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/history/postseason/mlb_ws_recaps.jsp?feature=1945|website=MLB.com|access-date=August 28, 2018|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819023821/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/history/postseason/mlb_ws_recaps.jsp?feature=1945|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Stephen V.|last=Rice|title=October 10, 1945: Newhouser leads Tigers to Game 7 victory|url=https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/october-10-1945-newhouser-leads-tigers-game-7-victory|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=August 28, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828203257/https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/october-10-1945-newhouser-leads-tigers-game-7-victory|url-status=live}} 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."{{cite web|first=Marc|last=Lancaster|title=Last World Series at Wrigley Field was hardly a fall classic|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/mlb/news/last-world-series-at-wrigley-field-1945-cubs-tigers-world-war-ii/m2w8y2tkq0y5144vyb76cpw2d|website=Sporting News|date=October 27, 2016|access-date=August 28, 2018|archive-date=August 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829114823/https://www.sportingnews.com/au/mlb/news/last-world-series-at-wrigley-field-1945-cubs-tigers-world-war-ii/m2w8y2tkq0y5144vyb76cpw2d|url-status=live}}

A long drought (1946–1967)

=1946–1950=

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.{{cite web|title=1946 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1946.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 31, 2018|archive-date=September 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901003737/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1946.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1947 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1947.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 31, 2018|archive-date=September 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901044351/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1947.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1948 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1948.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 31, 2018|archive-date=September 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901044355/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1948.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1949 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1949.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 31, 2018|archive-date=September 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901003725/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1949.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1950 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1950.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 31, 2018|archive-date=September 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901044359/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1950.shtml|url-status=live}}

During the 1946 season, the Tigers acquired George Kell, a third baseman who would become a 10-time all-star and Hall of Famer.{{cite web|title=George Kell, former Detroit Tigers broadcaster, dies at 86|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=4011970|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=March 24, 2009|access-date=August 31, 2018|archive-date=September 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901044429/http://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=4011970|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=George Kell, 86, Detroit Tigers Hall of Famer and Broadcaster, Dies|first=Richard|last=Goldstein|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/25/sports/baseball/25kell.html|website=The New York Times|date=March 24, 2009|access-date=August 31, 2018|archive-date=September 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901003821/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/25/sports/baseball/25kell.html|url-status=live}} He batted over .300 in eight straight seasons (1946–53), and finished with a career .306 average. 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.{{cite web|first=Richard|last=Bak|title=The Day George Kell Won the Batting Title|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2014/08/31/day-george-kell-won-batting-title/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=August 31, 2014|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115222644/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2014/08/31/day-george-kell-won-batting-title/|url-status=live}}

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.{{cite web|first=David|last=Anderson|title=In October 1950, Yankees Pitching Delivered a Sweep of the Phillies|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/27/sports/baseball/27anderson.html|website=The New York Times|date=October 26, 2009|access-date=August 31, 2018|archive-date=July 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715152001/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/27/sports/baseball/27anderson.html|url-status=live}}

=1951–1960=

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.{{cite web|title=1951 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1951.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 5, 2018|archive-date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906014124/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1951.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1952 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1952.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 5, 2018|archive-date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906014111/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1952.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1953 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1953.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 5, 2018|archive-date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906014152/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1953.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1954 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1954.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 5, 2018|archive-date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906014208/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1954.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1955 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1955.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 5, 2018|archive-date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906014141/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1955.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1956 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1956.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 5, 2018|archive-date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906014031/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1956.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1957 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1957.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 5, 2018|archive-date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906014210/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1957.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1958 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1958.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 5, 2018|archive-date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906014156/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1958.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1959 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1959.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 5, 2018|archive-date=March 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307220159/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1959.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1960 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1960.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 5, 2018|archive-date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906014138/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1960.shtml|url-status=live}} The last place 1952 team went 50–104 (.325), which was the worst season in Tigers history until the 2003 team lost 119 games.{{cite web|first=Blake|last=VandeBunte|title=Team 108: The 1952 Tigers|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/280191|website=Bleacher Report|date=October 28, 2009|access-date=September 5, 2018|archive-date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906052457/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/280191|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=R.J.|last=Anderson|title=The 2003 Detroit Tigers, one of the worst MLB teams ever, provide rebuilding teams lessons to learn from 15 years later|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/the-2003-detroit-tigers-one-of-the-worst-mlb-teams-ever-provide-rebuilding-teams-lessons-to-learn-from-15-years-later/|website=CBS Sports|date=May 1, 2018|access-date=September 5, 2018|archive-date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906052451/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/the-2003-detroit-tigers-one-of-the-worst-mlb-teams-ever-provide-rebuilding-teams-lessons-to-learn-from-15-years-later/|url-status=live}} Despite the dismal season, starter Virgil Trucks threw two no-hitters, becoming only the third pitcher in major league history to accomplished this feat.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}} Also, 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.{{cite web|title=WALTER O. BRIGGS, OWNED THE TIGERS|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1970/07/04/archives/walter-o-briggs-owned-the-tigers-exbaseball-executive-dies-detroit.html|website=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press|date=July 4, 1970|access-date=September 5, 2018|archive-date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906052549/https://www.nytimes.com/1970/07/04/archives/walter-o-briggs-owned-the-tigers-exbaseball-executive-dies-detroit.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Scott|last=Ferkovich|title=Former Tigers' owner John Fetzer ushered baseball into TV era|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2016/01/30/john-fetzer-tigers-owner-ushered-baseball-into-tv-era/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=January 30, 2016|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115222204/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2016/01/30/john-fetzer-tigers-owner-ushered-baseball-into-tv-era/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=Knorr's important role in history of Detroit Tigers deserves to be remembered|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2017/03/08/knorrs-important-role-history-detroit-tigers-deserves-remembered/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=March 8, 2017|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115222513/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2017/03/08/knorrs-important-role-history-detroit-tigers-deserves-remembered/|url-status=live}}

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.{{Sabrbio|a141b60c|Al Kaline|Nick Waddell|October 14, 2013}}

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.{{cite web|first=Graham|last=Couch|title=Tigers notes: Ozzie Virgil blazed trail for today's Latin American players|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2008/08/detroit_on_most_nights.html|website=MLive|date=August 10, 2008|access-date=September 5, 2018|archive-date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906052705/https://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2008/08/detroit_on_most_nights.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Austin|title=The day the Detroit Tigers gave up their color barrier|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2015/01/28/detroit-tigers-history-ozzie-virgil/22463303/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=January 28, 2015|access-date=September 5, 2018|archive-date=July 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730070613/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2015/01/28/detroit-tigers-history-ozzie-virgil/22463303/|url-status=live}}

=1961=

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 won 101 games, a whopping 30-game improvement over the 71–83 1960 team, but still finished eight games behind the Yankees.{{cite web|first=David|last=Adler|title=The 9 times a 100-win team didn't finish first|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/100-win-mlb-teams-that-finished-in-2nd-place/c-289601578|website=MLB.com|date=August 12, 2018|access-date=September 8, 2018|archive-date=September 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921072647/https://www.mlb.com/news/100-win-mlb-teams-that-finished-in-2nd-place/c-289601578|url-status=live}} 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. First baseman Norm Cash won the batting title with a .361 average, while teammate Al Kaline finished second.{{cite web|title=1961 American League Batting Leaders|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1961-batting-leaders.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 8, 2018|archive-date=September 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908164606/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1961-batting-leaders.shtml|url-status=live}} 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."{{cite news |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCI/is_9_60/ai_76928886 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710070550/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCI/is_9_60/ai_76928886 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 10, 2012 |title=Former Tiger Norm Cash |work= Baseball Digest|access-date=August 7, 2008 | first=Bill | last=Dow | year=2001}} 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. 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.{{cite web|first=Bruce|last=Markusen|title=Speedy Bill Bruton covered center field for the Tigers in the early 1960s|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2014/05/20/speedy-bill-bruton-covered-center-field-tigers-early-1960s/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=May 20, 2014|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115222235/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2014/05/20/speedy-bill-bruton-covered-center-field-tigers-early-1960s/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|first=Bruce|last=Markusen|title=Wood was the first African-American star for the Tigers|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2015/10/21/wood-was-first-african-american-star-for-the-tigers/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=October 21, 2015|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115231438/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2015/10/21/wood-was-first-african-american-star-for-the-tigers/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=Willie Horton|url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/e320ca42|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=September 8, 2018|archive-date=September 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908202401/https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/e320ca42|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Don|last=Hyslop|title=Earl Wilson|url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/9e0a9624|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=September 8, 2018|archive-date=September 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909000219/https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/9e0a9624|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Bruce|last=Markusen|title=Gates Brown went from troublemaker to team leader|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2017/02/22/gates-brown-went-troublemaker-team-leader/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=February 22, 2017|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115222021/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2017/02/22/gates-brown-went-troublemaker-team-leader/|url-status=dead}}

=1962–1966=

As a strong nucleus developed, Detroit repeatedly posted winning records throughout the 1960s. In 1963, pitchers Mickey Lolich and Denny McLain entered the rotation.{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=Mickey Lolich|url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/070f71e4|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=September 11, 2018|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612210514/https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/070f71e4|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Mark|last=Armour|title=Danny McLain|url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/6bddedd4|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=September 11, 2018|archive-date=June 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620231948/https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/6bddedd4|url-status=live}} Outfielders Willie Horton (1963), Mickey Stanley (1964) and Jim Northrup (1964) also came aboard around this time.{{cite web|first=Jerry|last=Nechal|title=Mickey Stanley|url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/21f95b01|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=September 11, 2018|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912021856/https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/21f95b01|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Jim|last=Sargent|title=Jim Northrup|url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/7d747d5d|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=September 11, 2018|archive-date=September 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911225237/https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/7d747d5d|url-status=live}}

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.{{cite web|title=1966 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1966.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 11, 2018|archive-date=May 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507055224/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1966.shtml|url-status=live}}[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YsQtAAAAIBAJ&sjid=r58FAAAAIBAJ&pg=7192,1885290&dq=chuck+dressen+dies&hl=en Jolly Charlie Dressen dies at 67] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514071313/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YsQtAAAAIBAJ&sjid=r58FAAAAIBAJ&pg=7192,1885290&dq=chuck+dressen+dies&hl=en |date=2016-05-14 }}, The Montreal Gazette, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, August 11, 1966{{cite news|title=Tigers' Stand-In Pilot Bob Swift Dies At 51|url=http://tigerlore.blogspot.com/2012/10/services-for-bob-swift-will-be-held.html|website=St. Petersburg Times|agency=Associated Press|date=October 18, 1966|access-date=September 11, 2018|archive-date=September 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911225538/http://tigerlore.blogspot.com/2012/10/services-for-bob-swift-will-be-held.html|url-status=live}} Thereafter, Frank Skaff took over the managerial reins until the end of the season.{{cite web|first=David E.|last=Skelton|title=Frank Skaff|url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/bd8b1c4f|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=September 11, 2018|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912021957/https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/bd8b1c4f|url-status=live}} Both Dressen and Swift died during the year; Dressen died of a heart attack in August, while Swift died of lung cancer in October. Following the season, the Tigers hired Mayo Smith to be their new manager.{{cite web|first=David|last=Raglin|title=Mayo Smith|url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/60134c32|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=September 11, 2018|archive-date=July 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702180133/https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/60134c32|url-status=live}}

=1967=

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.{{cite web|first=Patrick|last=OKennedy|title=Flashback, 1967: Red Sox edge Tigers in AL Pennant race|url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/10/12/4829908/flashback-1967-red-sox-edge-tigers-in-al-pennant-race|website=Bless You Boys|date=October 12, 2013|access-date=September 12, 2018|archive-date=September 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913002235/https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/10/12/4829908/flashback-1967-red-sox-edge-tigers-in-al-pennant-race|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Mark|last=Armour|title=October 1, 1967: Tigers drop season finale to give Red Sox the AL pennant|url=https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/october-1-1967-tigers-drop-season-finale-give-red-sox-al-pennant|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=September 12, 2018|archive-date=September 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913002320/https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/october-1-1967-tigers-drop-season-finale-give-red-sox-al-pennant|url-status=live}} They needed to sweep the doubleheader on the last day of the season to force a one-game playoff with the Boston Red Sox. The Tigers won the first game, but lost the second, giving the Red Sox the pennant with no playoff. Detroit finished the season at 91–71, one game behind Boston.{{cite web|title=1967 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1967.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 12, 2018|archive-date=May 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502065545/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1967.shtml|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|title=1967 Detroit Tigers Statistics|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1967.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 12, 2018|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912204500/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1967.shtml|url-status=live}}

A World Series and the first AL East title (1968–1972)

=Glory in '68: 1968 World Series Champions=

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.{{cite web|first=John|last=Steckroth|title=From the vault: 1968's 'The Year of the Tiger'|url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/features/from-the-vault-1968s-the-year-of-the-tiger|website=ClickOnDetroit.com|date=April 7, 2017|access-date=September 12, 2018|archive-date=September 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913002251/https://www.clickondetroit.com/features/from-the-vault-1968s-the-year-of-the-tiger|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite web|first=Bob|last=Herzog|title=A look back at 1968, the year of the pitcher|url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/denny-mcclain-bob-gibson-1968-year-of-the-pitcher-1.17683171|website=Newsday|date=March 27, 2018|access-date=September 12, 2018|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912204648/https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/denny-mcclain-bob-gibson-1968-year-of-the-pitcher-1.17683171|url-status=live}} McLain won the AL MVP and Cy Young Award for his efforts.{{cite web|title=1968 American League Most Valuable Player Award voting results|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_1968.shtml#ALmvp|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 12, 2018|archive-date=March 30, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090330112109/http://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_1968.shtml#ALmvp|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1968 American League Cy Young Award voting results|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_1968.shtml#all_AL_CYA_voting|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 12, 2018|archive-date=March 30, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090330112109/http://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_1968.shtml#all_AL_CYA_voting|url-status=live}}

=1968 World Series=

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.{{cite web|first=Jonah|last=Keri|title=Forty years later, Gibson's 1.12 ERA remains magic number|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/blackhistory2008/columns/story?page=keri/080221|website=ESPN.com|date=February 7, 2008|access-date=September 12, 2018|archive-date=September 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913040039/http://www.espn.com/espn/blackhistory2008/columns/story?page=keri/080221|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Brock, Lou|url=https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/brock-lou|website=Baseball Hall of Fame|access-date=September 12, 2018|archive-date=October 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029052857/http://baseballhall.org/hof/brock-lou|url-status=live}} This was the first time the Tigers and Cardinals had met in the World Series since 1934.{{cite web|first=Jerry|last=Nechal|title=October 10, 1968: Lolich outduels Gibson in dramatic Game Seven victory|url=https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/october-10-1968-lolich-outduels-gibson-dramatic-game-seven-victory|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=September 13, 2018|archive-date=September 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914022710/https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/october-10-1968-lolich-outduels-gibson-dramatic-game-seven-victory|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|first=Donald|last=Hall|title=HOW A STOPGAP SHORTSTOP WON A WORLD SERIES|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1988/10/17/118693/how-a-stopgap-shortstop-won-a-world-series|website=SI.com|date=October 17, 1988|access-date=September 12, 2018|archive-date=September 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913040108/https://www.si.com/vault/1988/10/17/118693/how-a-stopgap-shortstop-won-a-world-series|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Greatest coaching decisions|url=https://www.espn.com/endofcentury/s/other/coaches.html|website=ESPN.com|access-date=September 12, 2018|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225849/http://espn.go.com/endofcentury/s/other/coaches.html|url-status=live}} Stanley had never played shortstop before, but was a Gold Glover in the outfield and an excellent athlete. Smith started him at short for the final six games of the regular season and all seven World Series games, with Oyler only appearing as a late-inning defensive replacement. This allowed Smith to play an outfield of Willie Horton, Jim Northrup and Al Kaline in every game.

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.{{cite web|first=Craig|last=Muder|title=Bob Gibson fans 17 Tigers in Game 1 of 1968 World Series|url=https://baseballhall.org/discover/inside-pitch/bob-gibson-strikeout-record|website=Baseball Hall of Fame|access-date=September 12, 2018|archive-date=September 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913002551/https://baseballhall.org/discover/inside-pitch/bob-gibson-strikeout-record|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1968 World Series Game 1, Tigers at Cardinals, October 2|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN196810020.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 12, 2018|archive-date=September 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913002311/https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN196810020.shtml|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|first=Ryan|last=Ford|title=The Tigers' 1968 World Series victory: Seven games to glory|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2018/09/07/detroit-tigers-seven-games-1968-world-series-glory/1207158002/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=September 7, 2018|access-date=September 13, 2018|archive-date=November 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108204226/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2018/09/07/detroit-tigers-seven-games-1968-world-series-glory/1207158002/|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|first=Tony|last=Paul|title=Fifty years later, 1968 Detroit Tigers can't forget World Series-changing play|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2018/09/05/fifty-years-later-1968-detroit-tigers-cant-forget-world-series-changing-play/1208379002/|website=The Detroit News|date=September 5, 2018|access-date=September 13, 2018|archive-date=November 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130121209/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2018/09/05/fifty-years-later-1968-detroit-tigers-cant-forget-world-series-changing-play/1208379002/|url-status=live}} The Tigers came back with three runs in the seventh to win that game, 5–3, and stay alive. 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.

In Game 7 at Busch Memorial Stadium, Lolich, also pitching on two days' rest, faced Gibson. Both men pitched brilliantly, putting zeros up on the scoreboard for much of the game. 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. One out later, Curt Flood followed with another single, and was also picked off by Lolich. In the top of the seventh, an exhausted Gibson finally cracked, giving up two-out singles to Norm Cash and Willie Horton. 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. That scored both Cash and Horton; Northrup himself was then brought home by a Bill Freehan double. Detroit added an insurance run in the ninth. A 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. The Tigers became only the third team to ever win the World Series after being down 3–1. For his three victories that propelled the Tigers to the championship, Lolich was named the World Series Most Valuable Player. As of 2024, Lolich is the last pitcher to have three complete-game victories in a single World Series.

=1969–1971=

1969 saw further expansion as both leagues realigned into two divisions of six teams, and the Tigers were placed in the American League East.{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Ruane|title=A Retro-Review of the 1960s|url=https://www.retrosheet.org/Research/RuaneT/rev1960_art.htm#A1969|website=Retrosheet|access-date=September 17, 2018|archive-date=September 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918054417/https://www.retrosheet.org/Research/RuaneT/rev1960_art.htm#A1969|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1969 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1969.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 17, 2018|archive-date=September 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918054642/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1969.shtml|url-status=live}} 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).{{cite web|title=1969 American League Cy Young Award voting results|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_1969.shtml#all_AL_CYA_voting|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 17, 2018|archive-date=February 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201085337/http://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_1969.shtml#all_AL_CYA_voting|url-status=live}} The Tigers' 90 wins placed them a distant second in the division to a very strong Baltimore Orioles team, which had won 109 games.{{cite web|title=MLB's winningest seasons|url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mlb-s-winningest-seasons-1.3077797|website=Newsday|date=February 25, 2016|access-date=September 17, 2018|archive-date=September 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918061540/https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mlb-s-winningest-seasons-1.3077797|url-status=live}}

The Tigers suffered a disappointing 1970 season, finishing fourth in the AL East with a 79–83 record.{{cite web|title=1970 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1970.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 20, 2018|archive-date=November 3, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111103170305/http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1970.shtml|url-status=live}} Following the season, Mayo Smith was let go and was replaced by Billy Martin.{{cite web|first=Bruce|last=Markusen|title=Mayo Smith deserves to remembered for what he did – and didn't do – as a Tigers' manager|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2014/11/26/mayo-smith-deserves-remembered-didnt-tigers-manager/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=November 26, 2014|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115221944/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2014/11/26/mayo-smith-deserves-remembered-didnt-tigers-manager/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|first=Bruce|last=Markusen|title=Billy Martin infused veteran Tiger team with new life in early 1970s|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2013/11/11/billy-martin-infused-veteran-tiger-team-with-new-life-in-early-1970s/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=November 11, 2013|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116063816/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2013/11/11/billy-martin-infused-veteran-tiger-team-with-new-life-in-early-1970s/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|first=Nick|last=Acocella|title=Billy battled opponents, himself|url=https://www.espn.com/classic/biography/s/Martin_Billy.html|website=ESPN.com|access-date=September 20, 2018|archive-date=October 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003160748/http://www.espn.com/classic/biography/s/Martin_Billy.html|url-status=live}} 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. 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.{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Dow|title=Remembering Detroit's Original Sports Bar: The Lindell AC|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2009/07/27/remembering-detroit%e2%80%99s-original-sports-bar-the-lindell-ac/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=July 29, 2009|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308130338/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2009/07/27/remembering-detroit%E2%80%99s-original-sports-bar-the-lindell-ac/|url-status=live}}

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.[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1842&dat=19701010&id=JBQsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rsgEAAAAIBAJ&pg=927,1362568 Bad Boy Denny Back in Baseball] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225034848/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1842&dat=19701010&id=JBQsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rsgEAAAAIBAJ&pg=927,1362568 |date=2021-02-25 }}, TimesDaily, Florence, Alabama, October 10, 1970{{cite web|first=Nick|last=Acocella|title=From the big time to the big house|url=https://www.espn.com/classic/biography/s/McLain_Denny.html|website=ESPN.com|access-date=September 20, 2018|archive-date=August 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831020841/http://www.espn.com/classic/biography/s/McLain_Denny.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Looking at a few of the worst deals in baseball history|url=https://www.theoaklandpress.com/news/looking-at-a-few-of-the-worst-deals-in-baseball/article_2013ede8-3a81-53c3-9dcc-fde063aa9626.html|website=The Oakland Press|date=July 22, 2007|access-date=September 20, 2018|archive-date=September 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921034303/https://www.theoaklandpress.com/news/looking-at-a-few-of-the-worst-deals-in-baseball/article_2013ede8-3a81-53c3-9dcc-fde063aa9626.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|first=Bruce|last=Markusen|title=Elliott Maddox was part of lopsided deal that sent Denny McLain to Senators|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2015/01/08/elliott-maddox-part-lopsided-deal-sent-denny-mclain-senators/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=January 8, 2015|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116065336/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2015/01/08/elliott-maddox-part-lopsided-deal-sent-denny-mclain-senators/|url-status=dead}} The Tigers acquired pitcher Joe Coleman, shortstop Eddie Brinkman and third baseman Aurelio Rodríguez.

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.{{cite web|title=1971 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1971.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 21, 2018|archive-date=September 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922024754/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1971.shtml|url-status=live}} The season was highlighted by Mickey Lolich's 308 strikeouts, which led the AL and is still the single-season record in franchise history. Lolich also won 25 games and posted a 2.92 ERA while throwing an incredible 376 innings and completing 29 of his 45 starts.{{cite web|title=1971 Detroit Tigers Statistics|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1971.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 21, 2018|archive-date=September 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922024842/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1971.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Peter J.|last=Wallner|title=Mickey Lolich, after 3,600 innings without surgery, says today's pitchers are 'coddled'|url=https://www.mlive.com/whitecaps/index.ssf/2016/08/mickey_lolich_shares_secret_ho.html|website=MLive|date=August 11, 2016|access-date=September 21, 2018|archive-date=September 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922024655/https://www.mlive.com/whitecaps/index.ssf/2016/08/mickey_lolich_shares_secret_ho.html|url-status=live}} Coleman paid immediate dividends for Detroit, winning 20 games, while McLain went 10–22 for the Senators and was out of baseball by age 29.{{cite web|first=Ira|last=Berkow|title=BASEBALL; In a Lifetime Full of Second Chances, Denny McLain Receives His Biggest|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/29/sports/baseball-in-a-lifetime-full-of-second-chances-denny-mclain-receives-his-biggest.html|website=The New York Times|date=December 29, 2003|access-date=September 20, 2018|archive-date=September 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921041929/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/29/sports/baseball-in-a-lifetime-full-of-second-chances-denny-mclain-receives-his-biggest.html|url-status=live}}

=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.{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=Quirk in schedule helped Tigers to the AL East Division title in '72|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2013/07/12/quirk-in-schedule-gave-72-tigers-the-al-east-division-title/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=July 12, 2013|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115221901/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2013/07/12/quirk-in-schedule-gave-72-tigers-the-al-east-division-title/|url-status=live}} Oddities of the schedule due to an early season strike allowed the 86–70 Tigers to win the division by just ½ game.{{cite web|title=1972 Detroit Tigers Statistics|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1972.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 21, 2018|archive-date=July 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711001156/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1972.shtml|url-status=live}} 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) and had a 72-game errorless streak during the season.{{cite web|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/history/awards.jsp |title=Tigers Awards |publisher=MLB |date=June 19, 2012 |access-date=January 27, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724133801/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/history/awards.jsp |archive-date=July 24, 2011 }} 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. 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.{{cite web|first=Bruce|last=Markusen|title=Fryman's heroic pitching efforts down the stretch in '72 make him a Tiger for life|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2013/10/30/frymans-heroic-pitching-efforts-down-the-stretch-in-72-make-him-a-tiger-for-life/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=October 30, 2013|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115222101/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2013/10/30/frymans-heroic-pitching-efforts-down-the-stretch-in-72-make-him-a-tiger-for-life/|url-status=dead}} Fryman was also the winning pitcher in the division-clinching game against the Boston Red Sox, a 3–1 victory on October 3.{{cite web|title=Boston Red Sox at Detroit Tigers Box Score, October 3, 1972|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET197210030.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 21, 2018|archive-date=September 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922024614/https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET197210030.shtml|url-status=live}}

=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.{{cite web|first=Patrick|last=OKennedy|title=Playoff flashback, 1972: Oakland A's vs Detroit Tigers|url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/9/30/4781516/playoff-flashback-1972-oakland-as-vs-detroit-tigers|website=Bless You Boys|date=September 30, 2013|access-date=September 23, 2018|archive-date=September 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924033820/https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/9/30/4781516/playoff-flashback-1972-oakland-as-vs-detroit-tigers|url-status=live}} 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. 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 Marquez's game-tying single in the bottom half of the frame that allowed Gene Tenace to score the winning run. Blue Moon Odom shut down Detroit 5–0 in Game 2. 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.{{cite web|url=http://launiusr.wordpress.com/2010/10/08/was-billy-martin-the-most-%E2%80%9Cbad-ass%E2%80%9D-baseball-manager-of-them-all/|title=Was Billy Martin the Most "Bad Ass" Baseball Manager of them All?|publisher=Launiusr.wordpress.com |date=October 8, 2010 |access-date=December 27, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012151700/http://launiusr.wordpress.com/2010/10/08/was-billy-martin-the-most-%E2%80%9Cbad-ass%E2%80%9D-baseball-manager-of-them-all/ |archive-date=October 12, 2013 }}

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.{{cite web|title=1972 American League Championship Series (ALCS) Game 3, Oakland Athletics at Detroit Tigers, October 10, 1972|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET197210100.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 23, 2018|archive-date=March 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309010748/https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET197210100.shtml|url-status=live}} 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. 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.

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. 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. 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. 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, which they eventually won (they would win two more consecutively).

A slow decline (1973–1978)

The 1973 season saw the Tigers drop to third place in the division, with an 85–77 record.{{cite web|title=1973 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1973.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 29, 2018|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222113232/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1973.shtml|url-status=live}} Joe Coleman posted another 23 wins, but the other Tiger starters had subpar seasons.{{cite web|title=1973 Detroit Tigers Statistics|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1973.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 29, 2018|archive-date=September 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929194728/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1973.shtml|url-status=live}} Willie Horton hit .316, but injuries limited him to just 111 games. 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." 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.{{cite news|first=Jim|last=Hawkins|title=Billy Martin Fired by Tigers|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13612431/billy_martin_fired_by_tigers_offfield/|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=September 3, 1973|access-date=September 29, 2018|archive-date=September 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929194746/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13612431/billy_martin_fired_by_tigers_offfield/|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|first=Bruce|last=Markusen|title=Hiller's amazing comeback is one of Tigers' greatest triumphs over adversity|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2013/12/17/hillers-amazing-comeback-is-one-tigers-greatest-triumphs-over-adversity/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=December 17, 2013|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116045026/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2013/12/17/hillers-amazing-comeback-is-one-tigers-greatest-triumphs-over-adversity/|url-status=dead}} 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).{{cite web|title=Tigers ready to cope without their closer|url=https://www.theoaklandpress.com/news/tigers-ready-to-cope-without-their-closer/article_271ef07d-9e67-561f-81a1-219f4c1b1b30.html|website=The Oakland Press|date=April 3, 2006|access-date=January 16, 2020|archive-date=September 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929233432/https://www.theoaklandpress.com/news/tigers-ready-to-cope-without-their-closer/article_271ef07d-9e67-561f-81a1-219f4c1b1b30.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Jose Valverde Named Winner of the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Year Award|url=http://www.mlb.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20111005&content_id=25508294&vkey=pr_mlbcom&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|website=MLB.com|date=October 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023162936/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20111005&content_id=25508294&vkey=pr_mlbcom&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|archive-date=October 23, 2013|access-date=October 22, 2018|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

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.{{cite web|first=John|last=Vorperian|title=Ralph Houk|url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/7ba0b8fa|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=September 29, 2018|archive-date=September 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930081204/https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/7ba0b8fa|url-status=live}} The roster of players who played under Houk were mostly aging veterans from the 1960s, whose performance had slipped from their peak years.{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=War hero Houk managed Tigers through transitional era in 1970s|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2012/12/21/war-hero-houk-managed-tigers-through-transitional-phase-in-1970s/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=December 21, 2012|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116042959/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2012/12/21/war-hero-houk-managed-tigers-through-transitional-phase-in-1970s/|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|title=1974 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1974.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 29, 2018|archive-date=September 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930033641/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1974.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1975 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1975.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 29, 2018|archive-date=April 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429070647/http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1975.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1976 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1976.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 29, 2018|archive-date=September 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930081144/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1976.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1977 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1977.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 29, 2018|archive-date=September 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928153613/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1977.shtml|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|title=National Baseball Hall of Fame – The 3,000 Hit Club – Al Kaline|url=http://exhibits.baseballhalloffame.org/3000_hit_club/kaline_al.htm|website=Baseball Hall of Fame|access-date=September 29, 2018|archive-date=July 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725002953/http://exhibits.baseballhalloffame.org/3000_hit_club/kaline_al.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Lynn|last=Henning|title=399: Kaline's last day short of history, long on regret|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2015/05/26/kalines-last-day-short-history-long-regret/27988713/|website=The Detroit News|date=May 26, 2015|access-date=September 29, 2018|archive-date=March 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326232222/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2015/05/26/kalines-last-day-short-history-long-regret/27988713/|url-status=live}} Kaline finished with 3,007 hits and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1980.{{cite web|title=Kaline, Al|url=https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/kaline-al|website=Baseball Hall of Fame|access-date=September 29, 2018|archive-date=September 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930033554/https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/kaline-al|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Gage|title=Al Kaline, turning 80, reflects on Hall of Fame career|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2014/12/11/al-kaline-turning-reflects-hall-fame-career/20276143/|website=The Detroit News|date=December 11, 2014|access-date=September 29, 2018|archive-date=January 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109073958/http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2014/12/11/al-kaline-turning-reflects-hall-fame-career/20276143/|url-status=live}}

=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.{{cite web|first=Rich|last=Puerzer|title=Mark Fidrych|url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/a9b9cdb2|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=September 29, 2018|archive-date=September 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930034057/https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/a9b9cdb2|url-status=live}} Fidrych, known as "The Bird", was a colorful character known for talking to the baseball and other eccentricities. 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.{{cite web|title=The Bird: The Life and Legacy of Mark Fidrych Book Review|url=https://www.baseball-almanac.com/dugout_2013_b.shtml|website=Baseball Almanac|access-date=September 29, 2018|archive-date=May 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531021302/https://www.baseball-almanac.com/dugout_2013_b.shtml|url-status=live}} 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. He finished the season with a record of 19–9 and an American League-leading ERA of 2.34. 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.{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=Aurelio Rodriguez: The Detroit Tiger with the Golden Arm|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2011/04/15/aurelio-rodriguez-the-detroit-tiger-with-the-golden-arm/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=April 15, 2011|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115231017/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2011/04/15/aurelio-rodriguez-the-detroit-tiger-with-the-golden-arm/|url-status=live}}

=1977–1978=

Injuries to his knee, and later his arm, drastically limited Fidrych's appearances in 1977–78. Perhaps more important, however, was the talent coming up through the Detroit farm system at the time, as Jack Morris, Lance Parrish, Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker all made their debuts in 1977. Highlighted by Whitaker's Rookie of the Year season, the Tigers would win 86 games in 1978, the only winning campaign under Houk.{{cite web|first=David|last=Schoenfield|title=Morris, Trammell and the '80s Detroit Tigers|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/19892/morris-trammell-and-the-80s-detroit-tigers|website=ESPN.com|date=January 12, 2012|access-date=September 29, 2018|archive-date=September 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930033934/http://www.espn.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/19892/morris-trammell-and-the-80s-detroit-tigers|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Kornacki|title=Tigers remember former manager Ralph Houk, who died at age 90|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2010/07/tigers_react_to_the_death_of_f.html|website=MLive|date=July 22, 2010|access-date=September 29, 2018|archive-date=September 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930033907/https://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2010/07/tigers_react_to_the_death_of_f.html|url-status=live}}

The "Bless You Boys" era (1979–1987)

Houk's immediate successor as Tiger manager in 1979 was Les Moss, but Moss would only last until June of that year.{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=Faithful soldier Moss stepped aside for Sparky in '79|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2012/05/14/faithful-soldier-moss-stepped-aside-for-sparky-in-79/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=May 14, 2012|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116045032/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2012/05/14/faithful-soldier-moss-stepped-aside-for-sparky-in-79/|url-status=live}} 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 owner of two World Series rings as manager of the Cincinnati Reds during their peak as The Big Red Machine in the 1970s.{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Dow|title=What a coup: 35 years ago the Tigers hired Sparky Anderson|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2014/02/24/coup-35-years-ago-tigers-hired-sparky-anderson/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=February 24, 2014|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116043037/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2014/02/24/coup-35-years-ago-tigers-hired-sparky-anderson/|url-status=live}} 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."One of a Kind." Retrospective article about Anderson in Sports Illustrated, June 28, 1993.

Acerbic 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.{{cite web|author=GregEno|title=Bless You Boys! Our name has sarcastic roots, thanks to 'Acid Al' Ackerman|url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/4/16/5618884/bless-you-boys-our-name-has-sarcastic-roots-thanks-to-acid-al-ackerman|website=Bless You Boys|date=April 16, 2014|access-date=October 1, 2018|archive-date=October 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002020033/https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/4/16/5618884/bless-you-boys-our-name-has-sarcastic-roots-thanks-to-acid-al-ackerman|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Dave|last=Bartkowiak Jr.|title=Mort Crim: Al Ackerman originally used 'Bless You Boys' sarcastically|url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/mort-crim-al-ackerman-originally-used-bless-you-boys-sarcastically|website=ClickOnDetroit.com|date=June 8, 2016|access-date=October 1, 2018|archive-date=October 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001220558/https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/mort-crim-al-ackerman-originally-used-bless-you-boys-sarcastically|url-status=live}}

=The Roar of '84: 1984 World Series Champions=

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.{{cite web|title=1983 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1983.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 1, 2018|archive-date=October 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002065008/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1983.shtml|url-status=live}}

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.{{cite web|title=Tom Monaghan – Domino's Pizza|url=http://www.giantsforgod.com/tom-monaghan-dominos-pizza/|website=Giants for God|access-date=February 13, 2017|archive-date=August 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804153322/http://www.giantsforgod.com/tom-monaghan-dominos-pizza/|url-status=live}}{{cite book|first=Richard|last=Bak|title=A Place for Summer: A Narrative History of Tiger Stadium|year=1998|page=332|publisher=Wayne State University Press|isbn=978-0814325124}}

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.{{cite web|first=Bruce|last=Markusen|title='84 Tigers had the best start in the history of the game|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2014/05/14/84-tigers-best-start-history-game/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=May 14, 2014|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=December 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224153638/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2014/05/14/84-tigers-best-start-history-game/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|first=Brendan|last=Savage|title=Jack Morris no-hitter was sign of big things to come for 1984 Tigers|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2017/04/jack_morris_no-hitter_four_gam.html|website=MLive|date=April 20, 2017|access-date=October 1, 2018|archive-date=March 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309004832/https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2017/04/jack_morris_no-hitter_four_gam.html|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|first=Scott|last=DeCamp|title=It was good to be a Detroit Tigers fan in 1984|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2017/08/relive_a_magical_year_of_detro.html|website=MLive|date=August 2, 2017|access-date=October 1, 2018|archive-date=January 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119024452/https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2017/08/relive_a_magical_year_of_detro.html|url-status=live}} 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. 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.{{cite web|first=Murray|last=Chass|title=HERNANDEZ ADDS M.V.P. TO CY YOUNG|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/11/07/sports/hernandez-adds-mvp-to-cy-young.html|website=The New York Times|date=November 7, 1984|access-date=October 1, 2018|archive-date=October 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002071738/https://www.nytimes.com/1984/11/07/sports/hernandez-adds-mvp-to-cy-young.html|url-status=live}}

=1984 ALCS=

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).{{cite web|title=1984 American League Championship Series (ALCS) Game 1, Tigers at Royals, October 2, 1984|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/KCA/KCA198410020.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 1, 2018|archive-date=June 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620001116/https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/KCA/KCA198410020.shtml|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|first=Susan|last=Lantz|title=October 5, 1984: Slurves, Yackadoos, and an American League pennant|url=https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/october-5-1984-slurves-yackadoos-and-american-league-pennant|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=October 1, 2018|archive-date=October 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002102235/https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/october-5-1984-slurves-yackadoos-and-american-league-pennant|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1984 American League Championship Series (ALCS) Game 2, Tigers at Royals, October 3, 1984|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/KCA/KCA198410030.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 1, 2018|archive-date=October 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002064901/https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/KCA/KCA198410030.shtml|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|first=Jane|last=Gross|title=WOLCOX STOPS ROYALS AS TIGERS WIN PENNANT|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/10/06/sports/wolcox-stops-royals-as-tigers-win-pennant.html|website=The New York Times|date=October 6, 1984|access-date=October 1, 2018|archive-date=October 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002071632/https://www.nytimes.com/1984/10/06/sports/wolcox-stops-royals-as-tigers-win-pennant.html|url-status=live}}

=1984 World Series=

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.{{cite web|first=Bradford|last=Doolittle|title=Chicago Cubs' six darkest days finally lead to their brightest|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/42355/finally-the-cubs-six-darkest-days-leads-to-their-brightest|website=ESPN.com|date=October 23, 2016|access-date=October 3, 2018|archive-date=October 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003221148/http://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/42355/finally-the-cubs-six-darkest-days-leads-to-their-brightest|url-status=live}}

In Game 1, Larry Herndon hit a two-run home run that gave the Tigers a 3–2 lead.{{cite web|title=1984 World Series|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/history/postseason/mlb_ws_recaps.jsp?feature=1984|website=MLB.com|access-date=October 3, 2018|archive-date=April 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429082516/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/history/postseason/mlb_ws_recaps.jsp?feature=1984|url-status=live}} Jack Morris pitched a complete game with 2 runs on 8 hits, and Detroit drew first blood.{{cite web|title=1984 World Series Game 1, Detroit Tigers at San Diego Padres, October 9, 1984|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SDN/SDN198410090.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 3, 2018|archive-date=October 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004021454/https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SDN/SDN198410090.shtml|url-status=live}} The Padres evened the series the next night despite pitcher Ed Whitson being chased after pitching {{frac|2|3}} of an inning and giving up three runs on five Tiger hits.{{cite web|title=1984 World Series Game 2, Detroit Tigers at San Diego Padres, October 10, 1984|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SDN/SDN198410100.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 3, 2018|archive-date=October 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004021323/https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SDN/SDN198410100.shtml|url-status=live}} Tiger starter Dan Petry exited the game after {{frac|4|1|3}} innings when Kurt Bevacqua's three-run homer gave San Diego a 5–3 lead they would hold onto.

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 Padre starter Tim Lollar after {{frac|1|2|3}} innings.{{cite web|title=1984 World Series Game 3, Detroit Tigers at San Diego Padres, October 12, 1984|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET198410120.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 3, 2018|archive-date=October 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004103735/https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET198410120.shtml|url-status=live}} The Padres never recovered, losing 5–2. Eric Show continued the parade of bad outings in Game 4, getting bounced after {{frac|2|2|3}} innings upon giving up home runs 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.{{cite web|title=1984 World Series Game 4, Detroit Tigers at San Diego Padres, October 13, 1984|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET198410130.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 3, 2018|archive-date=October 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004021509/https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET198410130.shtml|url-status=live}}

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.{{cite web|title=1984 World Series Game 5, Detroit Tigers at San Diego Padres, October 14, 1984|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET198410140.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 3, 2018|archive-date=October 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004021343/https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET198410140.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Wulf|title=Detroit Jumped All Over 'Em|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1984/10/22/620774/detroit-jumped-all-over-em|website=SI.com|date=October 22, 1984|access-date=October 3, 2018|archive-date=October 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004062432/https://www.si.com/vault/1984/10/22/620774/detroit-jumped-all-over-em|url-status=live}} Though 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.

A "Sounds of the Game" video was made during the Series by MLB Productions and played on TV a number of times since then. Gibson came to bat in the eighth inning with runners on second and third and the Tigers clinging to a 5–4 lead. 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.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmukTdo-WuY |title=YouTube video of Kirk Gibson's 1984 World Series Game 5 home run, Sparky Anderson mic'd |publisher=YouTube.com |date=September 18, 2012 |access-date=December 27, 2013 |archive-date=December 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226234559/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmukTdo-WuY |url-status=live }} 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, effectively clinching the game and the series.{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Dow|title=Rare Video of Sparky Anderson during Kirk Gibson's 1984 World Series Home Run|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2011/03/11/kirk-gibson%E2%80%99s-dramatic-world-series-home-run-off-of-goose-gossage/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=March 11, 2011|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308182135/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2011/03/11/kirk-gibson%E2%80%99s-dramatic-world-series-home-run-off-of-goose-gossage/|url-status=live}}

Aurelio López pitched {{frac|2|1|3}} 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.

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.{{cite web|first=Victor|last=Mather|title=Jordan Spieth, Count Fleet and the 1927 Yankees: Wire-to-Wire Champions|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/14/sports/golf/wire-to-wire-champions-besides-jordan-spieth.html|website=The New York Times|date=April 13, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2018|archive-date=October 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002071615/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/14/sports/golf/wire-to-wire-champions-besides-jordan-spieth.html|url-status=live}} With the win, Anderson became the first manager to win the World Series in both leagues.{{cite web|first=Cindy|last=Thomson|title=Sparky Anderson|url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/8762afda|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=October 1, 2018|archive-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403045338/https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/8762afda|url-status=live}}

=1987 AL East Champions=

After a pair of third-place finishes in 1985 and 1986,{{cite web|title=1985 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1985.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 5, 2018|archive-date=October 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010094120/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1985.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1986 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1986.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 5, 2018|archive-date=October 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005235919/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1986.shtml|url-status=live}} the 1987 Tigers faced lowered expectations – which seemed to be confirmed by an 11–19 start to the season.{{cite web|first=Mike|last=Duke|title=30 years ago—the 1987 Detroit Tigers|url=http://www.thedailyreporter.com/news/20170913/30-years-ago-the-1987-detroit-tigers|website=The Daily Reporter|date=September 13, 2017|access-date=October 5, 2018|archive-date=October 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006000522/http://www.thedailyreporter.com/news/20170913/30-years-ago-the-1987-detroit-tigers|url-status=dead}} However, the team hit its stride thereafter and gradually gained ground on its AL East rivals. 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.{{cite web|first=Ryan|last=Turnquist|title=Tigers trade John Smoltz to Braves|url=https://baseballhall.org/discover-more/stories/inside-pitch/tigers-trade-john-smoltz-to-braves|website=Baseball Hall of Fame|access-date=October 5, 2018|archive-date=October 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006000524/https://baseballhall.org/discover-more/stories/inside-pitch/tigers-trade-john-smoltz-to-braves|url-status=live}} 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.

The Tigers entered the final week of the 1987 season 2.5 games behind. After a series against the Baltimore Orioles, the Tigers returned home trailing by a game and swept the Blue Jays. 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).{{cite web|title=1987 Major League Baseball Standings & Expanded Standings|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/MLB/1987-standings.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 5, 2018|archive-date=October 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006000803/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/MLB/1987-standings.shtml|url-status=live}}

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.{{cite web|title=1987 World Series|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/history/postseason/mlb_ws_recaps.jsp?feature=1987|website=MLB.com|access-date=October 5, 2018|archive-date=August 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803122717/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/history/postseason/mlb_ws_recaps.jsp?feature=1987|url-status=live}} The Twins clinched the series in Game 5 at Tiger Stadium, 9–5.{{cite web|title=1987 American League Championship Series (ALCS) Game 5, Minnesota Twins at Detroit Tigers, October 12, 1987|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET198710120.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 5, 2018|archive-date=July 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709185946/https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET198710120.shtml|url-status=live}}

A new approach (1988–1995)

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.{{cite web|first=Joseph|last=Durso|title=Gibson Agrees to Sign With the Dodgers|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/01/30/sports/gibson-agrees-to-sign-with-the-dodgers.html|website=The New York Times|date=January 30, 1988|access-date=October 5, 2018|archive-date=October 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006040620/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/01/30/sports/gibson-agrees-to-sign-with-the-dodgers.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=The Story Of The 1988 Detroit Tigers|url=http://thesportsnotebook.com/2014/11/1988-detroit-tigers-sports-history-articles/|website=TheSportsNotebook.com|access-date=October 5, 2018|archive-date=May 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529203633/http://www.thesportsnotebook.com/2014/11/1988-detroit-tigers-sports-history-articles/|url-status=dead}} In 1989, the team collapsed to a 59–103 record, worst in the majors.{{cite web|first=Ross|last=Newhan|title=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.|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-05-07-sp-149-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|date=May 7, 1990|access-date=October 5, 2018|archive-date=February 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227232020/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-05-07-sp-149-story.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1989 Major League Baseball Standings & Expanded Standings|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/MLB/1989-standings.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 5, 2018|archive-date=October 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006035230/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/MLB/1989-standings.shtml|url-status=live}}

File:Arlington Stadium 1992 - 2.jpg during a 1992 away game at Arlington Stadium]]

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).{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-almanac.com/recbooks/rb_hr7.shtml |title=Home Run Records by a Team During a Single Season |publisher=Baseball-almanac.com |access-date=December 27, 2013 |archive-date=November 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101091115/http://www.baseball-almanac.com/recbooks/rb_hr7.shtml |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=Fielder was the best bargain the Tigers ever had|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2013/02/20/fielder-was-the-best-bargain-the-tigers-ever-had/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=February 20, 2013|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115221746/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2013/02/20/fielder-was-the-best-bargain-the-tigers-ever-had/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|author=GregEno|title=Hot stove throwback: Cecil Fielder, the prodigal son slugger who became a Tigers legend|url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/12/7/7343573/hot-stove-throwback-cecil-fielder-free-agent-1990|website=Bless You Boys|date=December 7, 2014|access-date=October 7, 2018|archive-date=October 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007223603/https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/12/7/7343573/hot-stove-throwback-cecil-fielder-free-agent-1990|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Craig|last=Muder|title=Henderson named 1990 AL MVP|url=https://baseballhall.org/discover/inside-pitch/henderson-wins-1990-al-mvp|website=Baseball Hall of Fame|access-date=October 7, 2018|archive-date=October 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007223221/https://baseballhall.org/discover/inside-pitch/henderson-wins-1990-al-mvp|url-status=live}} He hit 44 home runs and collected 132 RBI in 1991, again finishing second in the AL MVP balloting.{{cite web|first=Murray|last=Chass|title=BASEBALL; Ripken Outpolls Fielder in Winning M.V.P. Award|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/11/20/sports/baseball-ripken-outpolls-fielder-in-winning-mvp-award.html|website=The New York Times|date=November 20, 1991|access-date=October 7, 2018|archive-date=October 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007223357/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/11/20/sports/baseball-ripken-outpolls-fielder-in-winning-mvp-award.html|url-status=live}} 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).{{cite web|title=1990 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1990.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 7, 2018|archive-date=October 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005175659/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1990.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1991 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1991.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 7, 2018|archive-date=October 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006020536/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1991.shtml|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|title=1991 Detroit Tigers Statistics|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1991.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 7, 2018|archive-date=October 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007223130/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1991.shtml|url-status=live}} Detroit's minor league system was largely barren of talent as well, producing only a few everyday players during the 1990s.{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=For Travis Fryman, the timing was wrong in Detroit|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2012/06/30/for-travis-fryman-the-timing-was-wrong-in-detroit/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=May 30, 2012|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115222728/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2012/06/30/for-travis-fryman-the-timing-was-wrong-in-detroit/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=Unfortunate timing: The Career of Bobby Higginson|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2012/02/09/unfortunate-timing-the-career-of-bobby-higginson/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=February 9, 2012|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115222317/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2012/02/09/unfortunate-timing-the-career-of-bobby-higginson/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Tony Clark debuts on Hall of Fame ballot|url=https://baseballhall.org/hof/2015-bbwaa-ballot/clark-tony|website=Baseball Hall of Fame|access-date=October 7, 2018|archive-date=October 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008022825/https://baseballhall.org/hof/2015-bbwaa-ballot/clark-tony|url-status=live}} Adding insult to injury, in December 1990 the Tigers and radio station WJR announced 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.{{cite web|title=Tigers Fire Ernie Harwell, Broadcast Veteran of 31 Seasons|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-12-19-sp-6462-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|agency=Associated Press|date=December 19, 1990|access-date=October 7, 2018|archive-date=December 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228234313/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-12-19-sp-6462-story.html|url-status=live}} The announcement was met with resounding fan protests, both in Michigan and around the baseball world.{{cite web|first=Matt|last=Bohn|title=Ernie Harwell|url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/3aee1452|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=October 7, 2018|archive-date=October 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008061250/https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/3aee1452|url-status=live}}

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).{{cite web|title=1992 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1992.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 7, 2018|archive-date=October 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005211210/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1992.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Cecil Fielder Stats|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/fieldce01.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 7, 2018|archive-date=October 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008061245/https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/fieldce01.shtml|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|title=Tigers sold to rival pizza baron|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/08/13/Tigers-sold-to-rival-pizza-baron/9618713678400/|website=UPI.com|date=August 13, 1992|access-date=October 7, 2018|archive-date=October 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007223513/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/08/13/Tigers-sold-to-rival-pizza-baron/9618713678400/|url-status=live}} One of Ilitch's first priorities as the new owner was to rehire Ernie Harwell.{{cite web|title=Tigers rehire Harwell|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/09/18/Tigers-rehire-Harwell/2465716788800/|website=UPI.com|date=September 18, 1992|access-date=October 7, 2018|archive-date=October 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007223348/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/09/18/Tigers-rehire-Harwell/2465716788800/|url-status=live}} 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. The team also responded with an 85–77 season in 1993, but it would be their last winning season for almost a decade and a half.{{cite web|first=Geoff|last=Young|title=Losing streaks, winning teams|url=https://www.fangraphs.com/tht/losing-streaks-winning-teams/|website=FanGraphs|date=September 8, 2010|access-date=October 7, 2018|archive-date=October 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008022707/https://www.fangraphs.com/tht/losing-streaks-winning-teams/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Vito|last=Chirco|title=Leyland changed the way Detroiters viewed their baseball team|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2016/04/26/jim-leyland-turned-detroit-tigers-baseball-around/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=April 26, 2016|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115222348/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2016/04/26/jim-leyland-turned-detroit-tigers-baseball-around/|url-status=live}}

On October 2, 1995, Sparky Anderson chose to not only end his career with the Tigers, but retire from baseball altogether.{{cite web |url=https://baseballbiography.com/sparky-anderson-1934 |title=Sparky Anderson |publisher=BaseballBiography.com |access-date=December 27, 2013 |archive-date=February 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208020457/https://baseballbiography.com/sparky-anderson-1934/ |url-status=live }}

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.{{cite web|first=Dom|last=Amore|title=RESTORING THE ROAR|url=https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-xpm-2006-06-01-0606010068-story.html|website=Hartford Courant|date=June 1, 2006|access-date=October 26, 2018|archive-date=October 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027021725/http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-xpm-2006-06-01-0606010068-story.html|url-status=live}} In 1996, they lost a then-team record 109 games, under new general manager Randy Smith.{{cite web|title=Tigers name Randy Smith as GM|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1995/10/30/Tigers-name-Randy-Smith-as-GM/1813815029200/|website=UPI.com|date=October 30, 1995|access-date=October 8, 2018|archive-date=October 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008214100/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1995/10/30/Tigers-name-Randy-Smith-as-GM/1813815029200/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Blake|last=VandeBunte|title=Team 107: The 1996 Tigers|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/280786-team-107-the-1996-tigers|website=Bleacher Report|date=October 29, 2009|access-date=October 8, 2018|archive-date=October 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009013309/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/280786-team-107-the-1996-tigers|url-status=live}} The only team in the majors to have a longer stretch without a winning season during this time were the Pittsburgh Pirates, who failed to post a winning record from 1993 to 2012.{{cite web|first=Dayn|last=Perry|title=Regrets, I've had a few: A tour of the Pirates' 20-year drought|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/regrets-ive-had-a-few-a-tour-of-the-pirates-20-year-drought/|website=CBS Sports|date=September 9, 2013|access-date=October 8, 2018|archive-date=March 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301063555/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/regrets-ive-had-a-few-a-tour-of-the-pirates-20-year-drought/|url-status=live}} The Tigers' best record over this span was 79–83, recorded in 1997 and 2000.

In 1998, the Tigers moved from the AL East, where they had been since the AL and NL split into divisions in 1969, to the AL Central as part of a realignment necessitated by the addition of the expansion Tampa Bay Devil Rays.{{cite web|first=Murray|last=Chass|title=BASEBALL; Owners' Vote Allows One Team to Move to National League|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/16/sports/baseball-owners-vote-allows-one-team-to-move-to-national-league.html|website=The New York Times|date=October 16, 1997|access-date=October 8, 2018|archive-date=October 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008214226/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/16/sports/baseball-owners-vote-allows-one-team-to-move-to-national-league.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Murray|last=Chass|title=BASEBALL; Brewers Cleared to Shift To N.L. Central in '98|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/06/sports/baseball-brewers-cleared-to-shift-to-nl-central-in-98.html|website=The New York Times|date=November 6, 1997|access-date=October 8, 2018|archive-date=October 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008215741/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/06/sports/baseball-brewers-cleared-to-shift-to-nl-central-in-98.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Phil|last=Rogers|title=TIGERS CAN'T WAIT TO LEAVE AL EAST|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1998-02-08-9802080186-story.html|website=Chicago Tribune|date=February 8, 1998|access-date=October 8, 2018|archive-date=October 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009013124/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1998-02-08-9802080186-story.html|url-status=live}}

File:ComericaParkWEntrance.jpg

In 2000, the team left Tiger Stadium in favor of Comerica Park.{{cite web|title=Tigers Win In New Stadium|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tigers-win-in-new-stadium/|website=CBS News|date=April 11, 2000|access-date=October 8, 2018|archive-date=October 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009052707/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tigers-win-in-new-stadium/|url-status=live}}

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".{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Comerica Park fair to hitters, pitchers|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050613&content_id=1087996&vkey=allstar2005&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|website=Tigers.com|date=June 13, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212174407/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050613&content_id=1087996&vkey=allstar2005&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|archive-date=December 12, 2008|access-date=October 8, 2018}} The team made a successful bid to bring in slugger Juan González from the Texas Rangers for the inaugural season at Comerica Park.{{cite web|title=Rangers deal Gonzalez to Tigers|url=http://a.espncdn.com/mlb/news/1999/1102/147969.html|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=November 4, 1999|access-date=October 8, 2018|archive-date=October 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009013401/http://a.espncdn.com/mlb/news/1999/1102/147969.html|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|first=Alfredo R.|last=Berríos|title='Igor' refocuses role in Puerto Rico|url=https://www.espn.com/dallas/mlb/columns/story?id=5161715|website=ESPN.com|date=May 7, 2010|access-date=October 8, 2018|archive-date=May 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513111645/http://espn.go.com/dallas/mlb/columns/story?id=5161715|url-status=live}} In 2003, the franchise largely quieted the criticism by moving in the left-center fence to {{convert|370|ft|m}}, taking the flagpole in that area out of play, a feature carried over from Tiger Stadium.{{cite web|first=John|last=Niyo|title=Comerica getting a new dimension|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/tigers/2003-03-01-comerica-new-fence_x.htm|website=USA Today|agency=The Detroit News|date=March 1, 2003|access-date=October 8, 2018|archive-date=August 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803121358/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/tigers/2003-03-01-comerica-new-fence_x.htm|url-status=live}} In 2005, the team moved the bullpens to the vacant area beyond the left field fence and filled the previous location with seats.{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Comerica Park to see alterations|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/print.jsp?ymd=20050114&content_id=931277&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb&fext=.jsp|website=MLB.com|date=January 14, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012044411/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/print.jsp?ymd=20050114&content_id=931277&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb&fext=.jsp|archive-date=October 12, 2017|access-date=October 8, 2018}}

In late 2001, Dave Dombrowski, former general manager of the 1997 World Series champion Florida Marlins, was hired as team president.{{cite web|first=Larry|last=Lage|title=Source: Tigers to Hire Dombrowski|url=https://apnews.com/9adabe76b628b46bbabc002d3fc60bbc|website=Associated Press|date=November 4, 2001|access-date=October 8, 2001|archive-date=October 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009013201/https://apnews.com/9adabe76b628b46bbabc002d3fc60bbc|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|first=Murray|last=Chass|title=BASEBALL; Tigers Dismiss Garner And Smith|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/09/sports/baseball-tigers-dismiss-garner-and-smith.html|website=The New York Times|date=April 9, 2002|access-date=October 8, 2018|archive-date=October 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008215850/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/09/sports/baseball-tigers-dismiss-garner-and-smith.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Tigers' 0-6 start seals Garner's fate|url=http://static.espn.go.com/mlb/news/2002/0408/1364856.html|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 9, 2002|access-date=October 8, 2018|archive-date=February 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224132250/http://static.espn.go.com/mlb/news/2002/0408/1364856.html|url-status=live}} The team finished 55–106. After the season was over, Pujols was let go.{{cite web|first=Larry|last=Lage|title=Tigers fire Pujols as manager|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/tigers/2002-09-30-pujols-fired_x.htm|website=USA Today|agency=Associated Press|date=September 30, 2002|access-date=October 8, 2018|archive-date=October 4, 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021004153005/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/tigers/2002-09-30-pujols-fired_x.htm|url-status=live}}

Most losses in franchise history (2003)

Dave Dombrowski hired popular former shortstop Alan Trammell to manage the team in 2003.{{cite web|first=Larry|last=Lage|title=Tigers Hire Trammell As Its Manager|url=https://www.theintelligencer.com/news/article/Tigers-Hire-Trammell-As-Its-Manager-10554425.php|website=The Edwardsville Intelligencer|agency=Associated Press|date=October 9, 2002|access-date=October 9, 2018|archive-date=October 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010011217/https://www.theintelligencer.com/news/article/Tigers-Hire-Trammell-As-Its-Manager-10554425.php|url-status=dead}} With fellow 1984 teammates Kirk Gibson and Lance Parrish on the coaching staff, the rebuilding process began. 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.{{cite web|title=Thomas has 10 homers in past 12 games|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=230830106|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=August 30, 2018|access-date=October 9, 2018|archive-date=October 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010011342/http://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=230830106|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite web|first=Joe|last=Lapointe|title=BASEBALL; The Tigers Are Happy To Avoid Making History|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/29/sports/baseball-the-tigers-are-happy-to-avoid-making-history.html|website=The New York Times|date=September 29, 2003|access-date=October 9, 2018|archive-date=August 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830112418/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/29/sports/baseball-the-tigers-are-happy-to-avoid-making-history.html|url-status=live}}

Mike Maroth went 9–21, becoming the first pitcher to lose 20 games since Brian Kingman lost 20 for the Oakland Athletics in 1980.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/friv/20gameLosers.shtml |title=Pitchers With 20 or More Losses in a Season |access-date=September 26, 2008 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |archive-date=October 14, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014032201/http://www.baseball-reference.com/friv/20gameLosers.shtml |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite web|title=The Ten Worst Major League Baseball Seasons|url=http://writing.jmpressley.net/sports/worstseasons.html|website=JM Pressley Writing|access-date=October 9, 2018|archive-date=October 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003021224/http://writing.jmpressley.net/sports/worstseasons.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Kornacki|title=Tigers challenged Mets' futility record in 2003|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2008/12/tigers_challenged_mets_futilit.html|website=MLive|date=December 28, 2008|access-date=October 9, 2018|archive-date=September 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914210347/https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2008/12/tigers_challenged_mets_futilit.html|url-status=live}}{{efn|The 1952 Tigers had the top three losers in the AL, but not the major leagues.{{cite web|title=1952 Major League Pitching Leaders|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/1952-pitching-leaders.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 15, 2021|archive-date=September 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915164142/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/1952-pitching-leaders.shtml|url-status=live}}}}

The Tigers finished 43–119, the worst record in franchise history. This eclipsed the previous AL record of 117 losses set by the 1916 Philadelphia Athletics,{{cite web|title=Game Lost Records|url=https://www.baseball-almanac.com/recbooks/games_lost_records.shtml|website=Baseball Almanac|access-date=October 9, 2018|archive-date=October 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005223817/http://www.baseball-almanac.com/recbooks/games_lost_records.shtml|url-status=live}} which was later surpassed by the 2024 Chicago White Sox.{{cite web|title=White Sox tie record for most losses since 1900 with 120|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/41386496/white-sox-tie-record-most-losses-1900-120|website=ESPN.com|date=September 22, 2024|access-date=September 23, 2024|archive-date=September 22, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922232104/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/41386496/white-sox-tie-record-most-losses-1900-120|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/white-sox-mlb-record-losses-rcna172288|title=Chicago White Sox lose 121st game this season, most in baseball history|date=September 27, 2024|access-date=September 28, 2024|first=Rohan|last=Nadkarni|work=NBC News|archive-date=September 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929001557/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/white-sox-mlb-record-losses-rcna172288|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Simon|last=Sharkey-Gotlieb|title=Ranking the 2024 White Sox among the worst teams in MLB history|url=https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/3071835|work=theScore|date=September 29, 2024|access-date=September 29, 2024|archive-date=September 29, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240929234948/https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/3071835|url-status=live}} While the 2003 Tigers rank as the fourth worst team in major league history based on total losses, they fare slightly better based on winning percentage. Their .265 win percentage is the majors' seventh-worst since 1900. {{Further|List of worst Major League Baseball season records#Modern era (1900–present)}}

Rebuilding the franchise (2004–2006)

After the embarrassing 2003 season, the Tigers vowed to make changes.{{cite web|first=John|last=Wagner|title=Tigers notebook: Ilitch vows to make changes|url=https://www.toledoblade.com/Pro/2003/09/29/Tigers-notebook-Ilitch-vows-to-make-changes/?abnpageversion=evoke|website=Toledo Blade|date=September 29, 2003|access-date=October 9, 2018}} Under Dave Dombrowski, the franchise demonstrated a willingness to sign marquee free agents.{{cite web|first=Patrick|last=OKennedy|title=Reviewing Dave Dombrowski's tenure with the Detroit Tigers|url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/2015/8/5/9097985/what-grade-does-dave-dombrowski-deserve-for-his-time-with-tigers|website=Bless You Boys|date=August 5, 2015|access-date=October 10, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|title=Second baseman agrees to two-year deal|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=1682929|website=ESPN.com|agency=ESPN.com news services|date=December 10, 2003|access-date=October 10, 2018}}{{cite web|title=AP: Rondell White Signs With the Tigers|url=https://apnews.com/4c166fb26455140664b188e236912e89|website=Associated Press|date=December 14, 2003|access-date=October 10, 2018}}{{cite web|title=Less than half of $40M is guaranteed|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=1725282|website=ESPN.com|agency=ESPN.com news services|date=February 4, 2004|access-date=October 10, 2018}}{{cite web|title= Tigers, Urbina close to 1-year agreement|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2004-03-26-0403260326-story.html|website=Chicago Tribune|date=March 26, 2004|access-date=October 10, 2018}}[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1988&dat=20040109&id=vUgiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=C60FAAAAIBAJ&pg=1689,608516&hl=en Tigers acquire veteran shortstop from Mariners], The Argus-Press, Owosso, Michigan, January 9, 2004 The 2004 Tigers finished 72–90, a 29-game improvement over the previous season.{{cite web|first=Blake|last=VandeBunte|title=Team 81: The 2004 Detroit Tigers|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/300749-team-81-the-2004-tigers|website=Bleacher Report|date=December 1, 2009|access-date=October 10, 2018}}{{cite web|title=Tigers fire Trammell after 71–91 season|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2179572|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=October 4, 2005|access-date=October 10, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|title=Percival to Sign With the Tigers|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/18/sports/baseball/percival-to-sign-with-the-tigers.html|website=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press|date=November 18, 2004|access-date=October 10, 2018}}{{cite web|title=Five-year deal worth $75 million|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=1985108|website=ESPN.com|agency=ESPN.com news services|date=February 5, 2005|access-date=October 10, 2018}} On June 8, 2005, the Tigers traded pitcher Ugueth Urbina and infielder Ramón Martínez to the Philadelphia Phillies for Plácido Polanco.{{cite web|title=POLANCO DEALT TO TIGERS|url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/polanco-dealt-to-tigers-1.664041|website=Newsday|agency=Associated Press|date=June 8, 2005|access-date=October 10, 2018|archive-date=October 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011013611/https://www.newsday.com/sports/polanco-dealt-to-tigers-1.664041|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite web|title=Tigers beat reeling Twins to get back to .500|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=250724106|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011013942/http://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=250724106|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 11, 2018|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=July 24, 2005|access-date=October 10, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|first=Mike|last=Harrington|title=Pudge isn't nudging Tigers toward postseason|url=https://buffalonews.com/2005/08/21/pudge-isnt-nudging-tigers-toward-postseason/|website=The Buffalo News|date=August 21, 2005|access-date=October 10, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|title=Tejada homers, named All-Star MVP|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/allstar05/news/story?id=2106569|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=July 13, 2005|access-date=October 10, 2018}} In the Home Run Derby, Rodríguez finished second, losing to the Phillies' Bobby Abreu.{{cite web|title=Abreu shatters Home Run Derby records|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/allstar05/news/story?id=2105813|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=July 12, 2005|access-date=October 10, 2018}}

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.{{cite web|title=Tigers pounce quickly, hire Leyland to manage|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2180682|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=October 4, 2005|access-date=October 10, 2018}}{{cite web|title=Tigers sign veterans Kenny Rogers, Todd Jones|url=https://www.toledoblade.com/Pro/2005/12/08/Tigers-sign-veterans-Kenny-Rogers-Todd-Jones.html|website=Toledo Blade|date=December 8, 2005|access-date=October 10, 2018}} 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 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. 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. On August 27, a 7–1 victory over the Cleveland Indians gave the Tigers their 82nd victory and their first winning season since 1993.{{cite web|title=Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Indians Box Score, August 27, 2006|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CLE/CLE200608270.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 11, 2018}}{{cite web|title=Rogers' gem helps Tigers avoid sweep vs. Indians|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=260827105|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=August 28, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330050101/http://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=260827105|archive-date=March 30, 2019|access-date=January 24, 2020}} On September 24, the Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 11–4 to clinch their first playoff berth since 1987.{{cite web|title=Detroit Tigers at Kansas City Royals Box Score, September 24, 2006|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/KCA/KCA200609240.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 10, 2018}}{{cite web|title=Detroit rejoices in its first postseason since 1987|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2601779|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=September 25, 2006|access-date=October 10, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|title=Tigers blow six-run lead, lose AL Central title in extras|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=261001106|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=October 2, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329172710/http://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=261001106|archive-date=March 29, 2019|access-date=January 24, 2020}}

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.{{cite web|title=Detroit rocks NY: Bonderman, Tigers eliminate Yanks|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=261007106|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=October 8, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329150409/http://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=261007106|archive-date=March 29, 2019|access-date=January 24, 2020}}{{cite web|title=Ordonez's walk-off blast puts Tigers in World Series|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=261014106|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=October 15, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329150447/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=261014106|archive-date=March 29, 2019|access-date=January 24, 2020}} They advanced to the World Series, where they lost to the underdog St. Louis Cardinals in five games.{{cite web|title=Cards roll past Tigers for first Series win since '82|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=261027124|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=October 28, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906210802/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=261027124|archive-date=September 6, 2019|access-date=January 24, 2020}}

Falling short (2007–2010)

File:Detroit Tigers opening game at Comerica Park, 2007.jpg

=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.{{cite news|first=Ronald|last=Blum|title=Yankees Trade Gary Sheffield to Tigers|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/10/AR2006111001028.html|newspaper=The Washington Post|agency=Associated Press|date=November 10, 2006|access-date=October 11, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|title=2007 Top 100 Prospects|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/features/263445.html|website=Baseball America|date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070303180038/https://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/features/263445.html|archive-date=March 3, 2007|access-date=October 22, 2018}}

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.{{cite web|title=Tigers' Verlander throws no-hitter against Brewers|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-baseball-nohitter/tigers-verlander-throws-no-hitter-against-brewers-idUSB73490120070613|website=Reuters|date=June 12, 2007|access-date=October 11, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|first=Danny|last=Knobler|title=Rogers out for 3 months after surgery to remove blood clot|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigersinsider/2007/03/rogers_out_for_3_months_after.html|website=MLive|date=March 30, 2007|access-date=October 11, 2018}}{{cite web|title=Extensive torque on ball causes Zumaya's injury|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2864439|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 9, 2007|access-date=October 11, 2018}}{{cite web|first=Danny|last=Knobler|title=Jurrjens heads to DL, but it doesn't look too serious|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigersinsider/2007/08/jurrjens_heads_to_dl_but_it_do.html|website=MLive|date=August 26, 2007|access-date=October 11, 2018}}{{cite web|first=Larry|last=Lage|title=Game of the Day | Tigers hammer Yankees 16–0|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/game-of-the-day-tigers-hammer-yankees-16-0/|website=The Seattle Times|agency=Associated Press|date=August 28, 2007|access-date=October 12, 2018}} The Tigers were officially eliminated from playoff competition on September 26, 2007, when the New York Yankees clinched a wild card berth.{{cite web|title=Minnesota Twins at Detroit Tigers Box Score, September 26, 2007|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET200709260.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 11, 2018}}{{cite web|title=Tigers win in 5, but eliminated from {{sic|nolink=y|reason=error in source|posteason}}|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270926106|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=September 27, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330122258/http://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270926106|archive-date=March 30, 2019|access-date=January 24, 2020}} The Tigers, at 88–74, finished second in the AL Central.{{cite web|title=2007 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2007.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 11, 2018}}

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.{{cite web|title=Ordonez becomes 2nd Tiger to win AL batting title since 1961|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/id/270930104|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=September 30, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012054129/http://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/id/270930104|archive-date=October 12, 2018|access-date=January 24, 2020}}

=2008=

File:Justin Verlander 2008.jpg, 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).{{cite web|title=Tigers deal two prospects to Braves for Renteria|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3085675|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=October 30, 2007|access-date=October 15, 2018}}{{cite web|title=Tigers send top prospects to Marlins for Cabrera, Willis|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3141703|website=ESPN.com|agency=ESPN.com news services|date=December 5, 2007|access-date=October 15, 2018}} However, the Tigers, who now boasted the second-highest team payroll in the majors at over $138 million,{{cite web|author=Fox Sports |url=http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7978102/2008-MLB-team-payrolls |title=Fox Sports on MSN: 2008 MLB team payrolls |work=Fox Sports |access-date=December 27, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080610021454/http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7978102/2008-MLB-team-payrolls |archive-date=June 10, 2008 }} began the regular season by losing seven straight games.{{cite web|title=Tigers fall to Red Sox for seventh straight loss|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-baseball-boston/tigers-fall-to-red-sox-for-seventh-straight-loss-idUSN0841513420080408|website=Reuters|date=April 8, 2008|access-date=October 15, 2018}} The Tigers climbed back, and at the midway point of the season, they were 42–40.{{cite web|title=Twins' bullpen loses touch as Tigers come back to win sixth in row|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=280630109|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=July 1, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403023311/http://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=280630109|archive-date=April 3, 2019|access-date=January 24, 2020}} In the end, the team finished miserably, slumping to a 74–88 record.{{cite web|title=Ramirez's grand slam paves way as White Sox force tiebreaker with Twins|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=280929104|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=September 30, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202112510/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=280929104|archive-date=December 2, 2019|access-date=January 24, 2020}} Justin Verlander finished with his worst season as a pro, as he went 11–17 with a 4.84 ERA.{{cite web|first=Jayson|last=Stark|title=Tigers pitchers try to rewrite their script|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/spring2009/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=3976410|website=ESPN.com|date=March 13, 2009|access-date=October 15, 2018}} The Tigers also lost closer Todd Jones to retirement on September 25, 2008.{{cite web|title=Tigers reliever Todd Jones to retire|url=https://www.upi.com/Tigers-reliever-Todd-Jones-to-retire/71821222365827/|website=UPI.com|date=September 25, 2008|access-date=October 15, 2018}} Despite the disappointing season, the team set an attendance record in 2008, drawing 3,202,654 customers to Comerica Park.{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Shea|title=Tigers at the midway point: Attendance bleeding continues|url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20170703/blog003/633116/tigers-midway-point-attendance-bleeding-continues|website=Crain's Detroit Business|date=July 3, 2017|access-date=October 15, 2018}}

=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.{{cite web|title=Tigers get Jackson from Rays|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3761515|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=December 11, 2008|access-date=October 17, 2018}}{{cite web|first=Gillian|last=Van Stratt|title=A farewell to arm: Looking back at Rick Porcello's career with the Detroit Tigers|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2014/12/looking_back_at_rick_porcellos.html|website=MLive|date=December 11, 2014|access-date=October 17, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|first=Paul|last=Wezner|title=Three Tigers Named to AL All-Star Team|url=https://247sports.com/mlb/tigers/Article/Three-Tigers-Named-to-AL-All-Star-Team-104625954/|website=247Sports|date=July 5, 2009|access-date=October 17, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|title=2009 Detroit Tigers Statistics|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/2009.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 17, 2018}}{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Kornacki|title=Success for Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander is built in offseason|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2009/10/success_for_tigers_pitcher_jus.html|website=MLive|date=October 6, 2009|access-date=October 17, 2018}}{{cite web|title=Greinke wins; Hernandez second|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=4663979|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=November 18, 2009|access-date=October 17, 2018}} Fernando Rodney assumed the closer role in spring training, replacing the retired Todd Jones.{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Kornacki|title=Fernando Rodney named Tigers' closer for now|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2009/04/fernando_rodney_gets_first_opp.html|website=MLive|date=April 2, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2018}} 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 2007–08.{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Kornacki|title=Lefty Bobby Seay settles down with the Tigers|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2009/06/lefty_bobby_seay_settles_down.html|website=MLive|date=June 27, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2018}}{{cite web|first=James|last=Schmehl|title=Tigers' Fu-Te Ni returns to Taiwan, addresses game-fixing probe|url=https://www.mlive.com/cutoffman/2009/10/tigers_fu-te_ni_returns_to_tai.html|website=MLive|date=October 28, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2018}}{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Kornacki|title=Reliever Brandon Lyon interested in returning to Tigers|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2009/11/reliever_brandon_lyon_interest.html|website=MLive|date=November 10, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2018}}{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Kornacki|title=Tigers' Ryan Perry puts motorcycle accident behind, concentrates on pitching|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2010/02/tigers_pitcher_ryan_perry_fina.html|website=MLive|date=February 19, 2010|access-date=October 18, 2018}}

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.{{cite web|title=Win puts Tigers in tiebreaker with Twins for Central crown|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=291004106|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=October 5, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404201350/http://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=291004106|archive-date=April 4, 2019|access-date=January 24, 2020}}{{cite web|first=Nick|last=McIntyre|title=October 6, 2009: Twins defeat Tigers in Game 163 to win AL Central tiebreaker|url=https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/october-6-2009-twins-defeat-tigers-game-163-win-al-central-tiebreaker|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=October 17, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|title=2009 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2009.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 23, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|last=Matuszewski |first=Erik |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601079&sid=az7vYlJIT_Hg |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721130715/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601079&sid=az7vYlJIT_Hg |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 21, 2012 |title=Tigers Face Historic Collapse in Baseball Tiebreaker With Twins |publisher=Bloomberg.com |date=October 6, 2009 |access-date=December 27, 2013}}

=2010=

File:Alex Avila 2010.jpg, 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.{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Kornacki|title=It's official: Three-team trade sends Tigers' Curtis Granderson to Yankees, Edwin Jackson to D'Backs|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2009/12/three-team_trade_sends_tigers.html|website=MLive|date=December 9, 2009|access-date=October 19, 2018}} Jackson made the Tigers opening day roster, and was American League Rookie of the Month for April.{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Jackson is AL Rookie of Month for April|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100504&content_id=9785236&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det|website=Tigers.com|date=May 5, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615103653/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100504&content_id=9785236&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det|archive-date=June 15, 2011|access-date=October 19, 2018}} 2010 also saw the debut of Brennan Boesch, who was named the AL Rookie of the Month for May and June.{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Boesch named AL's top rookie for May|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100602&content_id=10723482&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det|website=Tigers.com|date=June 2, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100606072552/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100602&content_id=10723482&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det|archive-date=June 6, 2010|access-date=October 19, 2018}}{{cite web|first1=Jason|last1=Beck|first2=Alex|last2=DiFilippo|title=Boesch is AL Rookie of the Month for June|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100706&content_id=11988334¬ebook_id=11994052&vkey=notebook_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det|website=Tigers.com|date=July 7, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615104759/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100706&content_id=11988334¬ebook_id=11994052&vkey=notebook_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det|archive-date=June 15, 2011|access-date=October 19, 2018}}

At the All-Star break, the Tigers were a half-game out of first place in the AL Central, behind the Chicago White Sox.{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Tigers have learned season is a marathon|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com:80/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100712&content_id=12224538&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det|website=Tigers.com|date=July 14, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100718220005/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100712&content_id=12224538&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det|archive-date=July 18, 2010|access-date=October 19, 2018|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} However, a slow start after the break and injuries to three key players sent the Tigers into yet another second half tailspin.{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Kornacki|title=Brandon Inge's injury could impact Tigers' interest in third basemen Mike Lowell, Ty Wigginton|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2010/07/how_does_the_timing_connected.html|website=MLive|date=July 23, 2010|access-date=October 19, 2018}}{{cite web|title=Tigers' Ordonez, Guillen head to DL|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=5408370|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=July 26, 2010|access-date=October 19, 2018}}{{cite web|title=Brandon Inge homers as Tigers avoid losing season|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=301003101|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=October 3, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406220941/http://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=301003101|archive-date=April 6, 2019|access-date=January 24, 2020}} The Tigers finished the season in third place with an 81–81 record, 13 games back of the division-winning Minnesota Twins.{{cite web|title=2010 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2010.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 23, 2018}} While playing outstanding baseball at home, the Tigers were just 29–52 on the road.{{cite web|first=Kurt|last=Mensching|title=Tigers road record: Why are they so awful away from Comerica Park?|url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/6/11/4418730/tigers-road-record-home|website=Bless You Boys|date=June 11, 2013|access-date=October 19, 2018}}

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).{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Cabrera wins third Silver Slugger, first in Detroit|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101111&content_id=16072650&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det|website=Tigers.com|date=November 11, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615110204/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101111&content_id=16072650&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det|archive-date=June 15, 2011|access-date=October 19, 2018}}{{cite web|title=Rangers' Hamilton wins AL MVP award|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/story/14342684/rangers-hamilton-wins-al-mvp-award|website=CBS Sports|agency=CBS Sports.com wire services|date=November 23, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129204708/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/story/14342684/rangers-hamilton-wins-al-mvp-award|archive-date=January 29, 2012|access-date=December 27, 2013}} Jackson (.293 average, 103 runs, 181 hits, 27 stolen bases) finished second in the AL Rookie of the Year voting.{{cite web|title=2010 Detroit Tigers Statistics|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/2010.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 19, 2018}}{{cite web|first=Richard|last=Durrett|title=Neftali Feliz wins AL ROY award|url=https://www.espn.com/dallas/mlb/news/story?id=5809029|website=ESPN.com|date=November 16, 2010|access-date=October 19, 2018}} 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. Video replay showed he was out.{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Kornacki|title=Tigers' Armando Galarraga comes within one out of perfect game after umpire misses call|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2010/06/armando_galarraga_comes_within.html|website=MLive|date=June 2, 2010|access-date=October 19, 2018}}{{cite web|title=Umpire: 'I just cost that kid a perfect game'|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300602106|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=June 2, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115113958/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300602106|archive-date=January 15, 2020|access-date=January 24, 2020}} 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." Galarraga would later tell reporters that Joyce apologized to him directly and gave him a hug. The next day, with Joyce umpiring home plate, Galarraga brought out the lineup card and the two shook hands.{{cite web|title=A tearful Jim Joyce takes lineup card from Armando Galarraga|url=https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2010/06/a-tearful-jim-joyce-takes-lineup-card-from-armando-galarraga.html|website=Los Angeles Times|date=June 3, 2010|access-date=October 19, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|title=Selig won't overturn bad call nixing perfect game|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/baseball/selig-won-t-overturn-bad-call-nixing-perfect-game-1.905969|website=CBC Sports|agency=Associated Press|date=June 3, 2010|access-date=October 19, 2018}}

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.{{cite web|first=Enrique|last=Rojas|title=Source: Joaquin Benoit gets $16.5M deal|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=5816921|website=ESPN.com|date=November 17, 2010|access-date=October 22, 2018}}{{cite web|title=Reports: Victor Martinez to Tigers|url=https://www.espn.com/boston/mlb/news/story?id=5842176|website=ESPN Boston|date=November 23, 2010|access-date=October 22, 2018}}{{cite web|title=Source: Tigers, Brad Penny agree to deal|url=https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/detroit-tigers-brad-penny-close-to-contract-011011|website=FOX Sports|date=January 10, 2011|access-date=October 22, 2018}}

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.{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Kornacki|title=Detroit Tigers' Justin Verlander tosses second career no-hitter in win over Blue Jays|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2011/05/justin_verlander_gets_second_n.html|website=MLive|date=May 7, 2011|access-date=October 22, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|title=Verlander wins MLB-best 20th win as Tigers top Twins|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20110827_DET@MIN|website=CBS Sports|agency=CBSSports.com wire reports|date=August 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129130921/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20110827_DET@MIN|archive-date=January 29, 2012|access-date=October 22, 2018}}

In May, the Tigers were as many as eight games back of the first place Cleveland Indians. However, they would start to play better.{{cite web|title=A's Loss Results In Tigers Winning AL Central|url=https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2011/09/16/a%E2%80%99s-loss-results-in-tigers-winning-al-central/|website=CBS San Francisco|date=September 16, 2011|access-date=October 22, 2018|archive-date=October 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023034840/https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2011/09/16/a%E2%80%99s-loss-results-in-tigers-winning-al-central/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Iott|title=Tigers clinch Central Division title with 3–1 victory over A's|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2011/09/tigers_clinch_central_division.html|website=MLive|date=September 17, 2011|access-date=October 22, 2018}}

The Tigers sent five players to the 2011 All-Star Game.{{cite web|title=2011 All-Star Game: Rosters|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2011/roster_league.jsp#al_reserves|website=MLB.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410051504/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2011/roster_league.jsp|archive-date=April 10, 2019|access-date=January 15, 2020}} Catcher Alex Avila was voted in as a starter, while Justin Verlander, José Valverde and Miguel Cabrera were added as reserves. Verlander was unavailable to play in the All-Star Game due to the rule where starting pitchers who play the Sunday beforehand are ineligible.{{cite web|first=Ken|last=Rosenthal|title=All-Star Game needs more changing|url=https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/mlb-all-star-game-justin-verlander-felix-hernandez-james-shields-rule-keeping-sunday-starters-from-pitching-must-go-071211|website=FOX Sports|date=July 12, 2011|access-date=October 22, 2018}} Shortstop Jhonny Peralta was later added to the All-Star team when the Yankees' Derek Jeter was unable to play due to injury.{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Iott|title=Tigers' Jhonny Peralta thrilled to be late addition to American League All-Star team|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2011/07/tigers_jhonny_peralta_thrilled.html|website=MLive|date=July 9, 2011|access-date=October 22, 2018}}

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.{{cite web|first=James|last=Schmehl|title=Month-by-month highlights that led to Tigers' first playoff berth since 2006|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2011/09/tigers_month-by-month_recap_le.html|website=MLive|date=September 29, 2011|access-date=October 22, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|title=Tigers trade for RHP Doug Fister|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/6818559/detroit-tigers-acquire-doug-fister-deal-seattle-mariners|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=July 31, 2011|access-date=October 22, 2018}}{{cite web|title=2011 Detroit Tigers Statistics|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/2011.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 22, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|first=Scott|last=Miller|title=Tigers roar to longest winning streak since 1934|url=http://scott-miller.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/6270335/31985360|website=CBS Sports|date=September 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004221215/http://scott-miller.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/6270335/31985360|archive-date=October 4, 2013|access-date=October 22, 2018}} 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.

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.{{cite web|first=Evan|last=Brunell|title=It's unanimous: Verlander claims AL Cy Young|url=http://eye-on-baseball.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22297882/33329268|website=CBS Sports|date=November 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116184922/http://eye-on-baseball.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22297882/33329268|archive-date=November 16, 2011|access-date=October 22, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|first=Matt|last=Snyder|title=Justin Verlander wins AL MVP|url=http://eye-on-baseball.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22297882/33440802|website=CBS Sports|date=November 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111123162158/http://eye-on-baseball.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22297882/33440802|archive-date=November 23, 2011|access-date=October 22, 2018}} Valverde was the AL saves leader with 49 (in 49 save opportunities), winning the 2011 MLB Delivery Man of the Year Award. Cabrera won the AL batting title with a .344 average, while also leading the AL in on-base percentage (.448) and doubles (48).{{cite web|title=Miguel Cabrera wins AL batting title; Tigers fall short of home field|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310928106|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=September 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410114638/http://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310928106|archive-date=April 10, 2019|access-date=January 24, 2020}}{{cite web|title=2011 American League Batting Leaders|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2011-batting-leaders.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|date=October 22, 2018}}

The Tigers beat the New York Yankees by a score of 3–2 in Game 5 of the ALDS, winning the series 3–2.{{cite web|title=Tigers start early then hold off Yankees in decisive Game 5 of ALDS|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/id/311006110|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=October 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116004422/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/id/311006110|archive-date=January 16, 2020|access-date=January 24, 2020}} They advanced to the ALCS, but they lost to the defending AL Champion Texas Rangers, 4–2.{{cite web|title=Nelson Cruz sets home run record as Rangers return to Series|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/id/311015113|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=October 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115235435/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/id/311015113|archive-date=January 15, 2020|access-date=January 24, 2020}}

=2012: American League Champions=

File:Miguel Cabrera (2011).jpg became the first Major League player to win the Triple Crown in 45 years.]]

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.{{cite web|title=Source: Tigers to sign Prince Fielder|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/7498284/detroit-tigers-reportedly-land-prince-fielder-214m-offer|website=ESPN.com|agency=ESPN.com news services|date=January 25, 2012|access-date=January 27, 2013}} 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.{{cite web|title=Victor Martinez likely out for season|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/7472150/victor-martinez-detroit-tigers-tears-acl-likely-needs-season-ending-surgery|website=ESPN.com|agency=ESPN.com news services|date=January 18, 2012|access-date=October 23, 2018}} Miguel Cabrera moved back to his original position of third base, leading to the eventual release of veteran Brandon Inge on April 26.{{cite web|first=James|last=Schmehl|title=Detroit Tigers sever ties with Brandon Inge, but 'heart will always be in Detroit'|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2012/04/detroit_tigers_brandon_inge_on.html|website=MLive|date=April 26, 2012|access-date=October 23, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|first=C. Trent|last=Rosecrans|title=Tigers land Anibal Sanchez, Omar Infante from Marlins|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/eye-on-baseball/19641381/reports:-tigers-land-anibal-sanchez,-omar-infante-from-marlins|website=CBS Sports|date=July 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205102014/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/19641381/reports:-tigers-land-anibal-sanchez,-omar-infante-from-marlins|archive-date=February 5, 2016|access-date=January 15, 2020}}

At the midway point of the 2012 season, the Tigers were three games under .500 (39–42).{{cite web|title=MLB Recap – Minnesota Twins at Detroit Tigers – Jul 03, 2012|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20120703_MIN@DET|website=CBS Sports|date=July 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004224038/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20120703_MIN@DET|archive-date=October 4, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|title=Tigers repeat as AL Central champs; Cabrera improves Triple Crown chances|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20121001_DET@KC|website=CBS Sports|date=October 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113171943/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20121001_DET@KC|archive-date=November 13, 2012|access-date=October 23, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|first=Drew|last=Sharp|title=Drew Sharp: Patience pays as Tigers celebrate AL Central title in Kansas City|url=http://www.freep.com/article/20121002/COL08/121002005/drew-sharp-detroit-tigers-patience-pays-off-al-central|website=Detroit Free Press|date=October 2, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123144326/http://www.freep.com/article/20121002/COL08/121002005/drew-sharp-detroit-tigers-patience-pays-off-al-central|archive-date=January 23, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} The Tigers concluded the season with an 88–74 record.{{cite web|title=2012 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2012.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 23, 2018}}

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.{{cite web|title=Venezuela's Miguel Cabrera wins baseball's Triple Crown|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-19826327|website=BBC News|date=October 4, 2012|access-date=January 27, 2013}} On the mound, starters Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer finished first and second among the American League strikeout leaders, with 239 and 231, respectively.{{cite web|title=Player Pitching Stats|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/stats/playersort/MLB/KS/ALL/ALL/regularseason/2012?&_1:col_1=17|website=CBS Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020120628/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/stats/playersort/MLB/KS/ALL/ALL/regularseason/2012?&_1:col_1=17|archive-date=October 20, 2012|access-date=October 23, 2018}} Verlander (17–8, 2.64 ERA) finished second in the Cy Young Award balloting to David Price of the Tampa Bay Rays.{{cite web|first=Jorge L.|last=Ortiz|title=David Price wins AL Cy Young in tight race|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2012/11/14/david-price-american-league-cy-young-winner/1705497/|website=USA Today|date=November 14, 2012|access-date=October 23, 2018}}

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.{{cite web|title=Verlander's four-hit shutout sends Tigers back to AL Championship Series|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20121011_DET@OAK|website=CBS Sports|agency=CBSSports.com wire reports|date=October 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005011417/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20121011_DET@OAK|archive-date=October 5, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|title=Tigers sweep Yankees in ALCS to reach World Series|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/id/321018106|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=October 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024035253/http://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/id/321018106|archive-date=October 24, 2018|access-date=January 24, 2020}} In the World Series, the Tigers were swept by the San Francisco Giants.{{cite web|title=Giants top Tigers in 10th for World Series sweep|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/id/321028106|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=October 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116014547/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/id/321028106|archive-date=January 16, 2020|access-date=January 24, 2020}}

On November 15, 2012, Cabrera was named AL MVP.{{cite web|first=Dayn|last=Perry|title=Miguel Cabrera wins 2012 American League MVP Award|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/eye-on-baseball/20996825/miguel-cabrera-wins-2012-american-league-mvp-award|website=CBS Sports|date=November 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205102015/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/20996825/miguel-cabrera-wins-2012-american-league-mvp-award|archive-date=February 5, 2016|access-date=January 15, 2020}}

=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,{{cite web|first=Ken|last=Rosenthal|title=Sources: Hunter, Tigers reach deal|url=https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/torii-hunter-deal-detroit-tigers-111412|website=FOX Sports|date=November 14, 2012|access-date=November 14, 2012}} while also signing their 2012 trade deadline acquisition, pitcher Aníbal Sánchez, to a five-year, $80 million deal.{{cite web|first=Andrew|last=Simon|title=Anibal Sanchez, Tigers agree to five-year, $80 million deal|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121214&content_id=40651662&vkey=news_det&c_id=det|website=Tigers.com|date=December 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121217093214/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121214&content_id=40651662&vkey=news_det&c_id=det|archive-date=December 17, 2012|access-date=October 23, 2018}} The Tigers also signed free agent catcher Brayan Peña to a one-year contract.{{cite web|first=Joey|last=Nowak|title=Tigers add veteran Pena as backup catcher|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121210&content_id=40595624&vkey=news_det&c_id=det|website=Tigers.com|date=December 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121212115929/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121210&content_id=40595624&vkey=news_det&c_id=det|archive-date=December 12, 2012|access-date=October 23, 2018}} Moreover, ace starter Justin Verlander signed a $180 million contract extension.{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander agrees to five-year contract extension|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130329&content_id=43489374&vkey=news_det&c_id=det|website=Tigers.com|date=March 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401083427/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130329&content_id=43489374&vkey=news_det&c_id=det|archive-date=April 1, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|title=2013 All-Star Game Interactive Roster|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2013/roster.jsp|website=MLB.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811013307/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2013/roster.jsp|archive-date=August 11, 2018|access-date=January 15, 2020}}

On September 25, the Tigers clinched their third consecutive AL Central Division title.{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Iott|title=Division champs! Detroit Tigers clinch Central title for third straight season with 1–0 win over Twins|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2013/09/division_champs_detroit_tigers_1.html|website=MLive|date=September 25, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2018}} Tigers pitchers struck out 1,428 batters during the regular season, breaking the record of 1,404 held by the 2003 Chicago Cubs.{{cite web|first=James|last=Schmehl|title=Detroit Tigers' pitching staff sets strikeout record, breaks Chicago Cubs' 10-year-old record|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2013/09/detroit_tigers_break_single-se.html|website=MLive|date=September 30, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2018}} Cabrera (.348 average, 44 HR, 139 RBI) was voted the AL MVP for the second straight season,{{cite web|first=Mike|last=Axisa|title=Tigers' Miguel Cabrera named 2013 AL Most Valuable Player|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/24233798/tigers-miguel-cabrera-named-2013-al-most-valuable-player|website=CBS Sports|date=November 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115014601/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/24233798/tigers-miguel-cabrera-named-2013-al-most-valuable-player|archive-date=November 15, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2018}} while Scherzer (21–3, 2.90 ERA, 240 strikeouts) won the AL Cy Young Award.{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Tigers right-hander Max Scherzer wins 2013 AL Cy Young Award|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/stellar-season-earns-tigers-max-scherzer-al-cy-young-award?ymd=20131113&content_id=63900504&vkey=news_mlb|website=MLB.com|date=November 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114180340/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/tigers-right-hander-max-scherzer-wins-2013-al-cy-young-award?ymd=20131113&content_id=63900504&vkey=news_mlb|archive-date=November 14, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2018}}

The Tigers played the Oakland Athletics for the second straight year in the ALDS, and defeated the A's, 3–2.{{cite web|title=Verlander sends Tigers past A's in Game 5 gem|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/mlb_20131010_det@oak/verlander-sends-tigers-past-as-in-game-5-gem|website=CBS Sports|agency=CBSSports.com wire reports|date=October 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012053151/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/mlb_20131010_det@oak/verlander-sends-tigers-past-as-in-game-5-gem|archive-date=October 12, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2018}} The Tigers set a record by striking out 57 Oakland batters in the ALDS.{{cite web|first=Al|last=Beaton|title=ALDS Game 5 – Tigers 3, A's 0: Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera carry Tigers to ALCS|url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/10/11/4825582/alds-game-5-tigers-3-as-0-justin-verlander-win-miguel-cabrera-home-run-2013-mlb-playoffs|website=Bless You Boys|date=October 11, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2018}} With his Game 5 gem, Verlander ran his postseason scoreless streak against Oakland to 30 innings.{{cite web|first=Jim|last=Caple|title=Verlander a man in command|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2013/story/_/id/9805585/justin-verlander-completely-dominates-oakland-athletics-game-5-alds-mlb|website=ESPN.com|date=October 11, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2018}}

The Tigers advanced to their third straight ALCS, where they played the Boston Red Sox for the first ever time in the postseason.{{cite web|first=Tyler|last=Kepner|title=Detroit Arms Facing Test From Boston Bats|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/12/sports/baseball/pitching-vs-hitting-debate-in-detroit-boston-matchup.html|website=The New York Times|date=October 11, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2018}} The Tigers would be defeated in six games.{{cite web|title=Shane Victorino's grand slam sends Red Sox to World Series|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/id/331019102|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=October 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116010528/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/id/331019102|archive-date=January 16, 2020|access-date=January 24, 2020}}

=2014: Changes at the top=

File:Brad Ausmus on August 1, 2015.jpg]]

Jim Leyland stepped down from his managerial position after eight years with Detroit,{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Jim Leyland steps down as Detroit Tigers manager|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/det/jim-leyland-steps-down-as-detroit-tigers-manager?ymd=20131021&content_id=63201648&vkey=news_det|website=Tigers.com|date=October 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021182233/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/det/jim-leyland-steps-down-as-detroit-tigers-manager?ymd=20131021&content_id=63201648&vkey=news_det|archive-date=October 21, 2013|access-date=October 24, 2018}} and the Tigers hired Brad Ausmus as Leyland's successor.{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Detroit Tigers choose Brad Ausmus as next manager|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/det/detroit-tigers-choose-brad-ausmus-as-next-manager?ymd=20131103&content_id=63647888&vkey=news_det|website=Tigers.com|date=November 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140114224953/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/det/detroit-tigers-choose-brad-ausmus-as-next-manager?ymd=20131103&content_id=63647888&vkey=news_det|archive-date=January 14, 2014|access-date=October 24, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Ian Kinsler joins Tigers as Prince Fielder dealt to Rangers|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/det/ian-kinsler-joins-tigers-as-prince-fielder-dealt-to-rangers?ymd=20131120&content_id=64081866&vkey=news_det|website=Tigers.com|date=November 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127123341/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/det/ian-kinsler-joins-tigers-as-prince-fielder-dealt-to-rangers?ymd=20131120&content_id=64081866&vkey=news_det|archive-date=November 27, 2013|access-date=October 24, 2018}} The Tigers later traded starting pitcher Doug Fister to the Washington Nationals for infielder Steve Lombardozzi Jr. and pitchers Ian Krol and Robbie Ray.{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Detroit Tigers trade Doug Fister to Washington Nationals for three players|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article/det/detroit-tigers-trade-doug-fister-to-washington-nationals-for-three-players?ymd=20131202&content_id=64343036&vkey=news_det|website=Tigers.com|date=December 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206034225/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article/det/detroit-tigers-trade-doug-fister-to-washington-nationals-for-three-players?ymd=20131202&content_id=64343036&vkey=news_det|archive-date=December 6, 2013|access-date=October 24, 2018}}

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,{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Joe Nathan seeks elusive World Series with Tigers|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article/det/detroit-tigers-announce-two-year-deal-with-joe-nathan?ymd=20131203&content_id=64352970&vkey=news_det|website=Tigers.com|date=December 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211222729/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article/det/joe-nathan-seeks-elusive-world-series-with-tigers?ymd=20131203&content_id=64352970&vkey=news_det|archive-date=December 11, 2013|access-date=October 24, 2018}} and later signed Joba Chamberlain to a one-year, $2.5 million deal.{{cite web|first=Al|last=Beaton|title=Tigers come to terms with reliever Joba Chamberlain on one-year, $2.5 million deal|url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/12/12/5204242/mlb-winter-meetings-detroit-tigers-come-to-terms-with-free-agent-reliever-joba-chamberlain|website=Bless You Boys|date=December 12, 2013|access-date=December 27, 2013}} 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.{{cite web|title=Tigers agree to deal with Hanrahan|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/report-tigers-announcing-hanrahan-signing-152142279--mlb.html|website=The Sports Xchange|date=May 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503065043/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/report-tigers-announcing-hanrahan-signing-152142279--mlb.html|archive-date=May 3, 2014|access-date=October 24, 2018}} However, he never came off the disabled list to pitch for the team.{{cite web|first1=Rob|last1=Rogacki|first2=Catherine|last2=Slonksnis|title=Tigers re-sign Joel Hanrahan to minor league contract|url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/11/14/7221091/joel-hanrahan-contract-details-detroit-tigers|website=Bless You Boys|date=November 14, 2014|access-date=October 24, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Tigers land All-Star reliever Soria from Rangers|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/tigers-land-all-star-reliever-soria-from-rangers/c-86021740|website=MLB.com|date=July 24, 2014|access-date=January 15, 2020}}

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.{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Tigers land huge Deadline prize in Price|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/tigers-acquire-david-price-from-rays-in-three-team-trade/c-87236374|website=MLB.com|date=July 31, 2014|access-date=July 31, 2014}} 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.{{cite web|first=Mark|last=Newman|title=Tigers have three Cy Young Award winners from last three years|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article/det/tigers-have-three-cy-young-award-winners-from-last-three-years?ymd=20140801&content_id=87467702&vkey=news_det|website=Tigers.com|date=August 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808055538/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article/det/tigers-have-three-cy-young-award-winners-from-last-three-years?ymd=20140801&content_id=87467702&vkey=news_det|archive-date=August 8, 2014|access-date=October 24, 2018}}

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.{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Iott|title=Tigers 3, Twins 0: Four-time champions! Detroit claims Central Division title on season's final day|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2014/09/tigers_twins_four-time_champio.html|website=MLive|date=September 28, 2014|access-date=October 24, 2018}} The 90–72 Tigers finished one game ahead of the Kansas City Royals.{{cite web|title=2014 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2014.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 24, 2018}}

The Tigers faced the Baltimore Orioles in the 2014 American League Division Series, where they were swept, 3–0.{{cite web|title=Nelson Cruz homer all Orioles need to sweep Tigers, advance to ALCS|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/id/341005106|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115235559/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/id/341005106|archive-date=January 15, 2020|access-date=January 24, 2020}} 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.{{cite web|first=Adam|last=Berry|title=Tigers hit back-to-back homers in second straight game|url=https://www.mlb.com/tigers/news/tigers-hit-back-to-back-homers-in-second-straight-game/c-97442000|website=Tigers.com|date=October 3, 2014|access-date=October 24, 2018}}

=2015: Mid-season Reboot=

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.{{cite web|first=Aaron|last=Gleeman|title=2015 Preview: Detroit Tigers|url=https://nbchardballtalk.wordpress.com/2015/03/16/2015-preview-detroit-tigers/|website=HardballTalk|date=March 16, 2015|access-date=July 6, 2015}}{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web|title=Torii Hunter signs one-year deal with Minnesota Twins|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2014/12/02/torii-hunter-signs-twins-free-agency|website=SI.com|agency=SI Wire|date=December 2, 2014|access-date=October 25, 2018}}{{cite web|first=Patrick|last=OKennedy|title=Tigers acquire Shane Greene in 3-way trade, send Robbie Ray to Arizona|url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/12/5/7339449/tigers-acquire-shane-greene-in-3-way-trade-send-robbie-ray-to-arizona|website=Bless You Boys|date=December 5, 2014|access-date=October 25, 2018}}{{cite web|first=Gregor|last=Chisholm|title=Toronto sends Gose to Tigers for prospect Travis|url=https://www.mlb.com/bluejays/news/blue-jays-deal-anthony-gose-to-tigers-for-second-base-prospect-devon-travis/c-101303384|website=Toronto Blue Jays|date=November 13, 2014|access-date=October 25, 2018}}{{cite web|first=James|last=Schmehl|title=Detroit Tigers acquire Alfredo Simon, trade Eugenio Suarez and Jonathon Crawford to Cincinnati Reds|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2014/12/report_detroit_tigers_nearing.html|website=MLive|date=December 11, 2014|access-date=October 25, 2018}}

After winning the first six games of the year in record-breaking fashion, the Tigers season slowly went downhill.{{cite web|first=George|last=Sipple|title=Detroit 8, Cleveland 5: Tigers sweep Indians, 6–0 for first time since 1985|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2015/04/12/detroit-tigers-cleveland-indians/25674087/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=April 12, 2015|access-date=October 25, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|first=Catherine|last=Slonksnis|title=MLB trade rumors: Tigers 'rebooting,' willing to deal David Price, Yoenis Cepedes|url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/2015/7/29/9069033/detroit-tigers-trade-rumors-david-price-yoenis-cespedes?_ga=1.58229610.1107829804.1426693763|website=Bless You Boys|date=July 29, 2015|access-date=July 30, 2015}}{{cite web|first=Catherine|last=Slonksnis|title=Tigers trade David Price to Blue Jays|url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/2015/7/30/9006217/david-price-trade-detroit-tigers-toronto-blue-jays|website=Bless You Boys|date=July 30, 2015|access-date=July 30, 2015}} 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.{{cite web|first=George|last=Sipple|title=George Sipple: Trades beef up Detroit Tigers' top prospects list|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2015/08/01/detroit-tigers-prospects/30991601/|date=August 1, 2015|access-date=August 1, 2015}}

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.{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Avila replaces Dombrowski as Tigers GM|url=https://www.mlb.com/tigers/news/tigers-name-al-avila-new-general-manager/c-141107462|website=Tigers.com|date=August 4, 2015|access-date=October 25, 2018}}

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.{{cite web|first=Rob|last=Rogacki|title=Tigers send 4 players to MLB All-Star Game, Yoenis Cepedes in final vote|url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/2015/7/6/8903549/mlb-all-star-game-roster-detroit-tigers|website=Bless You Boys|date=July 6, 2015|access-date=October 28, 2015}}{{cite web|first=Rob|last=Rogacki|title = MLB All-Star Game 2015: David Price notches win for American League|url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/2015/7/14/8967505/mlb-all-star-game-2015-david-price-jose-iglesias|website=Bless You Boys|date=July 14, 2015|access-date=October 28, 2015}}

The Tigers ended the season in last place in the AL Central Division with a record of 74–87.{{cite web|first=Anthony|last=Fenech|title=Tigers end dismal 2015 season with 6–0 win|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2015/10/04/detroit-tigers-chicago-white-sox/73327022/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=October 5, 2015|access-date=October 28, 2015}} The pitching staff was one of the worst in the MLB, ending 27th in ERA, 28th in FIP, and 27th in WHIP.{{cite web|first=Patrick|last=OKennedy|title=Tigers don't need a proven closer to fix the bullpen|url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/2015/10/14/9488101/detroit-tigers-free-agent-rumors-darren-oday|website=Bless You Boys|date=October 14, 2015|access-date=October 28, 2015}} However, the team also ended with a team batting average of .270, the best in the MLB,{{cite web|first=Catherine|last=Slonksnis|title=5 things that went well for the Tigers in 2015|url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/2015/10/24/9545095/detroit-tigers-justin-verlander-bullpen-shortstop-offense-2015|website=Bless You Boys|date=October 24, 2015|access-date=October 28, 2015}} 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.{{cite web|first=Anthony|last=Fenech|title=Detroit Tigers' Miguel Cabrera locks up 4th batting title in 5 years|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2015/10/04/detroit-tigers-miguel-cabrera/73353182/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=October 4, 2015|access-date=October 28, 2015}}

=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. 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.{{cite web|author=Fielder'sChoice|title=Detroit Tigers approval poll: GM Al Avila, January 2016|url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/2016/1/22/10805924/detroit-tigers-al-avila-poll-january-2016|website=Bless You Boys|date=January 22, 2016|access-date=February 15, 2015}} 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.{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Adams|title=Tigers Sign Justin Upton|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/01/tigers-sign-justin-upton.html|website=MLB Trade Rumors|date=January 20, 2016|access-date=February 15, 2015}} Key veteran losses include catcher Alex Avila and outfielder Rajai Davis, who both signed free agent deals with other teams in the division.{{cite web|first=Scott|last=Merkin|title=White Sox sign catcher Avila to one-year deal|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/white-sox-sign-alex-avila/c-158164374|website=MLB.com|date=November 25, 2015|access-date=November 25, 2015}}{{cite web|first=Scott|last=Merkin|title=Davis brings versatility to Tribe's outfield, lineup|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/indians-sign-rajai-davis-to-one-year-deal/c-159909508|website=MLB.com|date=December 17, 2015|access-date=October 25, 2018}}

The Tigers finished the season with a record of 86–75, eight games behind the first place Cleveland Indians.{{cite web|title=2016 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2016.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 25, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Tigers battle, but are denied postseason berth|url=https://www.mlb.com/tigers/news/tigers-battle-but-are-denied-postseason-berth-c204715968|website=Tigers.com|date=October 2, 2016|access-date=October 5, 2016}}{{cite web|first1=Jason|last1=Beck|first2=Mark|last2=Bowman|title=Braves eliminate Tigers, close Turner Field|url=https://www.mlb.com/tigers/news/braves-eliminate-tigers-close-turner-field-c204585320|website=Tigers.com|date=October 2, 2016|access-date=October 25, 2018}}

Pitcher Michael Fulmer, acquired from the New York Mets organization in 2015, won the 2016 AL Rookie of the Year Award.{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Michael Fulmer wins AL Rookie of the Year Award|url=https://www.mlb.com/tigers/news/michael-fulmer-wins-al-rookie-of-year-award-c208849062|website=Tigers.com|date=November 14, 2016|access-date=November 14, 2016}}

Rebuilding (2017–2023)

=2017=

Mike Ilitch, the Tigers owner since 1992, died at the age of 87 on February 10, 2017.{{cite web|first1=John|last1=Gallagher|first2=Bill|last2=McGraw|title=Tigers, Red Wings owner and pizza titan Mike Ilitch dead at 87|url=https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/columnists/2017/02/10/ilitch-detroit-pizza-red-wings-tigers-hockey-forbes/91475642/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=February 10, 2017|access-date=February 16, 2017}} The team remains in an Ilitch family trust, under the leadership of Mike's son, Christopher Ilitch.{{cite web|url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20170218/NEWS/170219847/who-owns-the-tigers-family-plan-is-a-matter-of-trust|title=Who owns the Tigers? Family plan is a matter of trust |author=Bill Shea |website=Crain's Detroit Business |date=February 18, 2017 |access-date=February 26, 2017}}{{cite web|first=Jim|last=Lynch|title=Son Christopher rises to fill Ilitch's big shoes|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2017/02/14/son-christopher-rises-fill-ilitchs-big-shoes/97876866/|website=The Detroit News|date=February 14, 2017|access-date=February 23, 2017}} Like the Detroit Red Wings, the Tigers honored their owner in multiple ways, the most prominent being a "Mr. I" uniform patch.{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Shea|title=Opening Day: Sunny skies as Tigers honor 'Mr. I'|url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20170407/BLOG003/170409884/opening-day-sunny-skies-as-tigers-honor-mr-i|website=Crain's Detroit Business|date=April 7, 2017|access-date=April 13, 2017}}

After a disappointing record through the All-Star break, the Tigers began committing to a rebuild, trading J. D. Martinez,{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=D-Backs acquire J.D. Martinez from Tigers|url=https://www.mlb.com/dbacks/news/d-backs-acquire-j-d-martinez-from-tigers-c242930486|website=Arizona Diamondbacks|date=July 18, 2017|access-date=July 18, 2017}} Alex Avila and Justin Wilson in July,{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Tigers trade Justin Wilson, Alex Avila to Cubs|url=https://www.mlb.com/tigers/news/tigers-trade-justin-wilson-alex-avila-to-cubs-c245479820|website=Tigers.com|date=July 31, 2017|access-date=July 31, 2017}} plus Justin Upton and Justin Verlander in August.{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Justin Upton traded from Tigers to Angels|url=https://www.mlb.com/tigers/news/justin-upton-traded-from-tigers-to-angels-c251666640|website=Tigers.com|date=August 31, 2017|access-date=September 1, 2017}}{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Justin Verlander traded for 3 top prospects|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/justin-verlander-traded-for-3-top-prospects-c251775622|website=MLB.com|date=September 1, 2017|access-date=October 25, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|first1=Ashley|last1=MacLennan|first2=Kurt|last2=Mensching|title=Tigers will not renew manager Brad Ausmus' contract after 2017|url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/2017/9/22/15871456/brad-ausmus-contract-not-renewed-tigers-fired|website=Bless You Boys|date=September 22, 2017|access-date=October 3, 2017}} 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.{{cite web|first=Rob|last=Rogacki|title=Tigers will have No. 1 overall pick in 2018 MLB draft|url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/2017/10/1/16389858/2018-mlb-draft-order-detroit-tigers-san-francisco-giants-philadelphia-phillies|website=Bless You Boys|date=October 1, 2017|access-date=October 3, 2017}}

=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.{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Ron Gardenhire is Tigers new manager|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/ron-gardenhire-is-tigers-new-manager-c259076774|website=MLB.com|date=October 20, 2017|access-date=October 25, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|first=George|last=Sipple|title=Detroit Tigers: Miguel Cabrera needs season-ending surgery|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2018/06/12/detroit-tigers-miguel-cabrera-injury-season-ending-surgery/696985002/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=June 12, 2018|access-date=October 25, 2018}}{{cite web|first=Anthony|last=Fenech|title=Detroit Tigers' Michael Fulmer likely done for 2018; surgery next?|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2018/09/17/michael-fulmer-injury-detroit-tigers/1341505002/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=September 17, 2018|access-date=October 25, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|first=Vito|last=Chirco|title=Detroit Tigers: 9 numbers you must know about 2018 season|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2018/10/03/detroit-tigers-2018-season-review/1503513002/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=October 3, 2018|access-date=October 25, 2018}}{{cite web|first=Jim|last=Callis|title=2019 MLB Draft order set Orioles pick first|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/2019-mlb-draft-order-set-orioles-pick-first/c-296457904|website=MLB.com|date=October 1, 2018|access-date=October 25, 2018}}{{cite web|title=2018 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2018.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 25, 2018}}

=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.{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Jordy Mercer signs with Tigers|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/jordy-mercer-signs-with-tigers-c301771790|website=MLB.com|date=December 12, 2018|access-date=March 30, 2019}}{{cite web|first=Mark|last=Sheldon|title=Jose Iglesias signs Minor League deal with Reds|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/reds-sign-jose-iglesias-to-minor-league-deal|website=MLB.com|date=February 23, 2019|access-date=March 30, 2019}}{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Josh Harrison signs with Tigers|url=https://www.mlb.com/tigers/news/josh-harrison-signs-with-tigers|website=Tigers.com|date=February 24, 2019|access-date=February 24, 2019}} On March 19, it was announced that Michael Fulmer would undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the 2019 season.{{cite web|first=Rob|last=Rogacki|title=Tigers' Michael Fulmer to undergo Tommy John surgery|url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/2019/3/19/18272915/michael-fulmer-injury-update-detroit-tigers-tommy-john-surgery|website=Bless You Boys|date=March 19, 2019|access-date=March 28, 2019}} 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.{{cite web|first=Chris|last=McCosky|title=Fitting finale: Tigers close dreary year with another loss, finish 47-114|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2019/09/29/fitting-finale-detroit-tigers-close-season-another-loss-finish-47-114/3811737002/|website=The Detroit News|date=September 29, 2019|access-date=September 30, 2019}} The 2019 Tigers tied the 1939 St. Louis Browns for the most home losses (59) during a season in the modern era.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/tigers/news/tigers-tie-record-with-59th-home-loss-of-season |title=Tigers tie record with 59th home loss of season |website=MLB.com |first=Jason |last=Beck |date=September 26, 2019 |access-date=November 26, 2019}}

=2020=

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.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/al-kaline-dies-at-85 |title=HOFer Kaline, beloved 'Mr. Tiger,' dies at 85 |first=Jason |last=Beck |website=MLB.com |date=April 6, 2020 |access-date=September 29, 2020}} The Tigers wore a No. 6 patch to honor him.{{cite web|first=Evan|last=Petzold|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2020/07/24/detroit-tigers-wear-no-6-patch-al-kaline/5501783002/|title=Detroit Tigers to wear No. 6 patch in honor of Al Kaline this season|website=Detroit Free Press|date=July 24, 2020|access-date=September 29, 2020}} In the shortened 60-game season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tigers remained in playoff contention heading into September.{{cite web|first=Evan|last=Woodbery|title=Tigers officially out of playoffs, but this weekend's series could still have meaning|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2020/09/tigers-officially-out-of-playoffs-but-this-weekends-series-could-still-have-meaning.html|website=MLive|date=September 24, 2020|access-date=September 29, 2020}} 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.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/tigers/news/ron-gardenhire-retires-as-tigers-manager |title=Citing health, Tigers manager Gardy retires |first=Jason |last=Beck |website=MLB.com |date=September 19, 2020 |access-date=September 29, 2020}} The Tigers ultimately faded down the stretch, finishing with a 23–35 record.{{cite web|first=Chris|last=McCosky|title=It was a grind': Tigers end unusual 2020 season on losing note, finish 23-35|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2020/09/27/detroit-tigers-muster-3-hits-loss-kansas-city-royals/3554766001/|website=The Detroit News|date=September 27, 2020|access-date=September 29, 2020}}

=2021=

On October 30, 2020, the Tigers hired A. J. Hinch as manager.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/aj-hinch-hired-as-tigers-manager |title=Hinch: 'The good times are coming' to Detroit |first=Jason |last=Beck |website=MLB.com |date=October 30, 2020 |access-date=October 30, 2020 |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031094712/https://www.mlb.com/news/aj-hinch-hired-as-tigers-manager |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2020/10/30/aj-hinch-detroit-tigers-new-manager/6082035002/ |title='A difference-maker': Tigers name AJ Hinch their new manager |first=Chris |last=McCosky |website=The Detroit News |date=October 30, 2020 |access-date=October 30, 2020 |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101151025/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2020/10/30/aj-hinch-detroit-tigers-new-manager/6082035002/ |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/tigers/news/spencer-turnbull-throws-no-hitter|title=Tigers' Turnbull spins MLB's 5th no-no of '21|website=MLB.com|first=Jason|last=Beck|date=May 18, 2021|access-date=May 18, 2021|archive-date=May 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210528090554/https://www.mlb.com/tigers/news/spencer-turnbull-throws-no-hitter|url-status=live}} The Tigers finished the season with a 77–85 record.{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Tigers close on high note as rivalry grows|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/tigers-close-2021-with-comeback-win-against-white-sox|website=MLB.com|date=October 3, 2021|access-date=October 4, 2021|archive-date=October 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004002055/https://www.mlb.com/news/tigers-close-2021-with-comeback-win-against-white-sox|url-status=live}} This outperformed preseason predictions for the team, most of which said the Tigers would finish last.{{cite web|title=Predicting the 2021 MLB Standings|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2021/03/29/baseball-preview-projected-standings|website=SI.com|date=March 29, 2021|access-date=October 3, 2021|archive-date=October 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003225153/https://www.si.com/mlb/2021/03/29/baseball-preview-projected-standings|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Matt|last=Snyder|title=MLB 2021 season predictions: Expert picks for division winners, World Series champs|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-2021-season-predictions-expert-picks-for-division-winners-world-series-champ/|website=CBS Sports|date=March 31, 2021|access-date=October 4, 2021|archive-date=October 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004154436/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-2021-season-predictions-expert-picks-for-division-winners-world-series-champ/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Evan|last=Woodbery|title=Tigers deserve to celebrate their turnaround season. But the hard part comes next.|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2021/10/tigers-deserve-to-celebrate-their-turnaround-season-but-now-the-hard-part-begins.html|website=MLive|date=October 4, 2021|access-date=October 4, 2021|archive-date=October 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004213549/https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2021/10/tigers-deserve-to-celebrate-their-turnaround-season-but-now-the-hard-part-begins.html|url-status=live}}

=2022=

On August 10, 2022, the Tigers fired Al Avila as general manager.{{cite web|first=Evan|last=Petzold|title=Detroit Tigers fire general manager Al Avila after 7 seasons|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2022/08/10/detroit-tigers-fire-gm-al-avila-after-seven-seasons/10291309002/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=August 10, 2022|access-date=November 6, 2022|archive-date=November 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106054642/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2022/08/10/detroit-tigers-fire-gm-al-avila-after-seven-seasons/10291309002/|url-status=live}} On September 19, 2022, the Tigers hired Scott Harris as president of baseball operations.{{cite web|first=Evan|last=Petzold|title=Detroit Tigers hire San Francisco Giants GM Scott Harris as president of baseball operations|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2022/09/19/detroit-tigers-scott-harris-president-baseball-operations-san-francisco-giants/69504664007/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=September 19, 2022|access-date=November 6, 2022|archive-date=January 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115015626/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2022/09/19/detroit-tigers-scott-harris-president-baseball-operations-san-francisco-giants/69504664007/|url-status=live}} The Tigers finished the season with a 66–96 record and had one of the worst offense in the league.{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=For Soto, Tigers, 'the best is coming next year'|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/tigers-2022-season-ends-with-walk-off-loss-to-mariners|website=MLB.com|date=October 5, 2022|access-date=November 6, 2022|archive-date=November 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107003403/https://www.mlb.com/news/tigers-2022-season-ends-with-walk-off-loss-to-mariners|url-status=live}} On October 25, 2022, the Tigers hired Rob Metzler as vice president and assistant general manager.{{cite web|first=Chris|last=McCosky|title=Rob Metzler to bring 'innovative spirit' as Tigers' vice president, assistant GM|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2022/10/25/detroit-tigers-rob-metzler-vice-president-assistant-general-manager/69589672007/|website=The Detroit News|date=October 25, 2022|access-date=November 6, 2022|archive-date=November 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105073424/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2022/10/25/detroit-tigers-rob-metzler-vice-president-assistant-general-manager/69589672007/|url-status=live}}

=2023=

On September 21, 2023, the Tigers hired Jeff Greenberg as general manager.{{cite web |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2023/09/21/detroit-tigers-jeff-greenberg-new-general-manager-scott-harris/70919558007/ |title=Detroit Tigers hire Chicago Blackhawks executive Jeff Greenberg as general manager |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |first=Evan |last=Petzold |date=September 21, 2023 |access-date=October 1, 2023 |archive-date=September 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929135804/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2023/09/21/detroit-tigers-jeff-greenberg-new-general-manager-scott-harris/70919558007/ |url-status=live }} The Tigers finished the season with a 78–84 record, and in second place in the division.{{cite web |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2023/10/01/detroit-tigers-game-score-recap-cleveland-guardians-miguel-cabrera/71027129007/ |title=Detroit Tigers take down Cleveland Guardians, 5-2, in final game of Miguel Cabrera's career |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |first=Evan |last=Petzold |date=October 1, 2023 |access-date=October 1, 2023 |archive-date=October 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006150351/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2023/10/01/detroit-tigers-game-score-recap-cleveland-guardians-miguel-cabrera/71027129007/ |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite web|url=https://theathletic.com/4913609/2023/09/29/miguel-cabrera-tigers-special-assistant-president-baseball-operations/ |title=Miguel Cabrera joining Tigers' front office as special assistant to Scott Harris after retiring |publisher=The Athletic |first=Cody |last= Stavenhagen |date=September 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230929214331/https://theathletic.com/4913609/2023/09/29/miguel-cabrera-tigers-special-assistant-president-baseball-operations/ |archive-date=September 29, 2023 |access-date=October 1, 2023}}

Return to the playoffs (2024)

=2024=

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.{{cite web|first=Larry|last=Lage|title=Tigers clinch AL wild card with 4-1 win over White Sox, ending decade-long postseason drought|url=https://apnews.com/article/detroit-tigers-playoffs-clinch-b53f789166512f8d29f93dc49363a8c1|website=Associated Press|date=September 27, 2024|access-date=September 28, 2024|archive-date=September 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929000302/https://apnews.com/article/detroit-tigers-playoffs-clinch-b53f789166512f8d29f93dc49363a8c1|url-status=live}} They finished the season with a 86–76 record.{{cite web|first=Evan|last=Woodbery|title=Tigers will head to Houston after losing regular-season finale|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2024/09/tigers-will-head-to-houston-after-losing-regular-season-finale.html|website=MLive|date=September 29, 2024|access-date=September 29, 2024|archive-date=September 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929235854/https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2024/09/tigers-will-head-to-houston-after-losing-regular-season-finale.html|url-status=live}}

In the American League Wild Card Series, the Tigers swept the Houston Astros 2–0, securing their first postseason series win since 2013.{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Gritty Tigers rally late to oust Astros in stunning sweep|url=https://www.mlb.com/tigers/news/tigers-win-al-wild-card-series-2024|website=MLB.com|date=October 2, 2024|access-date=October 2, 2024|archive-date=October 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002224203/https://www.mlb.com/tigers/news/tigers-win-al-wild-card-series-2024|url-status=live}} In the American League Division Series, the Tigers were defeated by the Cleveland Guardians in five games.{{cite web|first=Jared|last=Ramsey|title=Detroit Tigers, Tarik Skubal slammed by Cleveland Guardians, 7-3, in Game 5 of ALDS|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2024/10/12/detroit-tigers-mlb-playoffs-alds-game-score-recap-cleveland-guardians/75644872007/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=October 12, 2024|access-date=October 13, 2024|archive-date=October 12, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20241012225756/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2024/10/12/detroit-tigers-mlb-playoffs-alds-game-score-recap-cleveland-guardians/75644872007/|url-status=live}}

Notes

References

Category:Detroit Tigers

Detroit Tigers

Tigers