The Best Detroit Tigers of All Time
- 1Dec. at 74 (1886-1961)
Ty Cobb, affectionately known as "The Georgia Peach," was an exceptional hitter with a tenacious style of play that effectively impacted the sport of baseball. A true testament to his skill, Cobb's career batting average remains the highest in MLB history, showcasing a level of consistency unmatched by other players. His aggressive baserunning and fierce competitiveness made him one of the most feared and respected opponents in the game, solidifying his legendary status in Detroit Tigers history.
- 2Age: 89
Al "Mr. Tiger" Kaline's remarkable career as a right fielder earned him the distinction of being one of the best Detroit Tigers to ever take the field. His exceptional fielding skills, including 10 Gold Glove awards, and a powerful batting prowess led the Tigers to their World Series victory in 1968. Off the field, Kaline's humility, sportsmanship, and stewardship for the game of baseball endeared him to fans and fellow players alike, further cementing his status as a true Detroit legend.
- 3Age: 41
Miguel Cabrera's incredible power and versatility with the bat have firmly established him as one of the top sluggers in modern baseball and undoubtedly a great among the Detroit Tigers. With his ability to hit for both power and average, Cabrera often leaves opponents scratching their heads while fans marvel at his exceptional talent. Miggy's energetic personality and unyielding determination not only make him a fan favorite but also inspire his teammates to elevate their game.
- 4Dec. at 75 (1911-1986)
Hank Greenberg, fondly referred to as "Hammerin' Hank," was a pioneer in the world of baseball due to his incredible power-hitting prowess and endurance on the field. Standing tall at 6'3", Greenberg's imposing stature instilled fear in opposing pitchers as he sent countless balls over the fences. His determination and grit during a challenging era in history embody the spirit of the Detroit Tigers and solidify his place among the all-time greats.
- 5Age: 41
Justin Verlander's exceptional pitching abilities and relentless work ethic have undeniably earned him a spot among the best Detroit Tigers of all time. Armed with a blazing fastball and an arsenal of devastating breaking pitches, Verlander continually overwhelms hitters and dominates the game. His unwavering focus on the mound and impressive longevity in the league secure his position as one of the most respected and feared pitchers in baseball.
- 6Age: 66
Alan Trammell's illustrious career with the Detroit Tigers showcased his exceptional skills as both a shortstop and hitter. Alongside Lou Whitaker, Trammell formed one of the most formidable double-play duos in the history of baseball, a testament to their chemistry and quick thinking on the field. His strong leadership skills and cool under pressure were crucial during the Tigers' 1984 World Series title run, with many crediting his steady presence as an essential part of the championship team.
- 7Age: 67
Lou Whitaker's innate ability to read the ball and react with lightning-fast reflexes set him apart from other second basemen in the league. Alongside Alan Trammell, Sweet Lou formed an unparalleled double-play partnership that left opponents scrambling to avoid being caught in their snare. His smooth, reliable style of play on the field and humble demeanor off it continue to make him an unforgettable Detroit Tiger.
- 8Dec. at 77 (1921-1998)
Hal "Prince Hal" Newhouser's incredible left-handed pitching skills and remarkable presence on the mound proved to be a formidable force within the game of baseball. His blazing fastball and pinpoint accuracy consistently baffled hitters, while his infectious energy invigorated teammates and fans alike. Newhouser's unrivaled dominance during the mid-1940s undoubtedly established him as one of the premier Detroit Tiger greats.
- 9Dec. at 89 (1903-1993)
Charlie "The Mechanical Man" Gehringer's consistency and precision both at the plate and in the field unquestionably places him among the best Detroit Tigers in history. With a keen eye for hitting and impeccable timing, Gehringer controlled the rhythm of the game while his quick instincts and remarkable range positioned him as an elite defender. His quiet yet commanding presence on the field helped guide the Tigers to a World Series title in 1935, further solidifying his Detroit legend status.
- 10Age: 69
Jack Morris' fierce competitive nature and bulldog mentality propelled him to the top tier of pitchers in Detroit Tigers history. Armed with a devastating split-finger fastball, Morris's tenacity on the mound and relentless pursuit of success kept opponents on their toes. His clutch performances during the 1984 and 1991 World Series championships etched his name in the annals of baseball greatness.
- 11Dec. at 76 (1934-2010)
As the Tigers' winningest manager, Sparky Anderson's innate ability to lead and inspire his teams rendered him an extraordinary figure in Detroit's storied history. His strategic brilliance, along with an unwavering belief in his players, catapulted the Tigers to a 1984 World Series victory. With a legacy marked by triumph and an unmistakable passion for baseball, Anderson commands respect as one of the greatest managers in the sport.
- 12Age: 81
Willie Horton's powerful swing and adept fielding skills at the left-outfield position secured him a place amongst the best Detroit Tigers of all time. Earning the nickname "Captain Clutch," Horton's timely hits and unyielding spirit often lifted his team to victory. His dedication to the city of Detroit and significant contributions off the field further emphasize his lasting impact on the Tigers organization.
- 13Dec. at 86 (1922-2009)
George Kell's exceptional bat control and ability to spray hits across the field made him a nightmare for opposing pitchers. His incredible fielding skills at third base were complemented by his quick reflexes, allowing him to consistently shut down opponents' offensive advances. Despite his quiet demeanor, Kell's extraordinary talent and devotion to the game indisputably place him among the greatest Detroit Tigers.
- 14Dec. at 59 (1903-1962)
Mickey Cochrane's sublime skills as a catcher and a hitter earned him a well-deserved spot among the greatest Detroit Tigers. His astute game-calling abilities and strong arm behind the plate played a pivotal role in controlling the opposition, while his keen eye and power at the plate made him a feared hitter. Cochrane's leadership and strategic mind contributed greatly to the Tigers' 1935 World Series championship, making him an indispensable part of the team's legacy.
- 15Age: 80
Denny McLain's incredible pitching prowess, highlighted by his historic 31-win season in 1968, places him among the greatest Detroit Tigers players. His powerful fastball and pinpoint control kept opposing batters guessing, while his charismatic personality endeared him to fans. McLain's impact on the Tigers' 1968 World Series championship and his remarkable individual accomplishments guarantee his place among the all-time greats.
- 16Age: 67
Lance "Big Wheel" Parrish's powerful hitting and solid defensive skills as a catcher rank him among the finest Detroit Tigers of all time. With his commanding presence behind the plate, Parrish deftly handled a formidable pitching staff while thwarting base stealers with his strong arm. During his time in Detroit, Parrish's contributions on and off the field were instrumental in the Tigers' continued success throughout the 1980s.
- 17Dec. at 88 (1880-1968)
As one of the premier hitters of his era, Sam "Wahoo Sam" Crawford's remarkable ability to drive the ball into the gaps and effortlessly round the bases solidified his status as a Detroit Tigers great. Adept at both hitting for power and manufacturing runs, Crawford's skill set proved invaluable to his team's success. His contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark on the history of the Tigers organization and the game of baseball as a whole.
- 18Age: 66
Kirk Gibson's blend of explosive power, speed, and tenacity earned him a place in Detroit Tigers lore. His uncanny ability to deliver clutch hits and game-changing plays made him an integral part of the 1984 World Series championship team. Off the field, Gibson's grit and determination were exemplified by his unwavering commitment to his teammates, solidifying his place amongst the greatest to don the Tigers uniform.
- 19Dec. at 56 (1894-1951)
Harry Heilmann's extraordinary talent as a hitter and outfielder firmly places him among the greatest Detroit Tigers players. His natural power and ability to spray the ball to all fields made opposing pitchers wary, while his reliable glove work in the outfield gave the Tigers a strong defense. Heilmann's smooth swing and keen batting eye became iconic in the sport and ultimately made him one of the most respected players during his era.
- 20Age: 92
Jim Bunning's exceptional pitching skills and tenacity on the mound rank him among the best Detroit Tigers players in history. With a commanding presence on the hill, Bunning expertly utilized his repertoire of pitches to stifle opposing lineups. His years of consistent success with the Tigers demonstrated his talent and commitment to excellence, making him a revered figure within the organization.
- 21Age: 81
Mickey Stanley's exceptional fielding ability and versatility in the outfield make him a standout in Detroit Tigers history. Stanley's fearless approach, combined with his quick instincts, allowed him to consistently rob opponents of hits and run down even the most challenging balls. His quiet but steady presence on the field complemented the more vocal team leaders, making him an essential component of the Tigers' dynamic during his tenure.
- 22Dec. at 57 (1930-1988)
With a keen eye for hitting and smooth defensive skills, Harvey Kuenn etched his name among the top Detroit Tigers players. His ability to consistently hit for a high average and cover ground in the outfield made Kuenn a valuable asset to the Tigers during his time with the team. Off the field, Kuenn garnered respect for his calm demeanor and steady presence, contributing to the overall camaraderie and success of the team.
- 23Age: 52
Iván "Pudge" Rodríguez's incredible defensive skills as a catcher, coupled with his impressive offensive ability, have placed him among the elite Detroit Tigers athletes. Pudge's exceptional agility behind the plate and powerful arm consistently shut down opponents' running games while his prowess at the plate generated much-needed offense for the Tigers. Rodríguez's passion and commitment to the game left an indelible mark on the Tigers franchise and his presence during the 2006 World Series run remains a beloved memory for Detroit fans.
- 24Age: 39
Max Scherzer's fiery intensity on the mound and remarkable pitching repertoire make him one of the premier pitchers in Detroit Tigers history. With a devastating fastball and a baffling changeup, Scherzer consistently overwhelmed opposing hitters, keeping the Tigers competitive throughout many seasons. His relentless pursuit of excellence and infectious enthusiasm left a lasting impact on the organization and endeared him to the Detroit fan base.
- 25Age: 90
Rocky Colavito's powerful swing and smooth outfield play secured his spot as one of the best Detroit Tigers of all time. With his ability to crush balls over the fence and make stunning catches in the outfield, Colavito became a fan favorite, known for his energetic and charismatic personality. His love for the game and dedication to the Tigers organization made him an unforgettable figure in Detroit baseball history.
- 26Dec. at 74 (1939-2013)
As one of the most feared pinch-hitters in baseball history, Gates Brown's clutch performances solidified his standing as a Detroit Tigers great. Brown's ability to come off the bench and deliver key hits in high-pressure situations earned him the admiration and respect of teammates, opponents, and fans alike. His unwavering focus and dedication to the team played a significant role in the Tigers' 1968 World Series title run.
- 27Age: 69
Willie "Guillermo" Hernández's unparalleled ability as a relief pitcher and clutch performer undoubtedly earned him a place among the greatest Detroit Tigers. With his devastating screwball and unwavering focus, Hernández consistently baffled hitters while shutting the door on countless games for the Tigers. His vital role in the team's 1984 World Series championship and reputation as a reliable closer continue to inspire admiration from fans and players alike.
- 28Age: 81
As one of the most dominant relief pitchers in Detroit Tigers history, John Hiller's ability to shut down opponents in critical situations was truly remarkable. With a powerful fastball and wicked curveball, Hiller consistently baffled hitters and maintained his composure under immense pressure. His grit and determination to bounce back from adversity off the field only heightened his impact on the Tigers organization, ultimately solidifying his place as a true Detroit legend.
- 29Age: 69
Chet "The Jet" Lemon's exceptional play in center field and penchant for timely hitting firmly placed him among the best Detroit Tigers of all time. His exceptional range and great instincts defensively ensured the Tigers possessed a strong outfield presence, while his contributions at the plate were instrumental in sealing many victories. Lemon's steady performance during the team's 1984 World Series run solidified his image as a true Detroit legend.
- 30Dec. at 71 (1939-2011)
Jim "The Silver Fox" Northrup's knack for delivering clutch hits and strong defensive play in the outfield earned him a spot among the best Detroit Tigers players. His speed, power, and uncanny ability to produce in high-pressure situations made him an integral part of the 1968 World Series championship team. Northrup's tenacity and commitment to the game endeared him to fans and left a lasting impact on the Tigers organization.
