MLB – AL CENTRAL

Stadium: Comerica Park
Manager: Kevin Cash

2022-2023 TEAM LEADERS

Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers are coming off a 2021 season that saw them finish in third place in the AL Central with a 77-85 record. The Tigers improved from their 23-35 record in 2020, which was shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, and their atrocious 47-114 record in 2019. The team has been awful since 2015, and they haven’t recovered since trading away top talent like starting pitcher Justin Verlander.

The Tigers went from being in the postseason for four straight years to posting some of the worst records in the team’s history. With the Tigers slowly improving each year since their second-worst season ever in 2019, there’s nowhere else but up for the team. The Tigers have made some moves in the offseason, and Tigers players are already hard at work to improve their play for the team. These things can be a boost for the Tigers in 2022.

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Detroit Tigers History 

The Detroit Tigers are one of a few teams whose history predates the founding of the American League in MLB. Their origins began in 1894 in the Western League, which would later become part of MLB under the AL banner. During their beginning years in the AL, there were rumors that the team would be relocating to Pittsburgh to compete with the National League team, the Pittsburgh Pirates.

While relocation of AL teams to compete with NL teams was common in the league’s early years, it would be something that wouldn’t happen with the Tigers. A 1903 deal between the AL and the NL would lead to the Tigers staying in Detroit.

The early years in the AL would prove to be some of the best years for the Tigers. From 1901-1909 the team would win three AL Pennants while having some of the best players of that time on their team. The Tigers have had some success in the modern era but haven’t won a World Series in 37 years.

2022 Key Stats 

Since they signed the second baseman Javier Baez, the Detroit Tigers have some things to look forward to in 2022. During the 2021 season, Baez had a .265 batting average with 31 home runs and 87 RBI’s in split time between the Cubs and Mets. Baez’s home runs were more than outfielder Robbie Grossman’s, who was the Tigers’ home run leader in 2021. Baez’s 87 RBI’s were also better than the Tigers’ leading RBI player of 2021, Jonathan Schoop.

2021 saw the Tigers finish eleventh in runs scored, ninth in hits, and thirteenth in home runs among the 15 teams in the AL. The Baez signing promises to help the Tigers with these stats. The Tigers will also need help with pitching, as they had one of the worst ERA’s in the AL, finishing in ninth place in ERA. The Tigers did get starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez in free agency. Rodriguez played for the Red Sox in 2021 and had a 13-8 record with a 4.74 ERA.

Championships Won by the Detroit Tigers

When it comes to championships, the Detroit Tigers have won their fair share of titles. In their history, they have won the World Series four times, the AL Pennant eleven times, the AL Central Division title four times, and the AL East Division title three times. When they were in the AL East, they would win that division title in 1972, 1984, and 1987. Since moving to the AL Central, the Tigers have won that title in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014.

The Tigers would go on and win the World Series title in 1935, 1945, 1968, and 1984. The Tigers took home the AL Pennant in 1907, 1908, 1909, 1934, 1935, 1940, 1945, 1968, 1984, 2006, and 2012. Looking back, we can see that the Tigers have, at times, had streaks of success in MLB winning championships.

Important Team Events

The Tigers have held many different special events for fans during their baseball season. Some of the common ones include themed events for law enforcement officers and firefighters. The Tigers also have an annual Polish American night for fans. For 2021, the Tigers had special events for the Fourth of July and a Pink-out the park event for cancer awareness. Events for the 2022 season are usually announced in February but could include these events that have been part of the Tigers’ special events.

When it comes to rivalry events, the Tigers will be facing their NL rivals, the Pittsburgh Pirates, for two series in the 2022 season. The first matchup between the two teams will happen on May 3-4, while the second matchup will come on June 7-8. This rivalry dates back to the Tigers’ early years due to the American League’s desire to move the Tigers to Pittsburgh for a feud with the Pirates back in 1902.

Top Players 

When it comes to top players of the past that played for the Tigers, two names top all other players. These two players are Ty Cobb and Justin Verlander. Ty Cobb is a legend remembered for the 90 MLB records he set during his years as a player. Even though his career ended nearly a century ago, some of his records still stand today. His career batting average and most career batting titles are just two of his records that still stand.

Justin Verlander is the best pitcher the Tigers had in the 2000s. During his time with the Tigers, he won the AL MVP once, the Cy Young Award once, The AL Rookie of the Year, The MLB wins title twice, the AL strikeout leader four times, and pitched two no-hitters.

For 2022, the Tigers have two top players that they will be looking to. They are fan-favorite Miguel Cabrera and newcomer Javier Baez.

Top Coaches 

When fans look at some of the Tigers coaches of the past, a few names come up. Hughie Jennings was the first coach to take the Tigers to three consecutive World Series from 1907 to 1909. The first Tigers manager to win a World Series was player/coach Mickey Cochrane when he would take the Tigers to a win in the World Series in 1935. Then for the modern era, we have Jim Leyland, who led the Tigers to three consecutive AL Central Division titles.

For 2022, the Tigers will see the return of manager A.J. Hinch. Backing him up will be bench coach George Lombard. Hitting coach Scott Coolbaugh and pitching coach Chris Fetter will have to help players improve from their lackluster performance in 2021.

The Tigers made no actual moves with their coaching staff for 2022, as they decided to keep all the coaches they had from the previous season. This might help the team, as they can gel around some of these coaches who are seeing just their second year with the Tigers organization.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best winning percentage for the Tigers in a season?

In 1934, the Tigers would have a 101-53 record for the season, giving them a .656 winning percentage.

What are the other nicknames that fans call the Tigers?

The Tigers are also known by several other nicknames, including The Tiges, The Bengals, and The Motor City Kitties.

When was the last time the Tigers won a World Series title?

The last Tigers World Series title win would come in 1984.

Who is the most well-known person to play for the Tigers?

Ty Cobb is the most well-known player to play for the Tigers. He joined the club at 18 in 1905.

Do the Tampa Bay Rays have any team nicknames?

The Rays had many nicknames when they were the Devil Rays. This list includes The D-Rays, The Manta Rays, The Eagle Rays, and The Devil Dogs.