Detroit Tigers

Quick Facts

  • Founded: 1901

  • Original Name/City: Detroit Tigers

  • Current Ballpark: Comerica Park

  • World Series Titles: 4 (1935, 1945, 1968, 1984)

  • Franchise Nicknames: The Motor City Kitties, The Tigs

A History of the Detroit Tigers

As one of the eight charter franchises of the American League in 1901, the Detroit Tigers are one of baseball's oldest and most storied teams. The franchise's first star was also one of the most ferocious and dominant players the game has ever seen: Ty Cobb.

While Cobb's legendary hitting prowess led the Tigers to three straight pennants from 1907-1909, they failed to win the World Series. The franchise's first championships came in the 1930s and 40s, led by the "G-Men" — Hall of Famers Hank Greenberg, Charlie Gehringer, and Goose Goslin — who brought titles to the Motor City in 1935 and 1945.

For nearly a century, the team played its home games at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull, first at Bennett Park and then at the beloved Tiger Stadium. The ballpark became the scene of the franchise's next title in 1968, when pitcher Denny McLain won 31 games. The Tigers rallied to defeat the St. Louis Cardinals in a dramatic seven-game World Series, helping to heal a city torn by riots the year before.

The final championship to date came in 1984, when the team started the season 35-5 and never looked back, cruising to a dominant World Series victory behind a roster of homegrown stars like Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker.

In 2000, the Tigers moved into their current home, Comerica Park. The 21st century has seen a new generation of Tigers legends, most notably slugger Miguel Cabrera, who won the first Triple Crown in 45 years in 2012.

While the team made World Series appearances in 2006 and 2012, they were unable to capture the final prize. The franchise remains a pillar of the Detroit community, representing the resilience and pride of the Motor City.

Franchise Timeline

  • 1901: Founded as a charter member of the American League.

  • 1912: Navin Field opens; it is later expanded and renamed Briggs Stadium and then Tiger Stadium.

  • 1935: Won their first World Series.

  • 1945: Won their second World Series.

  • 1968: Won their third World Series.

  • 1984: Won their fourth World Series.

  • 2000: Moved into Comerica Park.

  • 2012: Miguel Cabrera wins the Triple Crown.

Legendary Players

Ty Cobb (1905-1926)

  • "The Georgia Peach" was baseball's first and most intense superstar. He retired with an astounding 90 MLB records, including the highest career batting average (.366) in history. He was a fierce, often despised competitor who defined the dead-ball era and was part of the Hall of Fame's inaugural class.

Al Kaline (1953-1974)

  • Known simply as "Mr. Tiger," Kaline was a model of consistent excellence and loyalty, playing his entire 22-year career in Detroit. An 18-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glover, he was the unquestioned leader of the 1968 World Series championship team.

Hank Greenberg (1930-1946)

  • "Hammerin' Hank" was baseball's first great Jewish superstar. He was one of the most feared sluggers of his era, winning two MVP awards and hitting 58 home runs in 1938. His decision to enlist in the military during his prime solidified his hero status.

Miguel Cabrera (2008-2023)

  • One of the greatest right-handed hitters of all time, "Miggy" became a Detroit icon in the 21st century. In 2012, he won the Triple Crown, the first player to do so in 45 years. A two-time MVP, he recorded both 3,000 career hits and 500 home runs, an incredibly rare feat.