The Tigers played their first American League game in April of 1901. They played at Bennett Park from 1901-1911. They were named the Tigers because of the colors on their socks, which were black and orange. The first few years were not very good. In 1905 they acquired Ty Cobb. Ty Cobb was a wonderful hitter and increased the batting power of the Tigers. Although he won many batting titles, the Tigers could not even come close to a winning a series. In 1912, the name Navin Field became home to the Tigers. This was also the year that Ty Cobb beat a fan only to find out he had no hands to defend himself. Cobb was put on suspension, but the team backed him up and they all walked. The players were ordered back and fined for their actions. Cobb was out for a few weeks. Cobb continued to hit and received hitting titles, but the Tigers could not even get in the playoffs. In 1921 Cobb became manager and player. In 1926 Ty Cobb and the Tigers parted ways. He was traded to
After the trade, the Tigers continued to play without much success though 1933. In 1934 a catcher names Mickey Cocherane joined the team. He became the new manager as well as catching. They also added a pitcher named Schoolboy Rowe who won sixteen games that year. Finally they were in the playoffs, but they didn’t win. In 1935 the story is really different. The Tigers had a good season and faced the Chicago Cubs for the series. They won their first World Series. After the season Navin was taken ill and Walter Briggs took over the team. In 1935 and 1936 the Tigers ended up in second place... In 1938 the name of the stadium was changed again to Briggs Stadium. The years 1938-1944 were pretty bleak. In 1941 war was declared and many baseball players joined the forces. In 1944 they missed first place by 1 game. In 1945 many players returned from the war, among them was Hank Greenberg. The Tigers had a great year and beat the Chicago Cubs for the second time in ten years to win their second World Championship.
Between 1945 and 1950 the Tigers did not have any really good years. In 1950 they acquired George Kell and had a great win/loss record. However, at the end of the season the Yankees beat them 3 straight games and they ended up 2nd place again.
Comments (0):