History of Detroit Tigers in Timeline

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Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers are a professional baseball team based in Detroit, Michigan. Established in 1894 as a Western League team, they are a charter member of the American League (AL) and currently compete in the AL Central Division. Notably, the Tigers are the only Western League team remaining in their original city and the oldest AL team maintaining their original name and location.

1900: Western League Renamed American League

In 1900, the Western League renamed itself the American League, still operating as a minor league.

April 25, 1901: First major league game

On April 25, 1901, the Detroit Tigers played their first game as a major league team at home against the Milwaukee Brewers, winning 14–13 after a dramatic comeback. An estimated 10,000 fans attended the game at Bennett Park.

1901: Start of overall win-loss record

From 1901 to 2024, the Detroit Tigers' overall win-loss record is 9,676–9,567–93 (.503).

1901: Established as a major league franchise

In 1901, the Detroit Tigers were established as a major league franchise.

1902: Walt Dropo ties major league record

In 1952, Tiger first baseman Walt Dropo got a hit in 12 consecutive plate appearances over a three-game stretch from July 14 to 15, tying a major league record set by Johnny Kling in 1902.

1903: Leagues made peace, signed National Agreement

In 1903, the American League and National League made peace and signed a new National Agreement, resolving rumors of the Detroit Tigers relocating to Pittsburgh.

1903: Ballcap mascot replaced by the letter "D"

In 1903, the Detroit Tigers' ballcap mascot, a red tiger on a dark background, was replaced by the letter "D".

1905: Acquisition of Ty Cobb

In 1905, the Detroit Tigers acquired 18-year-old Ty Cobb, who became one of the greatest players of all time.

1907: Won the AL pennant

In 1907, the Detroit Tigers won the American League pennant.

1907: Won AL pennant, advanced to World Series

In 1907, the Detroit Tigers, led by the hitting of Ty Cobb and Sam Crawford, and the pitching of Bill Donovan and Ed Killian, went 92–58 to win the AL pennant by 1.5 games over the Philadelphia Athletics and moved on to their first World Series appearance against the Chicago Cubs.

1908: Lost World Series to Chicago Cubs

In 1908, the Chicago Cubs defeated the Detroit Tigers in five games in the World Series.

1908: Won the AL pennant

In 1908, the Detroit Tigers won the American League pennant.

1909: Won AL pennant, Ty Cobb wins batting triple crown

In 1909, Detroit posted a 98–54 season, winning the AL pennant. Ty Cobb won the batting triple crown, hitting .377 with 9 home runs and 107 RBIs, and led the league with 76 stolen bases. George Mullin went 29–8 with a 2.22 ERA.

1909: Lost World Series to Pittsburgh Pirates

In 1909, the Detroit Tigers lost the World Series to the Pittsburgh Pirates in seven games, being defeated 8-0 in the decisive game at Bennett Park.

1909: Won the AL pennant

In 1909, the Detroit Tigers won the American League pennant.

1910: Finished third in the American League

In 1910, the Detroit Tigers dropped to third place in the American League with an 86–68 record.

1911: Finished second in the American League

In 1911, the Detroit Tigers posted 89 wins to finish second in the American League.

May 15, 1912: Ty Cobb suspended for attacking a fan

On May 15, 1912, Ty Cobb went into the stands to attack a fan and was suspended. The Tigers protested by fielding a team of replacement players, losing 24–2.

1912: Moved into Navin Field

In 1912, the Detroit Tigers moved into Navin Field, which was built on the same location as Bennett Park.

1912: George Mullin Pitches No-Hitter

On July 4, 1912, George Mullin pitched the franchise's first no-hitter in a 7–0 win over the St. Louis Browns on his 32nd birthday.

1913: Finished sixth in the American League

In 1913, the Detroit Tigers sunk to a dismal sixth place in the American League.

1915: Won 100 games, narrowly lost AL pennant

In 1915, the Detroit Tigers won a then-club record 100 games, but narrowly lost the AL pennant to the Boston Red Sox. The outfield of Ty Cobb, Sam Crawford, and Bobby Veach finished #1, #2, and #3 in RBIs and total bases. Cobb set a stolen base record with 96 steals.

1915: Tigers failed to reach postseason in 1915

In 1961, The Detroit Tigers failed to reach the postseason despite winning 100 or more games, though it had happened once before to the Tigers in 1915.

1916: Finished third in the American League

In 1916, the Detroit Tigers dropped to third place with an 87–67 record.

1920: Hughie Jennings left the Tigers

After the 1920 season, Hughie Jennings left the Detroit Tigers, having accumulated 1,131 wins as a manager.

August 19, 1921: Cobb collects 3,000th career hit

On August 19, 1921, Ty Cobb collected his 3,000th career hit off Elmer Myers of the Boston Red Sox. At 34, he is the youngest player to reach that milestone.

1921: Cobb took over managerial duties

In 1921, Ty Cobb took over managerial duties for the Detroit Tigers.

1921: Set AL record for hits and batting average

In 1921, the Detroit Tigers amassed 1,724 hits and a team batting average of .316, the highest team hit total and batting average in AL history. However, the team finished in sixth place due to poor pitching.

1923: Heilmann hit .403

In 1923, Harry Heilmann hit .403, becoming the last AL player to top .400 until Ted Williams in 1941.

1925: Heilmann wins batting title

In 1925, Harry Heilmann collected six hits in a season-ending doubleheader to win the batting title, finishing at .393 to Tris Speaker's .389.

November 1926: Cobb Announces Retirement

In November 1926, Ty Cobb announced his retirement after 22 seasons with the Detroit Tigers.

1927: Heilmann wins batting title

In 1927, Harry Heilmann finished with a .398 batting average and won his fourth AL batting title.

1933: Acquired Mickey Cochrane

Following the 1933 season, the Detroit Tigers acquired catcher Mickey Cochrane from the Philadelphia Athletics to serve as player-manager.

1934: Did not challenge 1934 team win total

Although the Detroit Tigers won the AL Pennant in 1935, their win total did not challenge the 1934 team's 101 wins.

1934: Best winning percentage in franchise history

In 1934, the Detroit Tigers had their best winning percentage in franchise history at .656.

1934: Lost World Series to St. Louis Cardinals

In 1934, the Detroit Tigers lost the World Series in seven games to the "Gashouse Gang" St. Louis Cardinals. The final game at Navin Field was marred by controversy when Joe Medwick was removed for his own safety after spiking Marv Owen and being pelted with debris.

1934: Won AL pennant with team record

In 1934, the Detroit Tigers won the AL pennant with a 101–53 record, which was a team record for wins at the time. The Tigers infield accumulated 462 runs during the season. Schoolboy Rowe led a strong pitching staff, winning 16 straight decisions at one point and finishing with a 24–8 record.

1934: Won the AL pennant

In 1934, the Detroit Tigers won the American League pennant.

1934: Denny McLain wins 30 games for first time since 1934

In 1968, Denny McLain won 30 games, making it the first time a pitcher had won 30 or more games in a season since Dizzy Dean accomplished the feat in 1934.

1934: First time Tigers and Cardinals meet in World Series since 1934

In the 1968 World Series, it was the first time the Detroit Tigers and St. Louis Cardinals had met in the World Series since 1934.

1934: 1934 team had better winning percentage

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.

1935: Won the World Series

In 1935, the Detroit Tigers won the World Series championship.

1935: Won AL Pennant

In 1935, the Detroit Tigers, featuring four future Hall of Famers, won the AL pennant with a 93-58 record. Hank Greenberg was named AL MVP after leading the league in home runs and RBIs.

1936: Finished second behind the Yankees

Despite being forecast to win the American League pennant in 1936, the Detroit Tigers fell to a distant second place behind the New York Yankees.

1937: Finished second behind the Yankees

In 1937, the Detroit Tigers finished second behind the New York Yankees.

1938: Doubt about 1939 pennant

During the final week of the 1938 season, the Detroit Tigers presciently held out doubts about a pennant in 1939.

1938: Navin Field expanded, renamed Briggs Stadium

In 1938, Navin Field was expanded and renamed Briggs Stadium.

1938: Finished down the standings

In 1938, the Detroit Tigers finished down the standings with an 84–70 record, although Hank Greenberg challenged Babe Ruth's home run record.

1939: Figured that 1940 would be their year.

During the final week of the 1938 season, the Detroit Tigers figured that 1940 would be their year.

1939: Finished down the standings

In 1939, the Detroit Tigers finished down the standings with an 81–73 record.

1940: Figured that 1940 would be their year.

During the final week of the 1938 season, the Detroit Tigers figured that 1940 would be their year.

1940: Won Pennant-clinching game

In 1940, rookie Floyd Giebell pitched the pennant-clinching game against Bob Feller of the Indians, winning 2-0.

1940: Tigers Lose World Series

In 1940, the Detroit Tigers lost the World Series to the Cincinnati Reds in seven games, with a final score of 2–1. Bobo Newsom's father passed away in Cincinnati after watching his son win Game 1. Newsom won Game 5 and pitched Game 7 on one day's rest, but the Tigers lost, making it the third time the Tigers had lost a World Series in a deciding seventh game.

1940: Tigers struggle to recapture the glory of 1940

In 1940, the Detroit Tigers struggled to recapture their previous glory following the loss of Hank Greenberg, who served in the World War II.

1940: Won AL Pennant

In 1940, the Detroit Tigers won the AL pennant by one game. Hank Greenberg won his second AL MVP award after moving to left field and excelling.

1941: Williams hit .406

In 1941, Ted Williams hit .406, breaking a long drought of no AL batter reaching .400 since Harry Heilmann achieved the feat in 1923.

1941: Tigers struggle without Hank Greenberg

In 1941, with Hank Greenberg serving in World War II, the Detroit Tigers struggled, finishing no higher than fifth place.

1943: Tigers struggle without Hank Greenberg

In 1943, with Hank Greenberg serving in World War II, the Detroit Tigers struggled, finishing no higher than fifth place.

1944: Tigers finish second, Hal Newhouser wins MVP

In 1944, the Detroit Tigers finished second in the American League, largely due to pitchers Hal Newhouser and Dizzy Trout. Newhouser won his first of two consecutive AL MVP awards, going 29-9 with a 2.22 ERA. The Tigers were in first place as late as September 18 but finished one game behind the St. Louis Browns.

1945: Tigers continue winning records after World Series win

Following their World Series win in 1945, the Detroit Tigers continued to have winning records for the remainder of the decade, finishing second in the AL three times, but never winning the pennant.

1945: Won the World Series

In 1945, the Detroit Tigers won the World Series championship.

1946: Hal Newhouser has outstanding season

In 1946, Hal Newhouser had another outstanding season, leading the league in wins (26) and ERA (1.94) while striking out a career-high 275 batters. He finished second in AL MVP voting. Also in 1946, the Tigers acquired George Kell.

1949: George Kell wins batting title

In 1949, George Kell won the batting title in a close race with Ted Williams, finishing with a .34291 average to Williams' .34276.

1950: Tigers post strong record but finish behind Yankees

The 1950 season was frustrating for the Detroit Tigers, who posted a 95–59 record, the fourth-best in team history at the time. However, they finished three games behind the New York Yankees.

1952: Walter Briggs Sr. dies

In 1952, team owner Walter Briggs Sr. died. His son Walter Briggs Jr. inherited the Detroit Tigers.

1952: Tigers have worst season, Virgil Trucks throws two no-hitters, Walt Dropo gets hits in 12 plate appearances

In 1952, the Detroit Tigers had a dismal season, going 50–104, the worst in team history until 2003. Despite the season, Virgil Trucks threw two no-hitters, and Walt Dropo got a hit in 12 consecutive plate appearances from July 14 to 15.

1952: Tigers Win 57 Games

In 1952, the Tigers won 57 games.

1953: Al Kaline debuts

In 1953, outfielder Al Kaline debuted for the Detroit Tigers, beginning a career in which he never played a day in the minor leagues.

1955: Al Kaline becomes youngest batting champion

In 1955, Al Kaline became the youngest batting champion in major league history at the age of 20, hitting .340.

1955: Brooklyn Dodgers wire-to-wire division lead

The Tigers led their division wire-to-wire, from opening day until the end of the season, as the 1984 World Series champion, a feat that hadn't been done in the major leagues since the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers.

1956: Briggs Jr. forced to sell the Tigers

In 1956, Walter Briggs Jr. was forced to sell the Detroit Tigers to broadcast media owners John Fetzer and Fred Knorr.

1957: John Fetzer Owned the Tigers

Since 1957, the Tigers were owned by broadcasting magnate John Fetzer.

1958: Tigers integrate roster with Ozzie Virgil Sr.

In 1958, the Detroit Tigers became the second to last team to integrate their roster when Dominican player Ozzie Virgil Sr. joined the team.

1960: Tigers improve over 1960

In 1961, the Detroit Tigers had an outstanding season and won 101 games. This was a 30-game improvement over the 71–83 record from 1960.

1961: Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle hit 50 Home Runs

Cecil Fielder was the first AL player to hit 50 home runs since Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle in 1961.

1961: Briggs Stadium renamed Tiger Stadium

In 1961, Briggs Stadium was renamed Tiger Stadium.

1961: Tigers feature two non-white starters

In 1961, the Detroit Tigers featured two non-white starters, Bill Bruton and Jake Wood.

1961: Tigers win 101 games but finish second

In 1961, the Detroit Tigers won 101 games, leading the majors in runs scored, but finished eight games behind the Yankees. Norm Cash won the batting title with a .361 average, and Rocky Colavito had 45 home runs and 140 RBI.

1962: Cobb's stolen base record broken

In 1962, Maury Wills broke Ty Cobb's 1915 stolen base record of 96 steals.

1963: Lolich and McLain join rotation, Horton debuts

In 1963, pitchers Mickey Lolich and Denny McLain entered the Detroit Tigers' rotation. Outfielder Willie Horton also came aboard.

1964: Stanley and Northrup come aboard

In 1964, outfielders Mickey Stanley and Jim Northrup joined the Detroit Tigers.

1966: Tigers finish third, managers resign due to health problems

During the 1966 season, the Detroit Tigers finished third. Manager Chuck Dressen and acting manager Bob Swift both resigned due to health problems. Dressen died of a heart attack, and Swift died of lung cancer. Frank Skaff took over as manager until the end of the season. Mayo Smith was hired as the new manager following the season.

1967: Tigers finish one game behind Red Sox in pennant race

In 1967, the Detroit Tigers were involved in a close pennant race, finishing one game behind the Boston Red Sox. They needed to sweep a doubleheader on the last day of the season to force a playoff, but lost the second game. Earl Wilson led the Tigers with 22 wins.

1968: Tigers clinch pennant, McLain wins 31 games

In 1968, the Detroit Tigers clinched the AL pennant on September 17, finishing with a 103–59 record. Denny McLain went 31–6 with a 1.96 ERA, winning the AL MVP and Cy Young Award. It was the first time a pitcher had won 30 or more games in a season since 1934.

1968: Won the World Series

In 1968, the Detroit Tigers won the World Series championship.

1968: Tigers' World Series Season

In 1968, the Tigers had a World Series season.

1968: Tigers face Cardinals in World Series

In the 1968 World Series, the Detroit Tigers faced the St. Louis Cardinals. Manager Mayo Smith made the bold decision to play Mickey Stanley at shortstop, allowing him to play an outfield of Willie Horton, Jim Northrup, and Al Kaline in every game.

1969: Oakland Athletics Become Competitive After Realignment

After the 1969 realignment, the Oakland Athletics became steadily competitive in the American League West division.

1969: Leagues realign, Tigers placed in AL East

In 1969, both leagues realigned into two divisions, and the Detroit Tigers were placed in the American League East. Denny McLain had another outstanding season, earning his second straight Cy Young Award, but the Tigers failed to defend their title, finishing second to the Baltimore Orioles.

1969: Billy Martin managed Twins to AL West Division title

In 1970, Mayo Smith was let go and replaced by Billy Martin who managed the Twins to an AL West Division title in 1969, but was fired after that season.

1970: Tigers finish fourth, Mayo Smith let go

In 1970, the Detroit Tigers had a disappointing season, finishing fourth in the AL East. Mayo Smith was let go and replaced by Billy Martin.

1971: Tigers post 91 wins, Lolich strikes out 308

In 1971, Billy Martin's Detroit Tigers posted 91 wins, finishing second behind the Orioles. Mickey Lolich led the AL with 308 strikeouts, which is still the single-season record in franchise history. Lolich also won 25 games and threw 376 innings.

1971: John Hiller Suffers Heart Attack

In 1971, relief pitcher John Hiller suffered a heart attack.

1972: Tigers capture first AL East division title

In 1972, Joe Coleman, Eddie Brinkman, and Aurelio Rodríguez played crucial roles as the Tigers secured their first AL East division title. Despite an 86–70 record, the Tigers won by just 1⁄2 game due to an early season strike. Brinkman was named Tiger of the Year, and set AL records for a shortstop. Mickey Lolich won 22 games with a 2.50 ERA, while Coleman won 19. The acquisition of Woodie Fryman on August 2 proved pivotal, as he went 10–3 and won the division-clinching game on October 3 against the Boston Red Sox.

1972: Won division title as member of AL East

In 1972, the Detroit Tigers won a division title as a member of the AL East.

1972: ALCS Game 1: Kaline Homer and LaGrow Hitting Bert Campaneris

In the 1972 ALCS Game 1, Mickey Lolich allowed one run over nine innings against the Athletics, matched by Catfish Hunter. Al Kaline's solo homer in the 11th was followed by a throwing error, leading to a 2-1 loss for the Tigers. In Game 2, Detroit lost 5-0. Lerrin LaGrow hit Bert Campaneris with a pitch, leading to Campaneris throwing his bat at LaGrow. Both were suspended for the remainder of the series.

1972: Northrup feuds with Martin in ALCS

The feud between Jim Northrup and Billy Martin began during the 1972 ALCS, which Northrup claimed "took the fun out of the game."

1973: John Hiller records 38 saves

In 1973, John Hiller had his first full season since his 1971 heart attack, leading the league with 38 saves and posting a 1.44 ERA. Hiller's 38 saves stood as a Tiger record until 2000.

1973: Tigers drop to third place, Martin fired for spitball incident

In the 1973 season, the Tigers dropped to third place with an 85–77 record. Joe Coleman posted 23 wins, but other starters struggled. Willie Horton hit .316, and Jim Northrup hit .307. Billy Martin was fired in September after ordering his pitchers to throw spitballs in protest of Gaylord Perry. Joe Schultz served as interim manager.

1974: Al Kaline Retires

In 1974, Al Kaline retired after notching his 3,000th career hit.

1975: Tigers Win Lowest Since 1952

In 1975, the Tigers' 57 wins were their lowest since 1952.

1976: Mark Fidrych debuts and becomes AL Rookie of the Year

In 1976, 21-year-old rookie Mark Fidrych debuted for the Tigers. Fidrych, known as "The Bird", was known for talking to the baseball. He entered the All-Star break at 9–2 with a 1.78 ERA and started the All-Star Game. He finished the season with a 19–9 record and a league-leading 2.34 ERA, earning the AL Rookie of the Year award.

1976: Aurelio Rodríguez wins Gold Glove Award

In 1976, Aurelio Rodríguez won the Gold Glove Award at third base, ending Brooks Robinson's 16-season streak.

1977: George Foster Hits 50 Home Runs

Cecil Fielder was the first player to hit 50 home runs since George Foster in 1977.

1977: Morris, Parrish, Trammell and Whitaker debut

Injuries limited Mark Fidrych's appearances in 1977, but Jack Morris, Lance Parrish, Alan Trammell, and Lou Whitaker debuted.

1977: Tigers Do Not Have a Winning Season

The Tigers did not have a winning season from 1974 to 1977.

1978: Ralph Houk's final season as manager

1978 marked Ralph Houk's final season as the Tigers' manager. The Tigers had a winning season in 1978, their only one under Houk.

1978: Tigers have a winning season

In 1978, the Tigers won 88 games, their only winning season under manager Ralph Houk.

June 14, 1979: Sparky Anderson becomes Tigers manager

On June 14, 1979, George "Sparky" Anderson became the manager of the Detroit Tigers.

1980: Al Kaline elected to Baseball Hall of Fame

In 1980, Al Kaline was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

1983: Tigers Finish Second in AL East

In 1983, the Tigers finished second in the AL East, winning 92 games but falling six games behind the Baltimore Orioles.

1983: Hernández Acquired From Phillies

In the offseason before 1984, Willie Hernández was acquired from the 1983 NL champion Philadelphia Phillies.

1983: Sale of the team announced

Late in 1983, it was announced that broadcasting magnate John Fetzer was selling the Tigers to Domino's Pizza founder and CEO Tom Monaghan.

1984: Tom Monaghan buys the Tigers

In 1984, broadcasting magnate John Fetzer sold the Tigers to Domino's Pizza founder and CEO Tom Monaghan for $53 million.

1984: Won the World Series

In 1984, the Detroit Tigers won the World Series championship.

1984: "Bless You Boys" becomes team phrase

In 1984, what started as sarcastic remark from Detroit TV sports anchor Al Ackerman, the phrase "Bless You Boys" took on a new meaning as the team went on to win the World Series.

1984: Tigers start season 9-0, Morris throws no-hitter

The 1984 Tigers started the season 9–0, with Jack Morris throwing a nationally televised no-hitter against Chicago in the fourth game. They went 35–5 over their first forty games and won a franchise-record 104 games. They led the division from opening day, finishing 15 games ahead of the Blue Jays. Willie Hernández won the Cy Young Award and AL MVP.

1985: Tigers Finish Third Place

In 1985, the Tigers finished in third place.

1986: Tigers Finish Third Place Again

In 1986, the Tigers again finished in third place.

1987: Tigers win AL East Division title

After an 11–19 start, the 1987 Tigers gained ground on their rivals, fueled by the acquisition of Doyle Alexander. Alexander went 9–0 with a 1.53 ERA. Despite being 2.5 games behind, the Tigers swept the Blue Jays to clinch the division on October 4 with a 1-0 victory in front of 51,000 fans. Frank Tanana pitched a complete-game shutout, and Larry Herndon hit a home run.

1987: Won division title as member of AL East

In 1987, the Detroit Tigers won a division title as a member of the AL East.

1987: Tigers Upset by Twins in ALCS

In 1987, the Tigers were upset in the ALCS by the Minnesota Twins 4-1, who then won the World Series. The Twins clinched the series in Game 5 at Tiger Stadium.

1987: Tigers clinch division against Toronto

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 on October 4. Frank Tanana pitched a complete game shutout, and Larry Herndon hit a home run. Detroit finished the season two games ahead of Toronto.

1988: Tigers finish second place

In 1988, the Tigers finished the season in second place with an 88-74 record, one game behind the Boston Red Sox. Kirk Gibson left the team for free agency in the offseason.

1989: Tigers Collapse to Worst Record in Majors

In 1989, the Tigers collapsed to a 59–103 record, the worst in the majors.

December 1990: Ernie Harwell's Contract Not Renewed

In December 1990, the Tigers and radio station WJR announced that they were not renewing the contract of Hall of Fame announcer Ernie Harwell, with 1991 being his last season with the team. The announcement was met with protests from fans.

1990: Fielder Leads AL with 51 Home Runs

In 1990, Cecil Fielder led the American League with 51 home runs. The Tigers improved by 20 wins and went 79-83.

1991: Tigers Post Winning Record

In 1991, the Tigers posted a winning record with an 84-78 season, with Bill Gullickson winning 20 games.

August 1992: Mike Ilitch Buys the Franchise

In August of 1992, Mike Ilitch bought the Detroit Tigers. He also owned the Detroit Red Wings and was the President and CEO of Little Caesars Pizza.

1992: Sparky Anderson broke Jennings' record

In 1992, Sparky Anderson broke Hughie Jennings' record of 1,131 wins as a manager for the Detroit Tigers.

1992: Fielder wins AL RBI title and Ilitch buys team, Anderson wins 1132nd game as Tigers manager.

In 1992, the Tigers won only 75 games, but Cecil Fielder won the AL RBI title. In August 1992, Mike Ilitch, the President and CEO of Little Caesars Pizza, bought the franchise and rehired Ernie Harwell. Sparky Anderson won his 1,132nd game as Tigers manager.

1993: Tigers Respond and Post 85-77

In 1993, the Tigers responded with an 85–77 season, but it would be their last winning season for a number of years.

October 2, 1995: Sparky Anderson Retires

On October 2, 1995, manager Sparky Anderson chose to end his career with the Detroit Tigers and retire from baseball altogether.

1995: Sparky Anderson's last season as Tigers manager

The 1995 season was Sparky Anderson's last as manager of the Detroit Tigers, having served in that role since June 14, 1979.

1996: Tigers Lose Record 109 Games

In 1996, under new general manager Randy Smith, the Detroit Tigers lost a then-team record of 109 games.

1998: Tigers Move to AL Central

In 1998, the Detroit Tigers moved from the AL East, where they had been since 1969, to the AL Central as part of a realignment due to the addition of the expansion Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

1999: Last season at Tiger Stadium

In 1999, the Detroit Tigers played their last season at Tiger Stadium.

2000: Todd Jones breaks John Hiller's saves record

In 2000, Todd Jones broke John Hiller's Tiger record with 42 saves.

2000: Comerica Park Criticized for Dimensions

In 2000, shortly after opening, Comerica Park drew criticism for its deep dimensions, leading to the nickname "Comerica National Park." Juan González hit only 22 home runs, citing the park's dimensions as a reason for turning down a contract extension.

2000: Tigers Move to Comerica Park

In 2000, the Detroit Tigers left Tiger Stadium in favor of Comerica Park.

2000: Began playing at Comerica Park

Since 2000, the Detroit Tigers have played their home games at Comerica Park in Downtown Detroit.

2001: Dave Dombrowski Hired as Team President

In late 2001, Dave Dombrowski, former general manager of the 1997 World Series champion Florida Marlins, was hired as team president of the Detroit Tigers.

2002: Smith and Garner Fired

In 2002, after starting the season 0-6, Dave Dombrowski fired general manager Randy Smith and manager Phil Garner. Dombrowski took over as general manager and named Luis Pujols interim manager, who finished the season and was later let go.

August 30, 2003: Tigers Lose 100 Games Before September

On August 30, 2003, the Detroit Tigers' defeat caused them to join the 1962 New York Mets as the only modern MLB teams to lose 100 games before September.

2003: Tigers Finish with Worst Record in Franchise History

In 2003, the Detroit Tigers finished with a 43–119 record, the worst in franchise history, surpassing the 1916 Philadelphia Athletics' AL record of 117 losses. The 2003 Tigers rank as the fourth worst team in major league history based on total losses.

2003: Worst winning percentage in franchise history

In 2003, the Detroit Tigers had their worst winning percentage in franchise history at .265.

2003: Comerica Park Fence Moved In

In 2003, the Detroit Tigers largely quieted the criticism of Comerica Park by moving in the left-center fence to 370 feet, taking the flagpole out of play.

2003: 2003 Team breaks record for most losses in a season

In 2003, the Detroit Tigers lost 119 games, making it the worst season in Tigers history breaking the previous record set in 1952.

2004: Tigers Improve by 29 Games

In 2004, after signing or trading for veterans, the Detroit Tigers finished 72-90, a 29-game improvement over 2003, the largest improvement in the AL since 1989.

June 8, 2005: Tigers Trade Urbina and Martinez for Polanco

On June 8, 2005, the Detroit Tigers traded pitcher Ugueth Urbina and infielder Ramón Martínez to the Philadelphia Phillies for Plácido Polanco.

October 2005: Jim Leyland Replaces Alan Trammell as Manager

In October 2005, Jim Leyland, who managed Dombrowski's 1997 World Series champion Florida Marlins, replaced Alan Trammell as manager. Todd Jones signed a two-year deal to return to the Detroit Tigers and Kenny Rogers joined the team.

2005: Comerica Park Bullpens Moved

In 2005, the Detroit Tigers moved the bullpens to the vacant area beyond the left field fence in Comerica Park and filled the previous location with seats.

2005: Detroit Hosts MLB All-Star Game

The highlight of the 2005 Detroit Tigers campaign was the city's hosting of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, its first since 1971. Ivan Rodriguez finished second in the Home Run Derby.

2006: "Gum Time" Rally Cry

During a June game in the 2006 season against the New York Yankees, Tigers pitcher Nate Robertson's in-game interview, during which he stuffed Big League Chew bubble gum into his mouth, sparked a rally, leading to the popularization of the phrase "Gum Time".

2006: Tigers Advance to World Series

In 2006, the Detroit Tigers beat the New York Yankees and swept the Oakland Athletics to advance to the World Series, where they lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in five games.

2006: Tigers Clinch Playoff Berth

In 2006, the Detroit Tigers had their first winning season since 1993 and clinched their first playoff berth since 1987 after beating the Kansas City Royals on September 24.

2006: Playoff Rivalry with the New York Yankees

In 2006, the Detroit Tigers won a playoff series against the New York Yankees, marking the beginning of a significant postseason rivalry between the two clubs.

2006: Won the AL pennant

In 2006, the Detroit Tigers won the American League pennant.

2006: Tigers' Next Postseason Appearance

The 1987 season was the Tigers' last postseason appearance until 2006.

September 26, 2007: Tigers Eliminated from Playoff Competition

On September 26, 2007, the Detroit Tigers were officially eliminated from playoff competition when the New York Yankees clinched a wild card berth.

2007: Andrew Miller Called Up

During the offseason, the Tigers traded for outfielder Gary Sheffield. In 2007, Andrew Miller, who was drafted in 2006, was called up early in the campaign.

2007: Magglio Ordóñez Wins AL Batting Title

In 2007, Magglio Ordóñez captured the AL batting title with a .363 average, becoming the first Detroit Tigers player to win it since Norm Cash in 1961.

September 25, 2008: Todd Jones Retires

On September 25, 2008, the Detroit Tigers lost closer Todd Jones to retirement.

2009: Tigers Lose Tie-Breaker Game to Twins

The 2009 Detroit Tigers season ended on October 6 with a 6–5 loss in 12 innings to the Minnesota Twins in the tie-breaker game, leaving the Tigers with an 86–77 record. The Tigers spent 146 days of the 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.

June 2, 2010: Controversial Umpire Call Costs Galarraga a Perfect Game

On June 2, 2010, Armando Galarraga of the Detroit Tigers was pitching a perfect game against the Cleveland Indians when a controversial call by first-base umpire Jim Joyce ruled Jason Donald safe at first with 2 outs in the top of the ninth inning. Joyce apologized to Galarraga the next day.

2011: José Valverde breaks Todd Jones' saves record

In 2011, José Valverde broke Todd Jones' Tiger record with 49 saves.

2011: Slogan Switch to "Who's Your Tiger?"

In 2011, the Detroit Tigers switched their slogan back to "Who's Your Tiger?"

2011: Playoff Rivalry with the New York Yankees

In 2011, the Detroit Tigers won a playoff series against the New York Yankees, adding to the significant postseason rivalry between the two clubs.

2011: Won the AL Central division championship

In 2011, the Detroit Tigers won the AL Central division championship.

2012: ALCS Sweep of the New York Yankees

In 2012, the Detroit Tigers achieved a dominant four-game sweep against the New York Yankees in the ALCS, highlighted by Miguel Cabrera’s performance and Justin Verlander's Game 3 triumph, further intensifying the playoff rivalry.

2012: Won the AL pennant and AL Central division championship

In 2012, the Detroit Tigers won the American League pennant and the AL Central division championship.

2013: Max Scherzer breaks Mullin's record

In 2013, Max Scherzer broke George Mullin's 1909 Tigers record for consecutive wins to start a season, with a 13-0 start.

2013: Won the AL Central division championship

In 2013, the Detroit Tigers won the AL Central division championship.

2014: Won the AL Central division championship

In 2014, the Detroit Tigers won the AL Central division championship.

2015: John Smoltz Inducted Into Hall of Fame

The Tigers acquired pitcher Doyle Alexander from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for minor league pitcher John Smoltz. In 2015, Smoltz was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

2016: Cubs win World Series

In 2016, the Chicago Cubs ended their championship drought, winning their first World Series since 1908 when they defeated the Detroit Tigers.

August 3, 2024: Jim Leyland's Number Retired

On August 3, 2024, the Detroit Tigers retired Jim Leyland's No. 10.

2024: Newhouser still only AL pitcher with consecutive MVP Awards

As of 2024, Hal Newhouser remains the only pitcher in American League history to win the MVP Award in two consecutive seasons, having achieved the feat in the mid-1940s.

2024: Lolich is last pitcher with three complete-game victories in World Series

As of 2024, Mickey Lolich remains the last pitcher to have three complete-game victories in a single World Series, achieving this feat in 1968.

2024: End of overall win-loss record

From 1901 to 2024, the Detroit Tigers' overall win-loss record is 9,676–9,567–93 (.503).

2024: American League Division Series vs. Cleveland Guardians

In 2024, the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Guardians met in the postseason for the first time in the American League Division Series, with the Guardians winning the series 3–2.

2024: Unveiling of City Connect Jersey

In 2024, the Detroit Tigers unveiled their first City Connect jersey, a nod to Detroit's automobile industry, featuring a navy blue jersey with electric blue tire tread patterns, the "Motor City" nickname, racing stripes, and a sleeve patch referencing Comerica Park's location on Woodward Avenue.

2024: Postseason Matchup against Cleveland Guardians

In 2024, the Detroit Tigers' postseason matchup against the Cleveland Guardians intensified divisional rivalry narratives; after splitting a closely contested five-game ALDS, the Guardians advanced, but the Tigers’ upset sweep of the Houston Astros in the AL Wild Card Series reinvigorated fan support and expectations.