January 23 in Tigers and mlb history:
1927 - In the continuing clash between Commissioner Kenesaw Landis and American League President Ban Johnson, the AL owners are prepared to censure Johnson. But his serious health problems convince them to change their stance and Johnson is given an indefinite leave of absence instead. Tigers President Frank Navin takes over control of the league on an interim basis and the owners adopt a resolution repudiating the charges that Johnson made against Landis.
1962: Pitcher Bob Feller and infielder Jackie Robinson are elected to the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers Association of America in their first year of eligibility.
1968 - Outfielder Joe Medwick is voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In his brilliant 17-season career Medwick was a .324 hitter with 205 home runs and 1383 RBI. A ten-time All-Star, in 1937 he won the Triple Crown and was named the National League MVP.
1975 - Former Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Ralph Kiner gains election to the Hall of Fame in his final year on the ballot. Kiner hit 369 home runs over a 10-year career, leading the National League in home runs each season from 1946 to 1952. In one of the narrowest margins ever, Kiner is elected by just one vote over the 75 per cent minimum required for induction.
1979 - Outfielder Willie Mays, considered one of the greatest players of all time, is elected to the Hall of Fame by the BBWAA. Mays garners 409 out of 432 votes and becomes the 14th man to gain election in his first year on the ballot. Mays will officially enter the HoF on August 5th, along with Veterans Committee selections Warren Giles and Hack Wilson.
2004 ? The Tigers agree to sign free agent catcher Pudge Rodriguez to a four-year deal. In his 4 1/2 seasons in Detroit, Rodriguez hit .298 with 62 home runs and 300 RBIs. He went to three All-Star Games, won two Gold Gloves and helped lead the Tigers to the 2006 World Series.
Tigers players and coaches birthdays:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/donahre01.shtml
Red Donahue 1906.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mullebi01.shtml
Billy Mullen 1926.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Cot_Deal
Cot Deal coach 1973-1974.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/spikech01.shtml
Charlie Spikes 1978.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rincoju01.shtml
Juan Rincon 2009.
Tigers players who passed away:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Saul_Rogovin
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rogovsa01.shtml
Saul Rogovin 1949-1951.
from Baseball Reference
