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Detroit Tigers Team Notes Over 3 Million Views!!! Thankyou!

October 27 in Tigers and mlb history:

1922: Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner was born this day. He led the National League in Home Runs for seven straight seasons!
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1924: The Chicago Cubs trade pitcher Vic Aldridge and first basemen George Grantham and Al Niehaus to the Pittsburgh Pirates for 1B Charlie Grimm, SS Rabbit Maranville and P Wilbur Cooper. Grantham will hit .300 in six seasons for Pittsburgh, while Grimm will play 11 seasons with Chicago, eventually becoming player-manager. In 1925, Maranville will be named a player-manager as well. Cooper, who has averaged 20 wins a year over the past six seasons, will drop to 12-14 with the Cubs.

1948: Commissioner Happy Chandler orders free agency for ten Detroit minor leaguers for the club's cover-up of their contracts. One of the players who will make the major leagues is Bill Serena, with a six-year career.

1948: Bill Macdonald of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.
1948: Bill Serena of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

1952: The Detroit Tigers traded Neil Berry, Cliff Mapes and $25,000 to the St. Louis Browns for Jake Crawford.

1962: The Detroit Tigers kick off a goodwill tour of Japan with a 12-1 win over the Daimai Orions in front of 27,000 fans at Tokyo Stadium.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CvoliEjWcAAX5hz.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CvsjYpGWIAA9jtF.jpg

1965: The St. Louis Cardinals trade two of their mainstays, sending 1B Bill White and SS Dick Groat to the Philadelphia Phillies for OF Alex Johnson, P Art Mahaffey and C Pat Corrales. St. Louis also throws in C Bob Uecker.

1980: Ralph Houk, who managed the Yankees and Tigers for 16 years before retiring in 1978, is named manager of the Boston Red Sox.

1984: Willie Hernandez named Tiger of the Year by BBWAA Detroit chapter.

1985: Billy Martin is fired by the Yankees for an unprecedented fourth time and is replaced by former Yankees OF Lou Piniella, who had been the team's hitting instructor since retiring as a player in 1984.

1985: The Kansas City Royals become only the sixth team in major league history to rally from a three-games-to-one deficit to win the World Series. Bret Saberhagen pitches a five-hit, 11 - 0 shutout over the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 7 and is named Series MVP.

1986: At Shea Stadium, the New York Mets win the World Series with an 8 - 5 victory over the Boston Red Sox in Game 7. The Mets rally from a 3 - 0 deficit to win behind home runs by Ray Knight and Darryl Strawberry.

1980: In a shocking announcement, Houston Astros owner John McMullen fires President and General Manager Tal Smith, replacing him with Al Rosen, former GM of the Yankees. Smith will soon be named Major League Executive of the Year. The move prompts a rebellion among the Astros' 20 limited owners (who together own over 60 percent of the club), and on November 24th, McMullen will give up his sole authority to run the club, accepting a position on the club's newly-formed executive committee instead.

1985: The Kansas City Royals become only the sixth team in major league history to rally from a three-games-to-one deficit to win the World Series. Bret Saberhagen pitches a five-hit, 11 - 0 shutout over the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 7 and is named Series MVP.


1985: Billy Martin is fired by the Yankees for an unprecedented fourth time and is replaced by former Yankees OF Lou Piniella, who had been the team's hitting instructor since retiring as a player in 1984.

1989: The World Series resumes after a ten-day delay because of the San Francisco earthquake.

1991: In a Game 7 that rivals any in World Series history, the Atlanta Braves and Minnesota Twins go scoreless through nine innings. Lonnie Smith is decoyed into pausing at second base to keep him from scoring the winner for Atlanta in the 8th. Gene Larkin's single over a drawn-in outfield in the 10th is the difference in the first extra-inning Game 7 in 67 years, as Minnesota is crowned World Champion. Jack Morris, who pitches the 10-inning, 1 - 0 shutout, is named MVP.



1997: Willie Blair of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

1998: President Bill Clinton signs a bill overturning part of baseball's 70-year-old antitrust exemption, putting baseball on par with other professional sports on labor matters. The new law overrides part of a 1922 United States Supreme Court ruling that exempted baseball from antitrust laws on grounds that it was not interstate commerce. That exemption deprived baseball players of protections enjoyed by other professional athletes and that the players' association blamed for contributing to baseball's eight work stoppages since 1972, including the disastrous 232-day strike in 1994-1995.

1998: Frank Castillo of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

2002 - In the team's 42nd season, the Angels finally win a World Series title by beating the Giants, 4 - 1, in Game 7 at Edison Field.

2004: Under the moon's reddish tint caused by a lunar eclipse, the Boston Red Sox exorcise 86 years of agonizing losses by winning their first World Series since 1918. In one of the most dominating Fall Classic performances, Boston, who never trailed during the four games, blank the St. Louis Cardinals, 3 - 0, to complete the sweep. Johnny Damon hits a home run on the fourth pitch of the game, pitcher Derek Lowe makes it stand up.


2005: Rondell White of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

2006: The Cardinals finish off the Tigers in the World Series.

2008: Game 5 of the 2008 World Series begins but does not end. With a 3-1 Series lead, the Phillies hold a 2 - 1 lead entering the 5th but the Rays manage to tie it before heavy rains cause the game to be suspended. It will be continued two days later and Philadelphia will win the title.

2012: Miguel Cabrera is presented with a Triple Crown trophy before Game 3 of the World Series.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DHrZUhOXUAA3f8H.jpg

2012: The World Series returns to Comerica Park. Al Kaline throws out the first pitch.

2012: The Giants shut out the Tigers, 2 - 0, in Game 3 of the World Series.

2017: The Astros win Game 3 of the 2017 World Series at home, 5 - 3 over the Dodgers, behind a great combined pitching performance by Lance McCullers and Brad Peacock, who limit Los Angeles to 4 hits. The Astros chase Yu Darvish with 4 runs in the 2nd, but five relievers manage to keep the game close until the end, although the Dodgers' bullpen is heavily taxed again, with 6 1/3 innings of work after having had to work 7 innings in Game 2.

2018: Down 4 - 0 after 6 innings, the Red Sox score 9 runs over the last three innings to win Game 4 of the World Series, 9 - 6 over the Dodgers. Yasiel Puig hits a three-run homer to help build Los Angeles's lead, but a three-run pinch-homer by Mitch Moreland and a solo shot by Steve Pearce tie the game, before the Red Sox score 5 runs in the 9th to put the game away.

2020: Nick Ramirez of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

2020: In a case of management by spreadsheet gone wild, in Game 6 of the World Series, Rays manager Kevin Cash removes pitcher Blake Snell, who has been dominant, with one out and one on in the 6th and a 1-0 lead, achieved on Randy Arozarena's 10th homer of the postseason off Tony Gonsolin in the 1st. He replaces Snell with the struggling Nick Anderson in order not to have him face the batting order a third time. The Dodgers quickly take the lead on a double by Mookie Betts, a wild pitch and an infield grounder. Betts adds a solo homer in the 8th and the Dodgers win the game, 3 - 1, and the 7th World Series title of their history, their first since 1988. Corey Seager is named World Series MVP.

2020: Heritage Auction Sports announces: We are honored to present the legendary Al Kaline's Collection in our current auction. According to his son Mark it was "Mr Tiger's" idea to sell the collection so baseball fans everywhere could own a piece of his incredible career. Open for bidding now.

2022: The Detroit Tigers released Ricardo Sanchez.

Tigers players birthdays:

Frank Okrie Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com
Frank Okrie 1920.

Clarence Huber Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com
Clarence Huber 1920-1921.

https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/George_Smith_(smithge03)
George Smith Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com
George Smith 1926-1929.

https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Bob_Patrick
Bob Patrick Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com
Bob Patrick 1941-1942.

Bip Roberts Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com
Bip Roberts 1998.

Jason Johnson Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com
Jason Johnson 2004-2005.

Brent Clevlen Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com
Brent Clevlen 2006-2008.

Tigers players who passed away:

Red Lynn Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com
Red Lynn 1939.

Ben Steiner Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com
Ben Steiner 1947.

https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Joe_Niekro
Joe Niekro Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com
Joe Niekro 1970-1972.

Baseball Reference
 
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https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2023/10/26/five-for-friday-90/
FIVE FOR FRIDAY.
Totally Tigers

If you?ve read anything about Theo Epstein, you?ll remember that he said rebuilding an organization?s culture and foundation take a minimum of 3 years. Once you take over a franchise, there are many layers that require culling in order to get the right mix of talent, personalities and professional skills.

So no one shouldn?t be surprised that on an off day from the October games, the Tigers started making their second round of employee cuts. Eight more employees announced with additional ones that were not included in the reporting. Expect more once the World Series is over.

Most of those terminated are not among the top tier of decision-makers. However, releasing them makes a big statement about the cultural changes being made within the Tigers organization.

So what are the most important takeaways?

I?ve got 5:
 
Jake Rogers finally arrived.
He cleaned up his receiving on defense, topped 20 home runs on offense and established himself as an above-average catcher in the big leagues, all in his first full season.

Russ Steinhorn, ex-Astros minor-league manager, on Jake Rogers:
"That's what everybody is looking for. Look around the league, and look around different organizations, everybody is looking for that type of guy, someone that's so advanced defensively and a threat offensively."

Freep
 
October 28 in Tigers and mlb history:

1953: Red Barber resigns from the Brooklyn Dodgers broadcast booth and takes a job with the rival New York Yankees.

1958: In San Francisco, construction begins on the new ballpark for the Giants. The rocks in the area resembled candlesticks.

1961: Workers break ground on a new ballpark in Flushing Meadows, Queens, NY. Shea Stadium will become the home of the expansion New York Mets in 1964.

1968: Future Hall of Famer Bob Gibson of the St. Louis Cardinals wins his first Cy Young Award. Gibson is a unanimous choice after dominating hitters with a 22-9 record and an ERA of 1.12 during the "Year of the Pitcher".

1968: The Detroit Tigers released Eddie Mathews.

1981: Behind the solid pitching of Burt Hooton, the Los Angeles Dodgers complete a World Series comeback, defeating the New York Yankees, 9 - 2, in Game 6. The Dodgers had trailed the Series two games to none before bouncing back to win four straight games. Pedro Guerrero drives in five runs for Los Angeles, who avenge two six-game World Series defeats to the Yankees in 1977 and 1978.


1988: The Detroit Tigers traded Walt Terrell to the San Diego Padres for Chris Brown and Keith Moreland.
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1989: The Oakland Athletics complete a sweep in the World Series with a 9 - 6 win over the San Francisco Giants. Rickey Henderson's home run supports starter and winner Mike Moore. Dave Stewart is named Series MVP after winning the first and third game of the Series, which was interrupted by an earthquake.

1992: Gary Pettis of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

1993: Eric Davis of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.
1993: David Wells of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.
1993: Alan Trammell of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

1994: Kirk Gibson of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

1995: The Braves win their first World Series since moving to Atlanta with a 1 - 0 shutout of Cleveland in Game 6. Pitchers Tom Glavine and Mark Wohlers combine on a one-hitter and David Justice hits a home run in the 6th inning for the only run.

1996: The Detroit Tigers traded Ruben Sierra to the Cincinnati Reds for Ben Bailey (minors) and Decomba Conner (minors).

2002: Juan Acevedo of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

2003: Shane Halter of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

2004: Esteban Yan of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

2005: Alexis Gomez of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.
2005: Jason Johnson of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

2007: The Red Sox win their second Championship of the decade, with their sweep of the Rockies in the 2007 World Series.

2008: The Boston Red Sox selected Virgil Vasquez off waivers from the Detroit Tigers.

2012: The Giants complete a sweep of the Tigers in the World Series with a 4 - 3, 10-inning win in Game 4. Miguel Cabrera, Delmon Young and Buster Posey all homer as the two teams are tied, 3 - 3, after 9, then Marco Scutaro drives in Ryan Theriot for the winning run in the top of the 10th. Sergio Romo ends the game picking up his third save. It is the Giants' second Championship in three years.

2018: The Red Sox win their 9th Championship and 4th since 2004 by defeating the Dodgers, 5 - 1, in Game 5 of the World Series. David Price pitches 7 strong innings after allowing a lead-off homer to David Freese, but not before Boston had taken a 2 - 0 lead on a homer by Steve Pearce off Clayton Kershaw. Mookie Betts, J.D. Martinez and Pearce all hit solo shots later in the game to put the score out of reach, while Joe Kelly and Chris Sale combine to strike out the last six Dodgers batters in order. Pearce is named winner of the World Series Most Valuable Player Award.

2019: During an off-day in the World Series, the Pirates announce that they have fired General Manager Neal Huntington after a last-place finish.

2019: The Red Sox announce the hiring of Chaim Bloom as Head of Baseball Operations, in replacement of David Dombrowski who was fired a few weeks earlier.

2020: C.J. Cron of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.
2020: Austin Romine of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.
2020: Jonathan Schoop of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.
2020: Jordan Zimmermann of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

2020: A day after the successful completion of the World Series in spite of extremely complicated circumstances, Major League Baseball gets a huge black eye when it is revealed that one of the players involved, Dodgers 3B Justin Turner, returned a positive test for COVID-19 during the game. While he was quietly removed from the game in the 8th inning and placed in isolation, in accordance with agreed protocols, the problems occurred during the ensuing championship celebrations, as Turner "emphatically refused to comply" with security personnel and joined his teammates on the field, posing with the World Series Trophy while ignoring all precautions. Condemnation around the country is swift and harsh, and Commissioner Rob Manfred announces he will open an investigation, with punishment likely to be meted out on both Turner and the Dodgers.

Tigers players and coaches birthdays:

https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Johnny_Neun
Johnny Neun Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com
Johnny Neun 1925-1928.

https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Liz_Funk
Liz Funk Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com
Elias 'Liz' Funk 1930.

https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Bob_Melvin
Bob Melvin Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com
Bob Melvin 1985, coach 2000.

https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Jeremy_Bonderman
Jeremy Bonderman Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com
Jeremy Bonderman 2003-2010, 2013.

Tigers players who passed away:

Joe Samuels Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com
Joe Samuels 1930.

Andújar Cedeño Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com
Andujar Cedeno 1996.

Baseball Reference
 
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https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2023/10/27/saturday-survey-101/
SATURDAY SURVEY.
Totally Tigers

Friday night was the start of the World Series between the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Rangers were tied for the 3rd best team in the American League with 90 wins. The D?backs were the National League?s 6th best team with 84 wins. They finished the year 16 games back of the Dodgers.

Their winning percentages combined for the lowest seen since the 1973 World Series.

Both teams made it by earning wild card slots and not winning their divisions outright.

It is the first year in which an extra wild card slot was added. There are now 3 of them that involve a best-of-3 series.

Overall, MLB has moved from a 10-team playoff format to 12.

Part of MLB?s rationale is that any team can compete for a championship regardless of their market and payroll. The new system has also shown us that often it is the hottest, not the best, teams that get into the World Series.

What do you think of this year?s contenders? Is the new system a legitimate one? Is it good to potentially have a larger element of surprise in who advances?

Do you like the new MLB playoff format?

1. I like the new system w/3 wild card slots.

2. I prefer the previous wild card system w/2 wild card slots.

VOTE
 
October 29 in Tigers and mlb history:

1889: The New York Giants (National League) defeat the Brooklyn Bridegrooms (American Association - early Dodgers) to win the World's Championship Series, a precursor to the modern-day World Series.

1899: The Free Press publishes this map for an upcoming University of Michigan football game at Bennett Park at Michigan & Trumbull.

1920: Boston Red Sox manager Ed Barrow becomes the general manager of the New York Yankees. Barrow led the Red Sox to the World Championship in 1918 and will find even greater success in New York. Hugh Duffy replaces Barrow in Boston.

1927: Babe Ruth & Lou Gehrig pose with members of the Fresno Athletic Club before a barnstorming exhibition game in Fresno, California.

1931: Lefty Grove, winner of 31 games for the Philadelphia Athletics, is named American League MVP. Grove led the league in strikeouts for the seventh straight season and topped all pitchers in winning percentage, ERA and complete games.

1942: Branch Rickey, the architect of the St. Louis Cardinals minor league system, resigns as the team's vice president. The future Hall of Famer will become the president of the Brooklyn Dodgers.

1945: Happy Chandler, who had continued to serve in the U.S. Senate after becoming commissioner, resigns his political office. He will move the commissioner's quarters to Cincinnati.

1956: The Chicago White Sox name future Hall of Famer Al Lopez as their new manager. Lopez replaces Marty Marion, who was fired after guiding the Sox to a third-place finish in the American League.

1963: The New York Yankees released Yogi Berra.

1969: Tom Seaver, who won 25 games to help lead the Mets to one of the most unlikely World Championships in major league history, is voted the National League Cy Young Award winner.

1975: Fred Lynn of the Boston Red Sox is the overwhelming choice as American League Rookie of the Year. Lynn, who helped the Red Sox to the AL championship, made the All-Star team, hit .331 with 21 home runs and 105 RBI, and led the league in runs (103), doubles (47), slugging percentage (.566) and OPS (.967). A Gold Glove winner as well, he will become the first rookie to win the Most Valuable Player Award later this off-season.

1979: Hall of Famer Willie Mays severs all ties to Major League Baseball after signing a contract with the Bally Corporation, which is involved with legalized gambling in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

1983: Alan Trammell suffers a costume-related knee injury at a Halloween party. The injury will bother him throughout the 1984 season, but not keep him from winning World Series MVP.

1984: Willie Hernandez files a trade demand as part of contract renegotiations.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CvjGYxeXYAADDlO.jpg

1991: Mark Salas of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

1992: Eric King of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

1997: Groundbreaking for new ballpark to replace Tiger Stadium is held. Hal Newhouser throws out the ceremonial first pitch at groundbreaking. Later named Comerica Park, home of Detroit Tigers.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DMgWSmMWsAE1W0x.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DMgWc6wX4AA5P-W.jpg

2001: Commissioner Bud Selig says Major League Baseball is considering eliminating two teams by the start of next season. Contraction would include the Montreal Expos and either the Minnesota Twins or the Florida Marlins.

2001: The Detroit Tigers signed Ryan Jackson as a free agent.

2004: The Detroit Tigers signed Craig Dingman as a free agent.
2004: Al Levine of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

2007: Sean Casey of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.
2007: Vic Darensbourg of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.
2007: Kevin Hooper of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.
2007: Jason Karnuth of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.
2007: Anastacio Martinez of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.
2007: Henry Mateo of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.
2007: Alan Mills of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.
2007: Dane Sardinha of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.
2007: Dennis Tankersley of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.
2007: Andres Torres of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.
2007: Steve Torrealba of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.
2007: Todd Jones of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

2007: The Detroit Tigers traded Gorkys Hernandez and Jair Jurrjens to the Atlanta Braves for Edgar Renteria.

2008: The Philadelphia Phillies win the World Series, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in five games.


2012: Gerald Laird of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.
2012: Jose Valverde of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.
2012: Delmon Young of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.
2012: Anibal Sanchez of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

2014: The Giants win Game 7 of the World Series, 3 - 2, over the Royals to clinch their third Championship in five years. Madison Bumgarner pitches the last five innings without giving up a run to earn the save, completing an otherworldly pitching performance that earns him the World Series Most Valuable Player Award.

2017: Game 5 of the 2017 World Series is another wild one, as the Astros defeat the Dodgers, 13 - 12, in 10 innings. The Astros come back from early deficits of 4 - 0 and 7 - 4, and the Dodgers are down 12 - 9 in the top of the 9th before forcing extra innings, when Alex Bregman drives in pinch-runner Derek Fisher with a hit to left field off Kenley Jansen to end the contest. The game takes 5 hours and 17 minutes and features 7 homers, for a record total of 22 in the series, with at least one more game to be played.

2018: Jose Iglesias of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.
2018: Francisco Liriano of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.
2018: Victor Martinez of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.
2018: Jarrod Saltalamacchia of the Detroit Tigers granted free agency.

2019: For a record 6th straight game, the visiting team is the winner in Game 6 of the World Series, as Washington defeats Houston, 7 - 2, to force a Game 7. After giving up a pair of 1st-inning runs, Stephen Strasburg pitches into the 9th inning, while Anthony Rendon drives in 5 runs. Two of these come in the pivotal 7th inning on a homer that follows a controversial interference call by home plate umpire Sam Holbrook that goes against Washington and leads to the ejection of manager Dave Martinez. For Houston, Justin Verlander is now 0-6 in 7 career World Series starts, a blight on an otherwise stellar career.

2020: The White Sox dig deep into their past to name their new manager, plucking 76-year-old Hall of Famer Tony LaRussa from retirement. He first managed the Sox from 1979 to 1986, and the 35-year gap between stints managing the same team is the longest in North American professional sports history. Observers helpfully point out that not a single current player was even born when he first began managing, the oldest current major leaguer being Albert Pujols, who was born in 1980.

Tigers players birthdays:

Frank Browning Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com
Frank Browning 1910.

Joseph Finneran Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com
Happy Finneran 1918.

Kip Young Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com
Kip Young 1978-1979.

Darrell Brown Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com
Darrell Brown 1981.

Greg Gohr Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com
Greg Gohr 1993-1996.

Karim García Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com
Karim Garcia 1999-2000.

Tigers players who passed away:

Frank Fuller Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com
Frank Fuller 1915-1916.

Anse Moore Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com
Anse Moore 1946.

Harry Malmberg Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com
Harry Malmberg 1955.

Baseball Reference
 
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https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2023/10/28/deeper-discussions-93/
DEEPER DISCUSSIONS.
Totally Tigers

Oh, those special assistants who work for GMs. They have become quite the controversy for many MLB teams.

Initially, their main purpose was to be mascots for their organizations. Figureheads trotted out at special events and spring training to impart words of wisdom to players and glad-hand fans who would be inspired to buy more tickets.

But then, things changed. Some ?special assistants? actually got involved in how their teams were being run. Offering advice and putting GMs in a quandary. And because of their status, they were never held accountable for offering bad advice.

Some of these teams found themselves in this uncomfortable position because of their owners who pushed these special assistants upon them. Many of them who had direct access to an owner?s ear.

Recently, stories about some special assistants who are weighing in heavily with thoughts about who should interview for manager and GM positions.

The casual fans don?t understand how the influence of much older, retired players and managers can disrupt a team and muddle the message. Especially when they haven?t been active in the game for decades and still hang onto now outdated strategies.

Several years ago, the Marlins released all of their special assistants and it was a disastrous event for the organization. Fans were very unhappy and unleashed a significant amount of bad press on the team. They were forced to bring them back.

The Detroit Tigers have had special assistants for years. All of them have had different jobs.

Al Kaline, of course, was one. He was an advisor, evaluator/coach of outfielders and mentor to players. Willie Horton is a mentor as well and remains with the team although age and health have decreased his involvement.

Al Avila brought Kirk Gibson on board with responsibilities that included infield instruction, personnel decisions and scouting. And then adding the Front Office voice to tv broadcasts. It is unclear how much of this he is doing today due to health reasons.

The former GM also brought in Lance Parrish and gave him the responsibilities of traveling throughout the minor leagues, offering instruction and writing reports based upon his observations. Given the new player development department and new layers of instructors and regional directors, it is unclear whether he is still doing this.

And then there is Alan Trammell. Tram remains very active on the field watching and coaching infielders and helping some transition from 1 position to another. He is mentioned often by current minor leaguers and their coaches who appreciate his experience and instruction.

There is Jim Leyland who was hired by Dave Dombrowski a year before he departed Detroit. At the time, Leyland said he was going to be ?very active? in his role as scout and talent evaluator.

Under Al Avila, he did much more. He told Avila who to sign (Jordy Mercer, Josh Harrison, etc.) and helped run the war room at draft time. He sat with Al at every spring training game and was often seen in the GM suite at Comerica during games, taking notes.

It is believed that he no longer does any of this and has been relegated by Scott Harris to special events and meet-and-greet events.

Finally, there is the newest special assistant, Miguel Cabrera. He has stated that he does not want to coach and his duties will be further defined going forward.

The last assistant, Mike Russell (a scout appointed by Al Avila), was removed from his position by Scott Harris.

Don?t look for the Tigers to banish any of the remaining special assistants. A very bad PR move and would be seen as a diss against some of Detroit?s most beloved members.

So what do you think about these special assistants? Is it helpful to have them from a PR standpoint? Do they bring value?

Or do they complicate how an organization is run given that they played 50 years ago? Or managed since the 1980?s?

What should be the role of special assistants to the PoBO/GM?

How should the Tigers manage their 6 special assistants going forward?

Today?s blog addresses this dilemma and allows readers to share their thoughts in more detail. And hopefully, to actively engage with others by responding to their posts and creating back-and-forth discussion threads. The more the merrier!

For this one blog only, you?ve got 6 sentences max to share your thoughts. Of course, you can also respond to other readers.

TT will supply the ammunition. One thought-provoking question. Several options provided. One hard choice to be selected. One vote.
Ready?

How should the Tigers manage their 6 special assistants going forward?

1. Make them all figureheads only.

2. Mix of figureheads and advisors.

3. Gradually phase out the position entirely.

VOTE
 
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