Detroit Tigers Greatest All-Star Game Memories

Credit: Aaron Webb

1971 – Tiger Stadium Hosts In-game Home Run Derby

With the wind blowing out to right field at 25-MPH this game tied an All-Star Game record with six home runs by six different players. Johnny Bench, Hank Aaron, Frank Robinson, Harmon Killebrew and Roberto Clemente all connected but there’s only one that everybody remembers.

In the bottom of the third, Luis Aparicio opened the inning with a single off of National League starter Dock Ellis. Then Reggie Jackson, pinch-hitting for AL starter Vida Blue, stepped to the plate. With the count 1-2, Jackson launched a rocket to right-center that smashed a light transformer on the roof of the stadium. It’s generally agreed that the ball traveled an estimated 520 feet with still a long way to go if it hadn’t been stopped.

The American League won the game 6-4 to snap an eight game losing streak. Mickey Lolich picked up the save. The National League would go on to win the next 11 contests.

Next: Kaline's Last Hurrah!