Detroit Tigers All-Time 25-Man Dream Roster

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Oct 16, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; General view of Comerica Park before game four of the American League Championship Series baseball game between the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox. Mandatory Credit: Angie Walton-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Tigers fans are getting anxious wondering who Al Avila will add to the 25-man roster. As other clubs are making moves and hiring new pitchers and fielders, the Tigers seems to be sitting still. To relieve some of the anxiety of waiting, why not offer a distraction like putting together a roster of the best Tigers from history? We, fans, may not know who is coming to the team, but we certainly know who has been on it.

This dream roster includes 25 of the best Tigers who have ever walked on the grass in Bennett Park, Navin Field, Briggs Field, Tiger Stadium, and Comerica Park. These men are household names to fans of all ages. Each man was selected because of his experience in his position. Some have played in World Series games, others should have and still have time to do so. Some grace the walls of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and some are commemorated on the outfield wall of Comerica Park. No matter who they are, they have contributed in a positive way to the Detroit Tigers organization. While many of these men were the best at their position for several years, each Tiger had at least one season that bested all the rest. Who would be on your dream 25-man Detriot Tigers roster?

Next: Kings of the Infield

The Kings of the Infield

Hank Greenberg (1B) The 6’3 Greenberg was known for his power at the plate and his defensive skills at first base. Like Ty Cobb, he is a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and his number has been retired by the Tigers. He is a hero to many because of his dedication to baseball, his country, and his faith. His best year was 1940, where he was awarded the MVP and named an All-Star. During that year, he topped the league in slugging and on-base percentages, total bases, doubles, home runs, and RBIs.

Apr 26, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) and former Tiger Lou Whitaker before the game against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Lou Whitaker (2B) Whitaker’s skills at second base. Sweet Lou was the Rookie of the Year in 1978 and made it to the All-Star Game for five years in a row. Sweet Lou’s best year was 1983, where he was awarded a Silver Slugger, Gold Glove, and an All-Star award. He was also eighth in the MVP voting. A dream-team Tigers roster would not be complete with his partner, Alan Trammell.

Alan Trammell (SS) Alan Trammell and Lou Whittaker were one of the best middle infielder combinations the world had ever seen. Trammell was a part of the 1984 World Series win and was named the MVP of the Series. Even though 1984 was not his best regular season (he dominated in 1987), this is the Alan Trammell that would be on this roster. In 1984, he was named the MVP of the World Series. He also finished ninth in the regular season MVP. He received a spot on the All-Star team and a Gold Glove.

George Kell (3B) Well known as the voice of the Tigers along with Al Kaline, George Kell was also an outstanding player at third base and at the plate. There are only 11 third basemen in the Hall of Fame and he is one of them. His best year was 1950, where he committed all of 9 errors in 157 games with a fielding percentage of .982. His bat dominated that same year, where he topped the league in games played, at-bats, hits, and doubles. He finished he season with a respectable .340 batting average.

Lance Parrish

was a remarkable catcher than was named an All-Star for eight of his seasons. Normally, he played catcher, but he was such a good player that he was occasionally seen at first and in the outfield. He won numerous Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards. Like Lou Whittaker, 1983 was his best year. He earned a Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, and he was on the All-Star Team. In 1983, he finished ninth, behind Whittaker in the MVP vote.

Next: Masters of the Outfield

The Masters of the Outfield

Ty Cobb (CF) Arguably one of the best baseball players that ever lived, Detroit Tigers are proud to have Ty Cobb in their history. He batted a career .366 and stole 897 bases during the Deadball Era. His batting average is still the best ever by a player in the MLB. He was the first Tiger to earn a Triple Crown in 1909. He regularly topped the league in all things related to batting, but his best year was his MVP year in 1911. During this season, he had the highest numbers in runs, hits, doubles, triples, and RBIs. He also led the league in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. He was truly unstoppable and not having him on any dream roster would be a major mistake.
Al Kaline (Right Fielder) Mr. Tiger was a legendary right fielder and slugger. He is also in the Hall of Fame and #6 will never be worn by another Tiger. His fielding was so dominate that Kaline’s Corner is a recognized section of Comerica Park. Kaline is still an active Tiger, helping with spring training and attending games. It is difficult to pick one special year for Kaline. He received MVP votes for almost 14 years in a row and he regularly was awarded Gold Gloves and All-Star spots. He made a total of 73 errors in 22 years of roaming right field.
Willie Horton (LF) He holds a special spot in the hearts of Detroiters because he was a native son. The left fielder hit a career .273 average and appeared in four All-Star Games while he played for Detroit. He hit seven home runs in the 1968 World Series. He became a fan favorite after playing his heart out during in the aftermath of the race riots in the city and by showing the true grit and strength of the Motor City. His best year was 1968 where he hit 36 home runs and finished fourth in the MVP vote.

Who else would it be?

Miguel Cabrera

(DH) The best hitter on the planet is a Detroit Tiger. He was the second Detroit Tiger to win the Triple Crown and the first since 1967. Miggy’s best year was 2012, and this is the Miggy that would be on the roster. During his Triple Crown year, he hit 44 home runs, 139 RBIs, and .330 batting average. Ironically, he has had better batting averages, .344 in 2011, .348 in 2013, and .334 in 2015. Also in 2012, he won the American League MVP, as well as a Silver Slugger, and a spot in the All-Star Game.

Next: Commanders of the K

Commanders of the K

Hal Newhouser (LHP) Newhouser’s #16 is also retired at Comerica Park. He was one of the best pitchers during the World War II era which earned him back-to-back MVP awards. He won the first pitching Triple Crown for the Tigers in 1945, with a 1.81 ERA, 29 complete games, and 6.1 strikeouts per game. “Prince Hal” was considered the pre-eminent pitcher during the World War II years. He wanted to fight in the war, but was found to have a minor heart issue. Instead of fighting for the US overseas, he helped the country by fighting on the mound.

Justin Verlander (RHP) His 100 MPH fastball dominated this millennium. He has won the Rookie of Year award in 2006, the Cy Young and AL MVP in 2011, and he has been to the All-Star game in six years. He also won the pitching Triple Crown in 2011. “JV” could be considered the comeback Tiger of 2015; just when fans thought he was finished, he proved that he still has the 100 mph fastball and that he can throw it late innings.

Mickey Lolich (LHP) He was the pitcher who won game seven in the 1968 World Series where he pitched against the legendary Bob Gibson. He was named the 1968 World Series MVP. According to Roger Maris, during the 1968 World Series, the St. Louis Cardinals should have feared Lolich more than McLain. In 1971, Lolich had his best season where he won 25 games, had a 2.92 ERA, and threw 29 complete games. He finished in second place in the Cy Young vote, made it to the All-Star Game, and finished fifth in the MVP vote.

Jul 2, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) warms up before the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Schoolboy Rowe (RHP) Schoolboy pitched on three World Series teams. In one season, he recorded 16 wins in a row. He charmed the fans with his superstitions and was often seen talking to the ball and carrying little charms. His career 3.87 ERA and 34.9 WAR makes him a top pitcher in Tigers history. In the middle of his tenure in Detroit, he fought in World War II. He finished fourth in the MVP vote in 1934, but only because his teammates finished ahead of him.

(RHP) Only four Detroit Tigers pitchers have won Cy Young Awards and McLain won two of them. He also was awarded the MVP in 1968, the same year he won his first Cy Young and the World Series. He remains the only living pitcher to have won 30 games in a single season. He may have been a polarizing player, but he was always in control on the mound.

Next: Best of the Bullpen

Sep 7, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher

Phil Coke

(40) pitches in the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Comerica Park. Detroit won 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Best of the Bullpen

A typical bullpen has at least six regular pitchers. Sadly, in the world of the Detroit Tigers there were not many outstanding bullpen pitchers from which to choose. These are the five best (and Phil Coke is not on the list):

John Hiller (LH Relief) He was one of the best relief pitchers ever to throw in the American League. He played on the 1968 World Series team. In 1971, he suffered a heart attack, but he returned to the mound where he recorded more saves than any other relief pitcher. In 1974, Hiller earned several accolades, including a spot on the All-Star team, several Cy Young votes, and MVP votes. In 1973, he played in 65 games and finished 60 of them. That is the sign of a great relief pitcher.

Mike Henneman (RH Relief) He was one of the best relief pitchers in the game. His career 3.21 ERA and 193 saves top many Tigers lists. He is still with the Tigers working with the Minor League Erie Seawolves. While it can be difficult to judge a relief pitcher by wins and losses, Henneman had several seasons with significant wins over losses, like 1987 (11-3), 1989 (11-4), and 1991 (10-2). In 1989, he earned a spot on the All-Star team.

Aurelio Lopez (LH Relief) In the 1980s, no one filled the setup role in Detroit quite like “Señor Smoke.” His career average ERA was 3.56 and win-loss record was 62 and 36. In 1983, he earned a spot on the All-Star roster, which was not common for relief pitchers. In the 1984 ALCS and World Series, he pitched six innings and did not allow a run at all. In 1979, he finished seventh in the Cy Young voting. He was a likable guy who sadly died too young in a car crash. Interesting, all three MLB players who were named Aurelio died in car crashes. The Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame enshrined him in 1993, the year after he died. He carries the record for pitching velocity from pitchers in Mexico.

Willie Hernandez (LH Relief) In 1984, Hernandez was the best pitcher in the American League and was therefore named the Cy Young winner and MVP with a 1.92 ERA and 7.2 strikeouts per nine innings. Only three other relief pitchers have ever won the Cy Young. He was in the All-Star game for three years in a row beginning in 1984. To leave him off of this list would be criminal.

Todd Jones

Next: Warriors on the Bench

Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Mickey Cochrane (C) Cochrane won two MVP awards, the first with the Philadelphia Athletics and the second with the Tigers. He was also named an All-Star in two of his years as a Tiger. During his time with the Tigers, he played catcher and managed, which is no small feat. He would have played longer, but he was hit in the head by a pitch and was forced to retire after spending seven days in the hospital and coming close to death.

Harry Heilmann (OF) Heilmann could play anywhere which makes him an outstanding bench player, but he was most often in the outfield. He can also serve as a clutch hitter due to the fact that his line drives were legendary. He is also one of the elite class of baseball players to hit above .400 in 1923.

Norm Cash (1B) He played his entire career with the Tigers. He was dominate at first base where he led the league in assists and fielding percentages twice during his career. He was a four-time All Star. One interesting stat of his was that in 1960 he never grounded into a double play. He was second to Al Kaline in most home runs for Tigers batter. He even broke “Hammerin’ Hank” Greenberg’s records at first base. The fans and the media loved his sense of humor and he had a reputation for living hard.

(2B) This second baseman won the MVP award in 1937. He had a .320 career batting average. He was known for being quiet and unassuming, but would do his job like no other and is still considered one of the best second basemen of all time. As a great second-baseman, there is no reason why he could not fill both middle infield positions if needed.

Detroit Tigers

Kirk Gibson (OF) Even though he is best known for his clutch home run with the Dodgers, he was a Detroit Tiger first. “Gibby” was a local boy who attended Michigan State University. Sparky Anderson compared him to Mickey Mantle and he certainly did not disappoint. He was named the MVP in 1988. He may not have been the best player to ever grace the outfield, but there is something about his intensity and clutch hitting ability that would make him an asset on the bench.

Sam Crawford (OF) Crawford was one of the best hitters in the Deadball Era. In a time when singles were the norm, he hit 309 triples and several in-the-park home runs. He regularly led the league in several batting categories. He is a member of the Hall of Fame. He still leads the league in his career number of triples with 309. He stopped playing 1917.

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