Detroit Tigers All-Time 25-Man Dream Roster

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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

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