Detroit Tigers: 10 Best Players from Michigan

Aug 7, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; A general view as umpires James Hoye (92) and Ted Barrett (65) go to a replay review in the fourth inning during the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

2. Hal Newhouser

Newhouser was from Detroit and attended Wilbur Wright High School. He was a phenomenal pitcher known as “Prince Hal” because of his neat and tidy appearance. He did not expect to become a baseball player and was busy earning money to go to a trade school. He was signed by the Tigers in 1939; he played one game that year.

His dominant years were during World War II. He wanted to fight in the war, but he had a heart issue that kept in on American soil. Instead of fighting, he perfected his pitching. In 1944 and 1945, he was awarded the AL MVP. He pitched in All-Star games in six years during the War years. In 1945, the Tigers defeated the Chicago Cubs because of his pitching. In 1945, he won the pitching Triple Crown by leading the league with 1.81 ERA, 25 wins, and 212 strikeouts. He is permanently enshrined in the Hall of Fame as well as on the left field wall at Comerica Park. He is also commemorated in a statue at Comerica Park.

In his post-playing career, he is credited with discovering Derek Jeter while he worked as a scout for the Houston Astros. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee in 1992.

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