Detroit Tigers: 20 Best Hitters in the Last 30 Years

Mar 27, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers special assistant Alan Trammell (3) watches batting practice before the start of the spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

7. Alan Trammell

Trammell is one a few modern baseball players to stay with one team for his entire career. In 20 years, he dominated the Detroit Tigers middle infield and the plate. From 1977 to 1995, he and Lou Whitaker were a double-play threat like no other. Trammell played short to Whitaker’s second base. Trammell had several outstanding years, but his best was 1987 when he finished second in the MVP vote and he earned a Silver Slugger. He had an oWAR of 8.2 with a batting average of .343 and an OPS of .953.

In 1984, he was one of the reasons why the team went to the World Series. He won the World Series MVP where he hit .450 with an OPS of 1.300. In his best year, 1987, he batted clean-up and it was the perfect spot for him. He hit 28 home runs and finished in the top five in several offensive categories. In that same season, he had 200 hits and 100 RBIs; no other Tiger had accomplished this since Kaline did in 1955.

Trammell had two seasons with 20-game hitting streaks. His first one came in 1984. The second one in 1987 was actually a 21-game streak. He earned three Silver Slugger awards in 1987, 1988, and 1990. He played in six All-Star Games. He finished his career with 2365 hits and 1003 RBIs. He is currently in his last year as a nominee for a spot in the Hall of Fame.

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