Detroit Tigers Top Five Unforgettable Playoff Memories

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Apr 6, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez (19) and second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) hold up a flag for the 2014 AL Central Division Championship prior to the game against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

After watching one of the better World Series games in history, it is important to remember that our Detroit Tigers have also been involved in some unforgettable playoff moments, too.

The Detroit Tigers‘ last World Series win was in 1984, but that doesn’t mean that was the last time the Tigers created memories. Seeing moments like Rajai Davis‘s game-tying home run brings back memories of the days when the Bless You Boys dominated the playoffs. Seeing favorite players trot the bases with their arms held high in the air have become the stuff of legends.

These memories also continue the hopes that the Detroit Tigers will make it back to their winning ways. If the Chicago Cubs can do it, so can any other team in the MLB.

Let’s take a good look at the top five memorable playoff moments from the boys in the Old English D.

May 14, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez (19) pitches in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

#5: Defeating the Yankees – Time and Time Again

While it sure is nice to see the Tigers beat any and all of the teams in the AL Central, there is nothing quite like putting the New York Yankees in their place. The Tigers managed to do it several times in recent memory, including 2006, 2011, and 2012.

The most recent demolition took place in 2012 when the Tigers swept the Yankees in four games. In those four games, the winning pitchers included Justin Verlander, Anibal Sanchez, Max Scherzer, and Drew Smyly. Even Phil Coke got in on the action, getting a save in Game Two. The 2012 ALCS included home runs by Delmon Young, Miguel Cabrera, and more.

But, the most memorable moment of the series was the second game, where Sanchez pitched a no-hitter into the seventh inning. It was a true highlight in a year when Tigers starting pitchers were the most dominate in the game.

Apr 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinal former player Bob Gibson in attendance for the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Milwaukee Brewers at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

#4: Defeating the Pitcher’s Pitcher, Bob Gibson

The year 1968 is known as the Year of the Pitcher and for a good reason. Pitchers were unbelievable that year and the best of the best was Bob Gibson, who pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals. It is also a well-known fact that 1968 belonged to the Detroit Tigers, who also had some of the best pitchers in the game: Mickey Lolich and Denny McLain.

In Game One, Gibson pitched 17 strike outs. He held the Tigers to one run in Game One and Game Four. But, in Game Seven, the Tigers managed to win, scoring four runs. To put this in perspective, Gibson ended the 1968 World Series with a 1.67 ERA. He played in the World Series in 1964, 1967, and 1968. In the 1968 World Series, his strike-out to walk ratio was 8.75. He only lost two playoff games, ever.

May 18, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) warms up prior to the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

#3: Justin Verlander on the Mound

Verlander has proven his value to the Detroit Tigers and baseball, too. When it comes to playoff baseball, Verlander turns it up another notch. This was evident in the 2012 ALDS when the Tigers faced the Oakland Athletics. Verlander pitched in Game One and Game Five.

After giving up a home run to Coco Crisp in the first inning in Game One, Verlander shut down the A’s in every other inning. Keeping in mind that Verlander had just won the Cy Young in 2011, his performance in the ALDS against the Athletics cemented his place as one of the best pitchers ever to toe the rubber. His ERA in the series against the A’s was all of 0.56 in 16 innings with 12.4 strike-outs per nine.

It is a shame that JV doesn’t have a World Series ring in his collection.

Jun 7, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers former player Joel Zumaya laughs with Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) after throwing out a ceremonial first pitch before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

#2: Ordóñez Walks to the World Series

One of the highlights of the 2016 season was the 10-year anniversary of the 2006 World Series. Players who stole the hearts of Tigers fans returned to Comerica Park to reminisce about the unbelievable season.

While 2006 had plenty of memorable moments, the one that topped them all was Magglio Ordóñez and his walk-off home run against the Oakland A’s and Huston Street. The game was tied at three and Ordóñez faced Street with two runners on base. The home run scored other fan favorites, Craig Monroe and Plácido Polanco. Prior to this unforgettable moment, the last time the Tigers had taken the pennant was in 1984.

Apr 8, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Former Detroit Tiger Kirk Gibson throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

#1: Kirk Gibson‘s Home Run

This moment has become engrained the minds of Tigers fans, both old and young. In Game 5 against the San Diego Padres, Kirk Gibson was ready to go to bat. Goose Gossage was the pitcher for the Padres and he was ready to strike out Gibson, as he had several times before. In fact, prior to this moment, Gibson was 1-9 against Gossage and seven of those outs were strikeouts. Gossage clearly had the upper hand.

Take a moment to appreciate the call from Ernie Harwell:

But, Gossage clearly neglected the competitive drive that belonged to the rugged Gibby. The second pitch that Gossage threw was right in Gibby’s sweet spot and the ball landed in right field in the upper deck. The Tigers won the series and Gibby’s run around the bases was permanently etched into baseball lore.

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What moments are missing from this list? What are your most memorable Detroit Tigers playoff moments?

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