Detroit Tigers Five Best Playoff Moments

Aug 29, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (39) celebrates after he hits a two run home run in the eighth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (39) celebrates after he hits a two run home run in the eighth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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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
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?