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Detroit Tigers Top 10 Most Memorable Moments of 2016

By Kristen Bentley

Apr 15, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler runs to first on a leadoff single during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler runs to first on a leadoff single during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 17, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (39) hits a game winning two run home run in the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park. Detroit won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 17, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (39) hits a game winning two run home run in the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park. Detroit won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Salty and the walk-off home run

It was fun to be a Detroit Tigers fan in July. The team was 16-10 and had two walk-off wins. Unfortunately, July also saw two Chicago White Sox walk-off wins against the Tigers, too. But, one of the most memorable walk-off wins was on July 17 against the Kansas City Royals. Fransisco Rodriguez was pitching against former Tiger Joakim Soria. The game was tied at two.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia was catching that day. In the bottom of the ninth, Tyler Collins singled off of Soria. Salty was up to bat and he later commented that he was actually expecting a bunt sign. Instead, he got a fastball and took the opportunity to smash it out of the park.

Salty’s day at the plate defined his type of offense: three true outcomes. That day, he struck out, walked, and homered. No defense is involved in any of those outcomes.

As the backup catcher with the Tigers, Saltalamacchia did not have his best season ever. In fact, statistically, it was one his worst. But, moments like this walk-off still made him a fan favorite simply because he seemed so grateful to still be playing ball.

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