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Detroit Tigers: 4 hometown players in franchise history

By Adam McIntosh

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 24: Michael Tonkin #59 of the Minnesota Twins pitches in the ninth inning against the Detroit Tigers during a MLB game at Comerica Park on September 24, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. The Twins defeated the Tigers 10-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 24: Michael Tonkin #59 of the Minnesota Twins pitches in the ninth inning against the Detroit Tigers during a MLB game at Comerica Park on September 24, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. The Twins defeated the Tigers 10-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 1: Minnesota Twins fans take a selfie before the start of the last baseball game of the regular season between the Minnesota Twins and the Detroit Tigers on October 1, 2017 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Andy King/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 1: Minnesota Twins fans take a selfie before the start of the last baseball game of the regular season between the Minnesota Twins and the Detroit Tigers on October 1, 2017 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Andy King/Getty Images) /

Bill Fahey was born William Fahey on June 14, 1950, in Detroit. He spent eleven seasons in the majors, with his last three as a member of the Detroit Tigers.

During his time with the Detroit Tigers, Fahey served as the backup for Lance Parrish from ’81-’83.  Fahey has a career WAR of 2.2 over 934 AB.  He posted a batting average of .241, along with 7 home runs.

Fahey got his start in baseball when the Washington Senators (now the Texas Rangers) drafted him in the first round of the January Draft in 1970. With the Senators/Rangers Fahey was the backup to Jim Sundberg. Sundberg is widely regarded as one of the best defensive catchers of his era.

In 1978 the Rangers shipped Fahey away to the San Deigo Padres in a four-player trade. Fahey spent all of 1978 on the disabled list but posted his best season in ’79 with the Padres. 1979 saw Bill Fahey hit .287 with three home runs, and 19 RBIs in just 73 games. Fahey followed this production up in 1980, posting career highs in games, runs, hits and RBIs.

In 1981 the Detroit Tigers purchased Fahey’s rights from the Padres where he served as the backup to Lance Parrish until his release from the team in 1983. Following his release, he went on to manage in the Tigers Farm System and was a coach for the Tigers in ’83.

The next player on our list is Leo Cristante, who played just one season with the Tigers in 1955.

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