Detroit Tigers: The Tigers who wore stripes

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DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 18: A detail of a Detroit Tigers hat with an official postseason logo is seen on the bat rack in the udgout againstthe New York Yankees during game four of the American League Championship Series at Comerica Park on October 18, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

For some Detroit Tigers, ascending into the big leagues was God’s blessing. To others, it was a descent into Hell.

The Detroit Tigers are nearing the start of another season in their storied history. The boys of Detroit have a rich history, with thousands of unique characters. The following article follows the story of three of the most unique ballplayers in Detroit Tigers history. This trio spent time not just wearing the orange colors of the Detroit Tigers, but also the orange jumpsuit in the prison system. Our own Jim Kramer takes a look at three Tigers players who were, at one point, prisoners.

Baseball fans sometimes look at major league players with envy and some with respect and adulation. Others with dismay.

This article chronicles the uplifting stories of Gates Brown and Ron LeFlore while investigating the dismal fall of Denny Mclain.

First up is one of the most well-known Detroit Tigers of the 1960’s, pinch-hitter extraordinaire Gates Brown.

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