Motor City Bengals
FanSided

Detroit Tigers: Ranking the World Series wins

By Adam McIntosh

DETROIT- AUGUST 23: Manager Alan Trammell #3 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during the game against the Anaheim Angels at Comerica Park on August 23, 2003 in Detroit, Michigan. The Angels defeated the Tigers in 10 innings 14-8. (Photo by Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images)
DETROIT- AUGUST 23: Manager Alan Trammell #3 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during the game against the Anaheim Angels at Comerica Park on August 23, 2003 in Detroit, Michigan. The Angels defeated the Tigers in 10 innings 14-8. (Photo by Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
DETROIT, MI – JUNE 30: Former Detroit Tigers player Lou Whitaker speaks to the fans during the celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the 1984 World Series Championship team prior to the game against the Oakland Athletics at Comerica Park on June 30, 2014 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Athletics 5-4. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – JUNE 30: Former Detroit Tigers player Lou Whitaker speaks to the fans during the celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the 1984 World Series Championship team prior to the game against the Oakland Athletics at Comerica Park on June 30, 2014 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Athletics 5-4. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

The 1984 World Series is arguably the most well-known World Series Wins for many of the younger Tigers fans.

The ’84 Detroit Tigers started off the season going 35-5, and eventually finish the season with a franchise record 104 wins. Just one win more than the ’68 Tigers. There are so many great things about the 1984 team. Lance Parrish, Trammell, and Whitaker. Jack Morris and his glorious mustache. Kirk Gibson became an iconic figure in the ’84 series. Although he bolted to the Dodgers in 1988 after a controversy concerning owner collusion.

The heart of the 1984 season lies with skipper Sparky Anderson, who was at the helm for the Tigers until 1995. The Reds fired him in 1978 after he won back to back World Series in ’75 and ’76.  During the season Sparky kept a journal that would be published following the season. The title of the book that resulted was “Bless You Boys: Diary of the Detroit Tigers 1984 season”. The Bless You Boys moniker was adopted by sportscaster Al Ackerman and has become synonymous with the 1984 season.

Sparky’s journal notably creates a note that is critical after of the Reds. Following the World Series win he reportedly said:

"“I have to be honest. I’ve waited for this day since they fired me in Cincinnati. I think they made a big mistake when they did that. Now no one will ever question me again.”"

However, the 1968 World Series win had the greatest impact on the city of Detroit. It served as a rallying point for the city of Detroit.

Home/Detroit Tigers History