Detroit Tigers: Top 5 Futures Game Alumni

Lifelong Tiger and Fan Favorite Brandon Inge comes in at Number Three, representing Team USA in 2000.

Brandon Inge was a steady figure on the Detroit Tigers from 2001 until 2012, including playing a pivotal role on the 2006 American League Championship team. Inge played in 1408 games over his twelve years with the organization, posting a WAR of 18.6 and playing in 23 postseason games. Inge was a jack of all trades who could play just about any position on the field. He began his tenure as a catcher but appeared as a third baseman and outfielder at times. Inge was an All-Star in 2009, hitting 27 home runs and driving in 84 runs. He also appeared in the Home Run Derby and promptly posted a goose egg at the event. Inge flashed power throughout his career, hitting double-digit home runs in eight of his thirteen seasons. His hard-nosed attitude won over fans and he was a large part of the winning culture during the Tigers’ heyday.

Inge played a large role in the Tigers postseason run in 2011, including this game-tying shot to left field off Alexi Ogando.

Brandon Inge will forever be engrained in the minds and hearts of Tigers fans from the early 2000s era of baseball, and he is deserving of a place on the list of best Tigers players who played in the Futures Game.