4/8/08

History:1881-1909

1881 to 1888-The Detroit Wolverines were the first major baseball team in the city. The Wolverines were in the National League, winning a pennant and World Series(exhibition) against the St. Louis Browns in 1887. They were relegated and disbanded after the 1888 season.

1894 to 1900-A charter club in the Western League was organized for the 1894 season. Owner George Vanderbeck decided in 1895 to build Bennet Park at the corner of Michigan and Trumbell Avenues (a place we would call home for 104 seasons). The first game at the corner took place on April 13, 1896, an exhibition against a semi-pro team called the Athletics. The team now being called the Tigers won 30-3. The first official Western League game at the corner was played on April 28, 1896 with the Tigers defeating the Columbus Senators 17-2.

April 24, 1901-The Tigers first official American League game at Bennet Park vs Milwaukee was postponed a day because of the unpredictable Michigan weather.

April 25, 1901-As 10,000 fans witnessed this historic day, Tiger Frank "Pop" Dillon hit a 2-run double to complete a huge 9th inning Tiger comeback in a 14-13 win.

August 30, 1905-Acquired for $700 (plus $50 for immediate delivery) and pitcher Eddie Cicotte, Tyrus Raymond Cobb played the first of 3,033 games (22 seasons) in a Tiger uniform. By the time he retired in 1923 the Georgia Peach had amassed more records (90) than anyone in baseball history.

1907-Tigers win first pennant with a record of 92-58. A loss to the Chicago Cubs in the World Series was a disappointing end to the season as the Tigers failed to score more than 1 run in any game but the first. 1907 was also significant as Frank Nevin and Hugh Jennings began their roles in turning the Tigers into perennial contenders.

Nevin who was started as a bookkeeper with the team in 1902 became team president after acquiring half ownership. He was regarded as the most powerful man in baseball.
Hugh Jennings was know as having an excellent eye for talent. He led the Tigers to three consecutive AL pennants and is remembered as one of the most colorful managers in baseball history.

1908-Tigers again win the American League Pennant. Another disappointing 5 game loss in The World Series to the same Chicago Cubs followed as Detroit was held to a .209 batting average.

1909-Tigers won the American League Pennant for a third time in a row with a record of 96-56. The World Series pitted the Tigers against Pittsburgh. The results were the same as the Tigers were waxed in the decisive game seven 8-0.

Ty Cobb won the triple crown as he led the major league in batting with a .377 average, hitting 9 home runs and finishing with 107 RBIs. He also led the league in steals (76) and hits (216). Cobb is the only player to ever win the quadruple crown.

Pitcher George Mullin led the league in wins (29) and winning percentage (.784). RF Sam "Wahoo Sam" Crawford also finished near the top of the American League with a .314 average, .452 slugging percentage, 97 RBIs, 35 doubles, 14 triples, 266 total bases, 6 home runs, 55 extra base hits, and 30 stolen bases. He was regarded as one of the great sluggers of the deadball era.

1909 Tigers

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