1961 Detroit Tigers season
Encyclopedia
The Detroit Tigers
won 101 games but finished in second place, eight games behind the Yankees
. The team's 1961 record tied the 1934 Tigers
team record of 101 wins, and only twice in team history have the Tigers won more games: 1968
(103 wins) and 1984
(104 wins).
, Rocky Colavito
, and Al Kaline
. Cash won the AL batting title with a .361 batting average
, and had 132 RBIs
, and Colavito hit 45 home run
s and had 140 RBIs. Kaline led the AL with 41 double
s and finished second to Cash for the batting title with a .324 average. Frank Lary
led the pitching staff with 23 wins. The 1961 Tigers' winning percentage ranks as the 6th best in team history.
Dick Brown
had his best two seasons with Detroit in 1961 and 1962. He hit 16 home runs in 1961, including back-to-back-to-back home runs with Norm Cash
and Steve Boros
on May 23, 1961. He hit a grand slam less than one month earlier on April 29, 1961.
Brown shared catching duties with rookie Mike Roarke
who played in 86 games and hit .223 with 2 home runs and 22 RBIs. Roarke was a 30-year-old rookie in 1961. Roarke graduated from Boston College
in 1952 where he was captain of the football and baseball teams in his senior season.
Brown appeared in 91 games at catcher in 1961, and Roarke in 85.
Norm Cash
was the hitting star for the 1961 Tigers. He won the AL batting crown with a .361 average and also led the league with a .488 on base percentage and 193 hits. He was also among the league leaders with 41 home runs (6th in the AL), 132 RBIs (4th in the AL), 119 runs scored (4th in the AL), 124 walks (2nd in the AL), 354 total bases (2nd in the AL), and a .662 slugging average (2nd in the AL). He also led the AL in putouts in 1961. While Cash's performance was overshadowed by the 61 home runs of Roger Maris
, his .361 average would be the highest by any major league player in the 1960s. Cash was 4th in the MVP voting.
Cash later admitted to using an illegal corked bat
during the 1961 season, demonstrating how he had drilled a hole in his bats and filled it with a mixture of sawdust, cork and glue. His 1961 statistics turned out to be career highs which he rarely approached again – in later years, he never reached 100 runs or 100 RBI, and never batted above .283. His 118-point drop to a .243 average in 1962 was the largest ever by a batting champion. Cash later said of the 1961 season: "It was a freak. Even at the time, I realized that. Everything I hit seemed to drop in, even when I didn't make good contact. I never thought I'd do it again."
Shortstop
Chico Fernández
was Detroit's regular shortstop for three seasons from 1960 to 1962. In 1960, he led American League shortstops with 34 errors. After six seasons in which he never hit more than 6 home runs, Fernández hit 20 home runs and 59 RBIs for the Tigers in 1962.
Second baseman
Jake Wood
was the Tigers' starting second baseman from 1961 to 1963. 1961 was his rookie season, and he led the AL in triple
s with 14 and in strikeout
s with 141. He was also third in the AL in stolen base
s with 30.
Third baseman
Steve Boros
signed a bonus contract with the Detroit Tigers in 1957. He was named the most valuable player of the Class AAA American Association in 1960 after he tied for the lead in runs batted in with 119. In his first full MLB season, 1961, Boros appeared in 116 games for the Tigers as a third baseman and hit .270 with 62 runs batted in. It was his best season, but was cut short when he collieded with Frank Lary
and broke his collarbone.
Rocky Colavito
came to the Tigers in 1960 in a trade for Harvey Kuenn
, who had won the 1959 batting title. The trade proved to be a good one for the Tigers. In 1961 with the Tigers, Colavito enjoyed career highs of 45 home runs, 140 RBI and 129 runs scored as the team led the major leagues in scoring. Colavito placed eighth in the MVP race, but Tiger fans didn't take to him. Sportswriter Joe Falls
, who viewed Colavito as a "self-ordained deity," started a feature chronicling the runs he failed to drive in. In one game, Falls – acting as the official scorer – charged Colavito with a controversial error, and the outfielder tried to attack him. And on May 12, 1961, he was ejected from the game after climbing into the stands to go after a drunken fan who had been harassing his wife and father. After his excellent 1961 season, he drew the local fans' criticism by holding out for a higher salary than established team star Al Kaline
. He was traded to the Athletics after the 1963 season.
Center fielder
Bill Bruton
put in a strong performance as the Tigers' center fielder. His range factor
of 2.67 was far above the league average of 1.98. Bruton played in 160 games for the 1961 Tigers, scored 99 runs, collected 153 hits, and had 17 home runs, 63 RBIs, 22 stolen bases and a .257 batting average.
Right fielder
Al Kaline
finished second in the AL with a .324 batting average and led the league with 41 doubles. Kaline also had 19 home runs, 82 RBIs, 116 runs scored, finished 9th in the AL MVP voting, and won a Gold Glove award for his fine performance in right field.
was 23-9 in 1961, leading the team in wins and finishing second in the AL behind Whitey Ford
. He also won a Gold Glove award in 1961, led the AL with 22 complete games, threw a one-hitter, appeared in the All Star Game, finished 7th in the AL MVP voting, was 3rd in the AL Cy Young voting. Known as "The Yankee Killer," Lary had a career record of 27-13 against the Yankees, including a 13-1 run from 1958 to 1959.
Future Hall of Famer Jim Bunning
went 17-11 for the Tigers in 38 games in 1961. He was chosen for the AL All-Star team and was among the AL leaders with a 3.19 ERA (7th best in AL), 17 wins (4th best in AL), 194 strikeouts (3rd in AL), 12 complete games (4th in AL), and 4 shutouts (3rd in AL).
Don Mossi
pitched the greatest season of his career in 1961, going 15-7 with a 2.96 ERA. Nicknamed "The Sphinx" and "Ears," baseball historian Bill James
dubbed Mossi "The Man Who Invented Winning Ugly." James wrote: "Mossi's ears looked as if they had been borrowed from a much larger species, and reattached without proper supervision. His nose was crooked, his eyes were in the wrong place, and though he was skinny he had no neck to speak of, just a series of chins that melted into his chest. . . . Don Mossi was the complete five-tool ugly player. He could run ugly, hit ugly, throw ugly, field ugly and ugly for power."
The Tigers #4 starter Paul Foytack
played 10 seasons for the Tigers (1953, 1955–63) and is best known for giving up the longest home run in Tigers Stadium history—a 1960 blast by Mickey Mantle
that landed in the Brooks lumberyard across Trumbull Avenue from the stadium. In 1961, Foytack was 11-10 with a 3.93 ERA.
Relief pitcher Phil Regan became known as "The Vulture" because of his skill as a closer. In 1961, Regan was 10-7 in 32 games (16 as a starter, 16 in relief). He pitched 120 innings with a 5.25 ERA.
Note: pitchers' batting statistics not included
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
won 101 games but finished in second place, eight games behind the Yankees
1961 New York Yankees season
The New York Yankees season was the 59th season for the team in New York, and its 61st season overall. The team finished with a record of 109-53, eight games ahead of the Detroit Tigers, and won their 26th American League pennant. New York was managed by Ralph Houk. The Yankees played their home...
. The team's 1961 record tied the 1934 Tigers
1934 Detroit Tigers season
The Detroit Tigers season was a season in American baseball. The season was the team's 34th since entering the American League in . The Tigers won the American League pennant with a record of 101-53, the best winning percentage in team history. The team made its fourth World Series appearance, but...
team record of 101 wins, and only twice in team history have the Tigers won more games: 1968
1968 Detroit Tigers season
The Detroit Tigers won the 1968 World Series, defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 4 games to 3. The 1968 baseball season, known as the "Year of the Pitcher," was the Tigers' 68th since they entered the American League in 1901, their eighth pennant, and third World Series championship...
(103 wins) and 1984
1984 Detroit Tigers season
The Detroit Tigers won the 1984 World Series, defeating the San Diego Padres, 4 games to 1. The season was their 84th since they entered the American League in 1901 and their fourth World Series championship. Detroit relief pitcher Willie Hernandez won the Cy Young Award and was chosen as the...
(104 wins).
Offseason
On January 1, the Tigers' home park, Briggs Stadium. was renamed Tiger Stadium.Notable transactions
- December 14, 1960: 1960 MLB expansion draft1960 MLB expansion draftThe 1960 MLB Expansion Draft was held by Major League Baseball on December 14, 1960 to fill the rosters of the Los Angeles Angels and the Washington Senators...
- Steve BilkoSteve BilkoStephen Thomas Bilko , was an American professional baseball player known for his home run hitting as a minor league player during the 1950s. He was 20 years old when he broke into the big leagues on September 22, 1949, with the St. Louis Cardinals.Nat Hiken, creator of The Phil Silvers Show,...
was drafted from the Tigers by the Los Angeles AngelsLos Angeles Angels of AnaheimThe Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
. - Coot VealCoot VealOrville Inman "Coot" Veal is a former Major League Baseball shortstop. He was signed by the Detroit Tigers before the season, and later drafted by the Washington Senators from the Tigers in the 1960 American League expansion draft...
was drafted from the Tigers by the Washington SenatorsTexas Rangers (baseball)The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
.
- Steve Bilko
Regular season
The 1961 Tigers were led by Norm CashNorm Cash
Norman Dalton Cash was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who spent almost his entire career with the Detroit Tigers...
, Rocky Colavito
Rocky Colavito
Rocco Domenico "Rocky" Colavito, Jr. is a former right fielder in Major League Baseball best known for his years with the Cleveland Indians. He wore a #6, #7 or #21 jersey during his MLB career...
, and Al Kaline
Al Kaline
Albert William "Al" Kaline is a former Major League Baseball right fielder. He is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Kaline played his entire 22-year baseball career with the Detroit Tigers. Kaline still works for the Tigers as a front office official. Because of his lengthy career and...
. Cash won the AL batting title with a .361 batting average
Batting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
, and had 132 RBIs
Run batted in
Runs batted in or RBIs is a statistic used in baseball and softball to credit a batter when the outcome of his at-bat results in a run being scored, except in certain situations such as when an error is made on the play. The first team to track RBI was the Buffalo Bisons.Common nicknames for an RBI...
, and Colavito hit 45 home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s and had 140 RBIs. Kaline led the AL with 41 double
Double (baseball)
In baseball, a double is the act of a batter striking the pitched ball and safely reaching second base without being called out by the umpire, without the benefit of a fielder's misplay or another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
s and finished second to Cash for the batting title with a .324 average. Frank Lary
Frank Lary
Frank Strong Lary is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers , New York Mets , Milwaukee Braves , and Chicago White Sox . He led the American League with 21 wins in 1956 and ranked second in the same category with 23 wins in 1961...
led the pitching staff with 23 wins. The 1961 Tigers' winning percentage ranks as the 6th best in team history.
Catchers: Brown and Roarke
CatcherCatcher
Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
Dick Brown
Dick Brown (baseball)
Richard Ernest Brown was a catcher in American Major League Baseball during the 1950s and 1960s. The native of Shinnston, West Virginia, attended Florida State University and batted and threw right-handed...
had his best two seasons with Detroit in 1961 and 1962. He hit 16 home runs in 1961, including back-to-back-to-back home runs with Norm Cash
Norm Cash
Norman Dalton Cash was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who spent almost his entire career with the Detroit Tigers...
and Steve Boros
Steve Boros
Stephen Boros Jr. was an American infielder, coach, manager, advance scout, and farm system official in Major League Baseball....
on May 23, 1961. He hit a grand slam less than one month earlier on April 29, 1961.
Brown shared catching duties with rookie Mike Roarke
Mike Roarke
Michael Thomas Roarke is a retired American catcher and coach in Major League Baseball. As a player he threw and batted right-handed, stood 6'2" tall and weighed 195 pounds ....
who played in 86 games and hit .223 with 2 home runs and 22 RBIs. Roarke was a 30-year-old rookie in 1961. Roarke graduated from Boston College
Boston College
Boston College is a private Jesuit research university located in the village of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA. The main campus is bisected by the border between the cities of Boston and Newton. It has 9,200 full-time undergraduates and 4,000 graduate students. Its name reflects its early...
in 1952 where he was captain of the football and baseball teams in his senior season.
Brown appeared in 91 games at catcher in 1961, and Roarke in 85.
Infield: Cash, Wood, Fernández and Boros
First basemanFirst baseman
First base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run for that player's team...
Norm Cash
Norm Cash
Norman Dalton Cash was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who spent almost his entire career with the Detroit Tigers...
was the hitting star for the 1961 Tigers. He won the AL batting crown with a .361 average and also led the league with a .488 on base percentage and 193 hits. He was also among the league leaders with 41 home runs (6th in the AL), 132 RBIs (4th in the AL), 119 runs scored (4th in the AL), 124 walks (2nd in the AL), 354 total bases (2nd in the AL), and a .662 slugging average (2nd in the AL). He also led the AL in putouts in 1961. While Cash's performance was overshadowed by the 61 home runs of Roger Maris
Roger Maris
Roger Eugene Maris was an American Major League Baseball right fielder. During the 1961 season, he hit a record 61 home runs for the New York Yankees, breaking Babe Ruth's single-season record of 60 home runs...
, his .361 average would be the highest by any major league player in the 1960s. Cash was 4th in the MVP voting.
Cash later admitted to using an illegal corked bat
Corked bat
In baseball, a corked bat is a specially modified baseball bat that has been filled with cork or other lighter, less dense substances to make the bat lighter without losing much power. A lighter bat gives a hitter a quicker swing and may improve the hitter's timing...
during the 1961 season, demonstrating how he had drilled a hole in his bats and filled it with a mixture of sawdust, cork and glue. His 1961 statistics turned out to be career highs which he rarely approached again – in later years, he never reached 100 runs or 100 RBI, and never batted above .283. His 118-point drop to a .243 average in 1962 was the largest ever by a batting champion. Cash later said of the 1961 season: "It was a freak. Even at the time, I realized that. Everything I hit seemed to drop in, even when I didn't make good contact. I never thought I'd do it again."
Shortstop
Shortstop
Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball fielding position between second and third base. Shortstop is often regarded as the most dynamic defensive position in baseball, because there are more right-handed hitters in baseball than left-handed hitters, and most hitters have a tendency to pull the...
Chico Fernández
Chico Fernandez
Humberto "Chico" Fernández Pérez is a former Major League Baseball shortstop who played eight seasons with the Brooklyn Dodgers , Philadelphia Phillies , Detroit Tigers , and New York Mets . Fernández played in 856 Major League games, 810 at shortstop...
was Detroit's regular shortstop for three seasons from 1960 to 1962. In 1960, he led American League shortstops with 34 errors. After six seasons in which he never hit more than 6 home runs, Fernández hit 20 home runs and 59 RBIs for the Tigers in 1962.
Second baseman
Second baseman
Second base, or 2B, is the second of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a base runner in order to score a run for that player's team. A second baseman is the baseball player guarding second base...
Jake Wood
Jake Wood (baseball)
Jacob "Jake" Wood Jr. , was a Major League Baseball player who played seven seasons in the Major Leagues with the Detroit Tigers and Cincinnati Reds . Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Wood was the Tigers' starting second baseman from 1961-1963. After 1963, Wood was a utility infielder and backup...
was the Tigers' starting second baseman from 1961 to 1963. 1961 was his rookie season, and he led the AL in triple
Triple (baseball)
In baseball, a triple is the act of a batter safely reaching third base after hitting the ball, with neither the benefit of a fielder's misplay nor another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
s with 14 and in strikeout
Strikeout
In baseball or softball, a strikeout or strike-out occurs when a batter receives three strikes during his time at bat. A strikeout is a statistic recorded for both pitchers and batters....
s with 141. He was also third in the AL in stolen base
Stolen base
In baseball, a stolen base occurs when a baserunner successfully advances to the next base while the pitcher is delivering the ball to home plate...
s with 30.
Third baseman
Third baseman
A third baseman, abbreviated 3B, is the player in baseball whose responsibility is to defend the area nearest to third base — the third of four bases a baserunner must touch in succession to score a run...
Steve Boros
Steve Boros
Stephen Boros Jr. was an American infielder, coach, manager, advance scout, and farm system official in Major League Baseball....
signed a bonus contract with the Detroit Tigers in 1957. He was named the most valuable player of the Class AAA American Association in 1960 after he tied for the lead in runs batted in with 119. In his first full MLB season, 1961, Boros appeared in 116 games for the Tigers as a third baseman and hit .270 with 62 runs batted in. It was his best season, but was cut short when he collieded with Frank Lary
Frank Lary
Frank Strong Lary is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers , New York Mets , Milwaukee Braves , and Chicago White Sox . He led the American League with 21 wins in 1956 and ranked second in the same category with 23 wins in 1961...
and broke his collarbone.
Outfield: Colavito, Bruton and Kaline
Left fielderLeft fielder
In baseball, a left fielder is an outfielder who plays defense in left field. Left field is the area of the outfield to the left of a person standing at home plate and facing towards the pitcher's mound...
Rocky Colavito
Rocky Colavito
Rocco Domenico "Rocky" Colavito, Jr. is a former right fielder in Major League Baseball best known for his years with the Cleveland Indians. He wore a #6, #7 or #21 jersey during his MLB career...
came to the Tigers in 1960 in a trade for Harvey Kuenn
Harvey Kuenn
Harvey Edward Kuenn was an American player, coach and manager in Major League Baseball. As a shortstop and outfielder, he played with the Detroit Tigers , Cleveland Indians , San Francisco Giants , Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies . He batted and threw right-handed...
, who had won the 1959 batting title. The trade proved to be a good one for the Tigers. In 1961 with the Tigers, Colavito enjoyed career highs of 45 home runs, 140 RBI and 129 runs scored as the team led the major leagues in scoring. Colavito placed eighth in the MVP race, but Tiger fans didn't take to him. Sportswriter Joe Falls
Joe Falls
Joseph Francis Falls was an American journalist. He began his career in his native New York City. At the age of 17 in 1945, he took a job as a copyboy for the Associated Press. After an apprenticeship of eight years, Falls moved to the Detroit bureau of the AP.In Detroit, Falls flourished...
, who viewed Colavito as a "self-ordained deity," started a feature chronicling the runs he failed to drive in. In one game, Falls – acting as the official scorer – charged Colavito with a controversial error, and the outfielder tried to attack him. And on May 12, 1961, he was ejected from the game after climbing into the stands to go after a drunken fan who had been harassing his wife and father. After his excellent 1961 season, he drew the local fans' criticism by holding out for a higher salary than established team star Al Kaline
Al Kaline
Albert William "Al" Kaline is a former Major League Baseball right fielder. He is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Kaline played his entire 22-year baseball career with the Detroit Tigers. Kaline still works for the Tigers as a front office official. Because of his lengthy career and...
. He was traded to the Athletics after the 1963 season.
Center fielder
Center fielder
A center fielder, abbreviated CF, is the outfielder in baseball who plays defense in center field – the baseball fielding position between left field and right field...
Bill Bruton
Bill Bruton
William Havon Bruton was a Major League Baseball center fielder who played for the Milwaukee Braves in 1953 through 1960, and for the Detroit Tigers in 1961 through 64. Bruton batted left-handed and threw right-handed...
put in a strong performance as the Tigers' center fielder. His range factor
Range Factor
Range Factor is a baseball statistic developed by Bill James. It is calculated by dividing putouts and assists by number of innings or games played at a given defense position...
of 2.67 was far above the league average of 1.98. Bruton played in 160 games for the 1961 Tigers, scored 99 runs, collected 153 hits, and had 17 home runs, 63 RBIs, 22 stolen bases and a .257 batting average.
Right fielder
Right fielder
A right fielder, abbreviated RF, is the outfielder in baseball or softball who plays defense in right field. Right field is the area of the outfield to the right of a person standing at home plate and facing towards the pitcher's mound...
Al Kaline
Al Kaline
Albert William "Al" Kaline is a former Major League Baseball right fielder. He is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Kaline played his entire 22-year baseball career with the Detroit Tigers. Kaline still works for the Tigers as a front office official. Because of his lengthy career and...
finished second in the AL with a .324 batting average and led the league with 41 doubles. Kaline also had 19 home runs, 82 RBIs, 116 runs scored, finished 9th in the AL MVP voting, and won a Gold Glove award for his fine performance in right field.
Pitching: Lary, Bunning, Mossi, Foytack and Regan
Frank LaryFrank Lary
Frank Strong Lary is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers , New York Mets , Milwaukee Braves , and Chicago White Sox . He led the American League with 21 wins in 1956 and ranked second in the same category with 23 wins in 1961...
was 23-9 in 1961, leading the team in wins and finishing second in the AL behind Whitey Ford
Whitey Ford
Edward Charles "Whitey" Ford is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who spent his entire 18-year career with the New York Yankees. He was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.-Early life and career:...
. He also won a Gold Glove award in 1961, led the AL with 22 complete games, threw a one-hitter, appeared in the All Star Game, finished 7th in the AL MVP voting, was 3rd in the AL Cy Young voting. Known as "The Yankee Killer," Lary had a career record of 27-13 against the Yankees, including a 13-1 run from 1958 to 1959.
Future Hall of Famer Jim Bunning
Jim Bunning
James Paul David "Jim" Bunning is an American former Major League Baseball pitcher and politician.During a 17-year baseball career, he pitched from 1955 to 1971, most notably with the Detroit Tigers and the Philadelphia Phillies. When he retired, he had the second-highest total of career...
went 17-11 for the Tigers in 38 games in 1961. He was chosen for the AL All-Star team and was among the AL leaders with a 3.19 ERA (7th best in AL), 17 wins (4th best in AL), 194 strikeouts (3rd in AL), 12 complete games (4th in AL), and 4 shutouts (3rd in AL).
Don Mossi
Don Mossi
Donald Louis Mossi, , was an American major league pitcher from 1954 to 1965. He was a left-handed control pitcher whose strikeout-to-walk ratio was regularly amongst the league leaders . He retired with a career earned run average of 3.43, 101 wins, and 50 saves.- Biography :Mossi was born in St...
pitched the greatest season of his career in 1961, going 15-7 with a 2.96 ERA. Nicknamed "The Sphinx" and "Ears," baseball historian Bill James
Bill James
George William “Bill” James is a baseball writer, historian, and statistician whose work has been widely influential. Since 1977, James has written more than two dozen books devoted to baseball history and statistics...
dubbed Mossi "The Man Who Invented Winning Ugly." James wrote: "Mossi's ears looked as if they had been borrowed from a much larger species, and reattached without proper supervision. His nose was crooked, his eyes were in the wrong place, and though he was skinny he had no neck to speak of, just a series of chins that melted into his chest. . . . Don Mossi was the complete five-tool ugly player. He could run ugly, hit ugly, throw ugly, field ugly and ugly for power."
The Tigers #4 starter Paul Foytack
Paul Foytack
Paul Eugene Foytack is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from to .During his eleven year career, he played with the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels, posting a record of 86-87 with a 4.14 ERA...
played 10 seasons for the Tigers (1953, 1955–63) and is best known for giving up the longest home run in Tigers Stadium history—a 1960 blast by Mickey Mantle
Mickey Mantle
Mickey Charles Mantle was an American professional baseball player. Mantle is regarded by many to be the greatest switch hitter of all time, and one of the greatest players in baseball history. Mantle was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.Mantle was noted for his hitting...
that landed in the Brooks lumberyard across Trumbull Avenue from the stadium. In 1961, Foytack was 11-10 with a 3.93 ERA.
Relief pitcher Phil Regan became known as "The Vulture" because of his skill as a closer. In 1961, Regan was 10-7 in 32 games (16 as a starter, 16 in relief). He pitched 120 innings with a 5.25 ERA.
Roster
| 1961 Detroit Tigers | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roster | |||||||||
| Pitchers |
Catchers Infielders |
Outfielders Other batters |
Manager Coaches |
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Season chronology
- April 26: Roger MarisRoger MarisRoger Eugene Maris was an American Major League Baseball right fielder. During the 1961 season, he hit a record 61 home runs for the New York Yankees, breaking Babe Ruth's single-season record of 60 home runs...
of the New York Yankees1961 New York Yankees seasonThe New York Yankees season was the 59th season for the team in New York, and its 61st season overall. The team finished with a record of 109-53, eight games ahead of the Detroit Tigers, and won their 26th American League pennant. New York was managed by Ralph Houk. The Yankees played their home...
hit his first of 61 home runs off Paul FoytackPaul FoytackPaul Eugene Foytack is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from to .During his eleven year career, he played with the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels, posting a record of 86-87 with a 4.14 ERA...
of Detroit‚ and Mickey MantleMickey MantleMickey Charles Mantle was an American professional baseball player. Mantle is regarded by many to be the greatest switch hitter of all time, and one of the greatest players in baseball history. Mantle was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.Mantle was noted for his hitting...
added home runs from both sides of the plate‚ as New York won 13-10 at Tiger Stadium. Mantle's 2nd homer‚ a 2-run shot off Hank AguirreHank AguirreHenry John "Hank" Aguirre was a Major League Baseball pitcher who played with the Cleveland Indians , Detroit Tigers , Los Angeles Dodgers , and Chicago Cubs...
‚ broke a 10-10 tie in the 10th. - April 30: Jim GentileJim GentileJames Edward Gentile , also nicknamed "Diamond Jim", is a former Major League Baseball first baseman and left-handed batter who played with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers ; Baltimore Orioles , Kansas City Athletics , Houston Astros and Cleveland Indians .A powerful slugger listed at 6' 4",...
‚ Gus TriandosGus TriandosGus Triandos is a Greek-American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball mostly as a catcher but also played as a first baseman for the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles and the Detroit Tigers of the American League and the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros...
‚ and Ron HansenRon Hansen (baseball)Ronald Lavern Hansen is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball who played for the Baltimore Orioles , Chicago White Sox , Washington Senators , New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals...
hit consecutive home runs in the 7th inning for the Orioles‚ as they beat Detroit 4-2 to split a double header. The Tigers won the opener‚ 8-2‚ after going scoreless in 6 innings against Steve BarberSteve BarberStephen David Barber was an American Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He pitched from 1960-1974 for seven different teams, but is noted primarily for his time with the Baltimore Orioles...
. - May 12: In the 8th inning at Yankee Stadium‚ Rocky Colavito went into the stands after a drunken fan who had been heckling his wife and father. Colavito was ejected‚ but the Tigers won in the 9th on Frank LaryFrank LaryFrank Strong Lary is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers , New York Mets , Milwaukee Braves , and Chicago White Sox . He led the American League with 21 wins in 1956 and ranked second in the same category with 23 wins in 1961...
's home run. It was Lary's 25th career win over the Yankees against just 8 losses. Lary was known as the "Yankee Killer." - May 13: Rocky Colavito returned to the Tigers lineup and went 4-for-5‚ including two home runs. The Tigers won‚ 8-3.
- May 14: The Yankees won a pair from Detroit‚ taking the opener with Jim CoatesJim CoatesJames Alton Coates is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. A right-hander, Coates pitched for the New York Yankees , Washington Senators , Cincinnati Reds and California Angels ....
pitching the 11th inning for the win. Coates pitched another 5 innings of relief to win the nitecap as well. - May 23: Norm CashNorm CashNorman Dalton Cash was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who spent almost his entire career with the Detroit Tigers...
‚ Steve BorosSteve BorosStephen Boros Jr. was an American infielder, coach, manager, advance scout, and farm system official in Major League Baseball....
‚ and Dick BrownDick Brown (baseball)Richard Ernest Brown was a catcher in American Major League Baseball during the 1950s and 1960s. The native of Shinnston, West Virginia, attended Florida State University and batted and threw right-handed...
hit consecutive home runs for the Tigers in a 5-2 win over Minnesota. - June 11: Norm Cash became the first Detroit Tiger to hit a ball out of Tiger Stadium. Cash hit the ball over Tiger Stadium's right field roof four times in his career.
- June 16: Detroit's Phil Regan beat New York 4-2 at home‚ as the Tigers took first place.
- June 17: With 2 out and 2 on in the 9th‚ Mickey Mantle homered off Paul Foytack into the right field upper deck. Elston HowardElston HowardElston Gene Howard was an American Negro League and Major League Baseball catcher, left fielder and coach. During a 14-year baseball career, he played from 1955–1968, primarily for the New York Yankees...
followed with a home run‚ but Detroit hung on to win 12-10 over the 3rd-place Yanks. - June 20: Al KalineAl KalineAlbert William "Al" Kaline is a former Major League Baseball right fielder. He is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Kaline played his entire 22-year baseball career with the Detroit Tigers. Kaline still works for the Tigers as a front office official. Because of his lengthy career and...
played third base for the first time in his career. His 2 hits and 2 RBIs led the Tigers to a 5-4 win over the Senators. Kaline returned to the outfield and played third base just once more in his career‚ in 1965. - July 9: The Tigers took over 1st place with a doubleheader sweep of the Angels. Frank Lary's 13th victory in the opener‚ a 1-0 three-hitter‚ was followed by Jim BunningJim BunningJames Paul David "Jim" Bunning is an American former Major League Baseball pitcher and politician.During a 17-year baseball career, he pitched from 1955 to 1971, most notably with the Detroit Tigers and the Philadelphia Phillies. When he retired, he had the second-highest total of career...
's 6-3 win in the nitecap. - July 21: Harry ChitiHarry ChitiHarry Chiti was an American catcher in Major League Baseball. From 1950 through 1962, he played for the Chicago Cubs , Kansas City Athletics , Detroit Tigers and New York Mets . A native of Kincaid, Illinois, Chiti batted and threw right-handed...
was traded by the Tigers to the Baltimore OriolesBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
for Frank House. - July 23: Using 21 pitchers‚ the Tigers (11) and A's (10) set an AL record for most pitchers used in an 18-inning doubleheader. At 3 hours‚ 54 minutes‚ the second game was the longest 9-inning contest in AL history. The entire doubleheader lasted 6 hours‚ 50 minutes‚ a major league record. The Tigers swept the A's 6-4 and 17-14‚ taking first place by one percentage point.
- July 24: At Kansas City‚ Frank Lary collided with rookie third baseman Steve Boros‚ and both players left the game with injuries. Boros broke his collarbone, and he would not return. He had 53 RBIs to date. The Tigers were in first place, one game ahead of the Yankees, when they lost Boros for the season.
- July 25: The Yankees moved into first place, where they remained for the rest of the season.
- July 31: The second All-Star Game of 19611961 Major League Baseball All-Star Game (second game)The second 1961 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was played in Fenway Park in Boston on July 31, 1961. The game ended as a tie when the game was called due to rain after nine innings with the score 1–1....
ended in a 1-1 tie at Fenway ParkFenway ParkFenway Park is a baseball park near Kenmore Square in Boston, Massachusetts. Located at 4 Yawkey Way, it has served as the home ballpark of the Boston Red Sox baseball club since it opened in 1912, and is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium currently in use. It is one of two "classic"...
. Rocky Colavito homered for the AL run. Heavy rains ended the exhibition after 9 innings. - August 2: Bill FischerBill Fischer (baseball)William Charles Fischer is a former American Major League Baseball pitcher for five American League teams in his nine-year career . He later was a longtime pitching coach for three MLB clubs...
and Ozzie VirgilOzzie Virgil, Sr.Osvaldo José Virgil broke the color barrier for Detroit in 1958. He served in the U.S. Marines from 1950 to 1952...
were traded by the Tigers to the Kansas City AthleticsOakland AthleticsThe Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
for Gerry StaleyGerry StaleyGerald Lee Staley was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who excelled both as a starter and reliever. He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the Minor League draft. He pitched regularly from 1947 on, then was traded to Cincinnati for the 1955 season...
and Reno BertoiaReno BertoiaReno Peter Bertoia was an Italian-Canadian professional baseball player, playing infield for the Detroit Tigers , Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Athletics ....
. - August 7: Willie Horton was signed as an amateur free agent by the Tigers.
- August 18: Ron KlineRon KlineRonald Lee Kline was a former professional baseball player. He was a right-handed pitcher over parts of seventeen seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers, Washington Senators, Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox and Atlanta...
‚ purchased from the Angels on August 10‚ blanked the Red Sox on 4 hits to give the Tigers a 5-0 win. Bill MonbouquetteBill MonbouquetteWilliam Charles Monbouquette is an American former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher...
lasted just 4 innings and gave up home runs to Bill BrutonBill BrutonWilliam Havon Bruton was a Major League Baseball center fielder who played for the Milwaukee Braves in 1953 through 1960, and for the Detroit Tigers in 1961 through 64. Bruton batted left-handed and threw right-handed...
and Rocky Colavito. - August 19: The Red Sox beat the Tigers‚ 5-3‚ as the two teams combined to hit into 8 double plays‚ tying the major league record for 9 innings.
- August 25: Jim Bunning (15-9) allowed just 2 hits while blanking the Senators‚ 6-0‚ in a game called after 8 innings because of rain.
- August 27: Detroit's Rocky Colavito tied an AL record with 4 home runs—three in the 2nd game‚ in a doubleheader sweep of the Senators, 7-4 and 10-1 at Washington.
- August 28: At Washington‚ Rocky Colavito and Al Kaline hit 1st-inning home runs. Detroit won‚ 7-3, and cut New York's lead to 1½ games. Jake WoodJake Wood (baseball)Jacob "Jake" Wood Jr. , was a Major League Baseball player who played seven seasons in the Major Leagues with the Detroit Tigers and Cincinnati Reds . Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Wood was the Tigers' starting second baseman from 1961-1963. After 1963, Wood was a utility infielder and backup...
hit a 6th inning grand slam for Detroit. - August 31: The Tigers (86-47) headed into the final month of the season in second place, 1½ games behind the Yankees (87-45) heading into the final month.
- September 1: The AL's biggest crowd of the year‚ 65‚566‚ watched Whitey FordWhitey FordEdward Charles "Whitey" Ford is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who spent his entire 18-year career with the New York Yankees. He was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.-Early life and career:...
and Don MossiDon MossiDonald Louis Mossi, , was an American major league pitcher from 1954 to 1965. He was a left-handed control pitcher whose strikeout-to-walk ratio was regularly amongst the league leaders . He retired with a career earned run average of 3.43, 101 wins, and 50 saves.- Biography :Mossi was born in St...
in a pitching duel at Yankee Stadium as a weekend battle for first place began. Two-out‚ 9th-inning hits by Elston Howard‚ Yogi BerraYogi BerraLawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra is a former American Major League Baseball catcher, outfielder, and manager. He played almost his entire 19-year baseball career for the New York Yankees...
‚ and Bill Skowron gave New York a 1-0 win. The Yankees extended their lead to 2½ games. - September 2: In the second game of the showdown between the Tigers and Yankees, the Yankees beat Detroit's ace, Frank Lary‚ 7-3. Roger Maris hit two home runs, and Elston Howard added a three-run homer. The Yankees extended their lead to 3½ games.
- September 3: The Tigers lost the third game of the weekend series to the Yankees. The Tigers led 5-4 in the 9th when Mickey Mantle tied the game with his second homer of the day. Elston Howard won it with a three-run home run. Detroit entered the series 1½ games behind the Yankees, but left trailing by 4½ games. Mantle's home run was his 50th of the year, three short of Maris's 53 homers.
- September 4: The Yankees swept a Labor Day double header against the Senators‚ and moved 6 games up ahead of the slumping Tigers‚ who were swept by the Orioles in a double header.
- September 5: The Tigers lost a double header for their sixth straight loss, while the Yankees beat Washington. The Yankees won 6 straight while the Tigers lost 6 straight. The 1½ game lead had grown to 7½ games.
- September 8: The Yankees beat the Indians 9-1 for their 9th straight while Detroit lost their 8th in a row to drop 10 games out of first place. The Tigers purchased Vic WertzVic WertzVictor Woodrow Wertz was a Major League Baseball first baseman and outfielder. He had a seventeen year career from 1947 to 1963. He was signed as a free agent by the Detroit Tigers in 1942 and played for the Tigers, St...
from the Red Sox to add more power to the offense. - September 12: Detroit ace Frank Lary halted the Tigers' skid with a complete game, 5-hitter, as Detroit beat Kansas City, 3-1. Rookie shortstop Dick McAuliffeDick McAuliffeRichard John McAuliffe is a former American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a shortstop and second baseman for the Detroit Tigers from to and for the Boston Red Sox from to . He was a part of the Tigers' 1968 World Series championship, and was known for his...
went 3-for-4. - September 13: Jim Bunning shut out the A's, 8-0, for his 16th win, and Rocky Colavito and Norm Cash both hit home runs for Detroit. Tigers second baseman Jake Wood also hit his AL-leading 12th triple.
- September 15: The Tigers and Yankees split a doubleheader in Detroit‚ with New York winning the opener 11-1 and Detroit taking the second game 4-2. Whitey Ford logged his 23rd win in the opener. In the second game, Ron Kline pitched a complete game 7-hitter, for a 4-2 win. Norm Cash and Steve Boros hit home runs to support Kline.
- September 16: Frank Lary pitched a complete game in a 10-4 win over the Yankees. Roger Maris hit his 57th home run, but the Tigers scored 10 times. Al Kaline was 4-for-4 with 2 RBIs, and Norm Cash was 2-for-4 with a home run and 4 RBIs. Cash and Kaline would finish #1 and #2 in the 1961 AL batting race.
- September 17: In Detroit‚ Roger Maris tripled off Jim Bunning in the 7th inning to put the Yankees ahead. Detroit tied it in the 8th inning and then, in the 12th‚ Maris hit his 58th home run after stepping out of the box to watch a long line of Canadian geese fly over Tiger Stadium.
- September 24: A dropped fly ball by Ken HuntKen Hunt (outfielder)Kenneth Lawrence Hunt was a professional baseball player who played six seasons for the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels, and Washington Senators of Major League Baseball...
in the 10th gave the Tigers 2 runs and a 7-5 win over the Angels. Hunt had tied the game in the 8th with a home run. Al Kaline hit his AL-leading 40th double in a 7th inning pinch-hitting appearance. Rookie Howie KoplitzHowie KoplitzHoward Dean Koplitz is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He played all or part of five seasons in the majors, between and , for the Detroit Tigers and Washington Senators.-Sources:...
won his first major league game‚ after going 23-3 with a no hitter for Birmingham. Koplitz won his first 7 decisions in the major leagues over 4 years, but an arm injury limited him to a career record of 9-7. - September 26: In New York's 159th game‚ Roger Maris hit his 60th home run, as the Yankees beat Baltimore 3-2, with 8‚000 fans on hand in Baltimore.
- September 27: The Tigers won their 98th game at Kansas City, 10-2, as Frank Lary won his 23rd game of the season—second only to New York's Whitey Ford. Norm Cash finished the season with a torrid run, including a home run and 3 RBIs in the win. Rocky Colavito also hit his team high 45th home run.
- September 29: The Tigers won their 99th game, a 6-4 victory over Minnesota. Norm Cash padded his lead in the batting race, as he went 4-for-5, hit his 40th home run, and scored 3 runs.
- September 30: In Minnesota, the Tigers won their 100th game, a 6-4 victory over the Twins.
- October 1: The Tigers won their 101st game, an 8-3 victory over the Twins. Paul FoytackPaul FoytackPaul Eugene Foytack is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from to .During his eleven year career, he played with the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels, posting a record of 86-87 with a 4.14 ERA...
got the win, and rookie catcher Bill FreehanBill FreehanWilliam Ashley Freehan is a former professional baseball player. He played his entire Major League Baseball career as a catcher for the Detroit Tigers...
went 2-for-4 with 2 RBIs in his 4th major league game. Norm Cash hit his 41st home run and went 2-for-3 to take the AL batting crown. The media focus was on New York, where Roger MarisRoger MarisRoger Eugene Maris was an American Major League Baseball right fielder. During the 1961 season, he hit a record 61 home runs for the New York Yankees, breaking Babe Ruth's single-season record of 60 home runs...
hit his 61st home run to set the new season mark for home runs. The Yankees won their 109th game, one short of the club's 1927 record.
Starters by position
Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in| Pos | Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | 93 | 308 | 82 | .266 | 16 | 45 | |
| 1B | 159 | 535 | 193 | .361 | 41 | 132 | |
| 2B | 162 | 663 | 171 | .258 | 11 | 69 | |
| 3B | 116 | 396 | 107 | .270 | 5 | 62 | |
| SS | 133 | 435 | 108 | .248 | 3 | 40 | |
| LF | 163 | 583 | 169 | .290 | 45 | 140 | |
| CF | 160 | 596 | 153 | .257 | 17 | 63 | |
| RF | 153 | 586 | 190 | .324 | 19 | 82 |
Other batters
Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in| Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80 | 285 | 73 | .256 | 6 | 33 | |
| 86 | 229 | 51 | .223 | 2 | 22 | |
| 79 | 131 | 30 | .229 | 5 | 18 | |
| 77 | 108 | 31 | .287 | 2 | 19 | |
| 71 | 93 | 20 | .215 | 2 | 13 | |
| 20 | 30 | 4 | .133 | 1 | 1 | |
| 17 | 22 | 5 | .227 | 0 | 3 | |
| 5 | 12 | 1 | .083 | 0 | 0 | |
| 4 | 10 | 4 | .400 | 0 | 4 | |
Note: pitchers' batting statistics not included
Starting pitchers
Note: G = Games; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 275.1 | 23 | 9 | 3.24 | 146 | |
| 38 | 268 | 17 | 11 | 3.19 | 194 | |
| 35 | 240.1 | 15 | 7 | 2.96 | 137 | |
| 10 | 56.1 | 5 | 3 | 2.72 | 27 | |
Other pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | 169.2 | 11 | 10 | 3.93 | 89 | |
| 32 | 120 | 10 | 7 | 5.25 | 46 | |
| 14 | 44.2 | 1 | 2 | 4.43 | 25 | |
| 4 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 2.25 | 9 | |
| 3 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 5.25 | 6 |
Relief pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | W | L | SV | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | 5 | 2 | 12 | 1.41 | 32 | |
| 45 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 3.25 | 32 | |
| 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3.86 | 15 | |
Players ranking among top 100 of all time at position
The following members of the 1961 Detroit Tigers are among the Top 100 of all time at their positions, as ranked by The New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract in 2001:- Bill FreehanBill FreehanWilliam Ashley Freehan is a former professional baseball player. He played his entire Major League Baseball career as a catcher for the Detroit Tigers...
: 12th best catcher of all time (played in only four games for the 1961 Tigers) - Norm CashNorm CashNorman Dalton Cash was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who spent almost his entire career with the Detroit Tigers...
: 20th best first baseman of all time - Dick McAuliffeDick McAuliffeRichard John McAuliffe is a former American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a shortstop and second baseman for the Detroit Tigers from to and for the Boston Red Sox from to . He was a part of the Tigers' 1968 World Series championship, and was known for his...
: 22nd best second baseman of all time (played in 80 games, none at second base, for the 1961 Tigers) - Rocky ColavitoRocky ColavitoRocco Domenico "Rocky" Colavito, Jr. is a former right fielder in Major League Baseball best known for his years with the Cleveland Indians. He wore a #6, #7 or #21 jersey during his MLB career...
: 26th best left fielder of all time - Charlie MaxwellCharlie MaxwellCharles Richard Maxwell , nicknamed "Smokey," "Paw Paw," , "Sunday Punch" and "Sunday Charlie," is a former professional baseball outfielder...
: 99th best left fielder of all time (played in 79 games, only 22 in left field, for the 1961 Tigers) - Al KalineAl KalineAlbert William "Al" Kaline is a former Major League Baseball right fielder. He is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Kaline played his entire 22-year baseball career with the Detroit Tigers. Kaline still works for the Tigers as a front office official. Because of his lengthy career and...
: 11th best right fielder of all time - Jim BunningJim BunningJames Paul David "Jim" Bunning is an American former Major League Baseball pitcher and politician.During a 17-year baseball career, he pitched from 1955 to 1971, most notably with the Detroit Tigers and the Philadelphia Phillies. When he retired, he had the second-highest total of career...
: 30th best pitcher of all time
League leaders
- Norm CashNorm CashNorman Dalton Cash was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who spent almost his entire career with the Detroit Tigers...
: AL batting leader (.361) - Norm CashNorm CashNorman Dalton Cash was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who spent almost his entire career with the Detroit Tigers...
: AL hits leader (193) - Norm CashNorm CashNorman Dalton Cash was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who spent almost his entire career with the Detroit Tigers...
: AL on base percentage leader (.487) - Norm CashNorm CashNorman Dalton Cash was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who spent almost his entire career with the Detroit Tigers...
: AL On-base plus sluggingOn-base plus sluggingOn-base plus slugging is a sabermetric baseball statistic calculated as the sum of a player's on-base percentage and slugging percentage. The ability of a player to both get on base and to hit for power, two important hitting skills, are represented. An OPS of .900 or higher in Major League...
leader (1.148) - Norm CashNorm CashNorman Dalton Cash was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who spent almost his entire career with the Detroit Tigers...
: AL runs created leader (178) - Norm CashNorm CashNorman Dalton Cash was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who spent almost his entire career with the Detroit Tigers...
: AL times on base leader (326) - Norm CashNorm CashNorman Dalton Cash was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who spent almost his entire career with the Detroit Tigers...
: AL intentional walks leader (19) - Rocky ColavitoRocky ColavitoRocco Domenico "Rocky" Colavito, Jr. is a former right fielder in Major League Baseball best known for his years with the Cleveland Indians. He wore a #6, #7 or #21 jersey during his MLB career...
: AL games played leader (163) - Al KalineAl KalineAlbert William "Al" Kaline is a former Major League Baseball right fielder. He is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Kaline played his entire 22-year baseball career with the Detroit Tigers. Kaline still works for the Tigers as a front office official. Because of his lengthy career and...
: AL doubles leader (41) - Al KalineAl KalineAlbert William "Al" Kaline is a former Major League Baseball right fielder. He is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Kaline played his entire 22-year baseball career with the Detroit Tigers. Kaline still works for the Tigers as a front office official. Because of his lengthy career and...
: AL Gold Glove award winner - Frank LaryFrank LaryFrank Strong Lary is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers , New York Mets , Milwaukee Braves , and Chicago White Sox . He led the American League with 21 wins in 1956 and ranked second in the same category with 23 wins in 1961...
: AL complete games leader (22) - Frank LaryFrank LaryFrank Strong Lary is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers , New York Mets , Milwaukee Braves , and Chicago White Sox . He led the American League with 21 wins in 1956 and ranked second in the same category with 23 wins in 1961...
: AL Gold Glove award winner - Don MossiDon MossiDonald Louis Mossi, , was an American major league pitcher from 1954 to 1965. He was a left-handed control pitcher whose strikeout-to-walk ratio was regularly amongst the league leaders . He retired with a career earned run average of 3.43, 101 wins, and 50 saves.- Biography :Mossi was born in St...
: AL leader in walks per 9 innings pitched (1.76) - Don MossiDon MossiDonald Louis Mossi, , was an American major league pitcher from 1954 to 1965. He was a left-handed control pitcher whose strikeout-to-walk ratio was regularly amongst the league leaders . He retired with a career earned run average of 3.43, 101 wins, and 50 saves.- Biography :Mossi was born in St...
: AL strikeout to walk ratio leader (2.91) - Jake WoodJake Wood (baseball)Jacob "Jake" Wood Jr. , was a Major League Baseball player who played seven seasons in the Major Leagues with the Detroit Tigers and Cincinnati Reds . Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Wood was the Tigers' starting second baseman from 1961-1963. After 1963, Wood was a utility infielder and backup...
: AL triples leader (14) - Jake WoodJake Wood (baseball)Jacob "Jake" Wood Jr. , was a Major League Baseball player who played seven seasons in the Major Leagues with the Detroit Tigers and Cincinnati Reds . Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Wood was the Tigers' starting second baseman from 1961-1963. After 1963, Wood was a utility infielder and backup...
: AL strikeouts leader (141)