1968 Detroit Tigers season
Encyclopedia
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. Detroit pitcher Denny McLain
won the Cy Young Award and was named the American League's Most Valuable Player after winning 31 games. Mickey Lolich
won three games in the World Series to win Series MVP honors.
had a remarkable season in 1968, as he went 31-6 with a 1.96 ERA
, was an All-Star
, won the Cy Young Award
, won the AL Most Valuable Player Award
, and won Game 6 of the World Series. He is the only pitcher since 1934 to win 30 games in a season. Beleaguered by legal and financial troubles in later years, McLain was at his best in 1968. Perhaps worn down by pitching an astounding 336 innings during the regular season, McLain's 1968 World Series performance was not as stellar. He lost Games 1 and 4 to NL Cy Young Award winner, Bob Gibson
. McLain did, however, win the crucial Game 6 on just two days' rest, holding the Cardinals to one run in a 13-1 victory.
The Tigers' #2 starter, Mickey Lolich
, is best known for his performance in the 1968 World Series, when he allowed just five runs in three complete game
s, winning all three including the final and decisive game. Lolich also helped himself at the plate in Game 2 when he hit the only home run of his 16-year career. Lolich was given the World Series MVP Award
for his performance. During the regular season, Lolich went 17-9 with 197 strikeouts and a 3.19 ERA.
Earl Wilson was the team's #3 pitcher, going 13-12 for the season with a 2.85 ERA. Known as one of the best power hitters of all time among major league pitchers, Wilson hit 7 home runs in just 88 at bats in 1968. Wilson's at bat to home run ratio of 12.57 was higher than any player in the major leagues in 1968—higher even than home run leaders Frank Howard and Willie Horton. Wilson was the losing pitcher in Game 3 of the World Series, allowing 10 baserunners and 3 earned runs in 4⅓ innings pitched.
The Tigers #4 starter, Joe Sparma
, was the starting quarterback of the undefeated 1961 Ohio State football team. In 1968, Sparma lost his spot in the rotation after a run-in with manager Mayo Smith
. Sparma was pulled from a game and made critical comments about Smith to sportswriter Joe Falls
. When Falls asked Smith for a response, Smith said he "didn't want to get into a spitting contest with a skunk." Smith refused to start Sparma for several weeks afterward. When Sparma finally got another start on September 17, 1968, he pitched a 1-run complete game against the Yankees to clinch the pennant. The Sparma-Smith feud continued, and Sparma pitched only 1/3 of an inning in the 1968 World Series, giving up 2 earned runs for a 54.00 ERA in postseason play.
The Tigers' bullpen in 1968 included Pat Dobson
, John Hiller
, Daryl Patterson
, and Fred Lasher
.
Bill Freehan
posted career highs with 25 home runs (5th in the AL) and 84 RBIs (6th in the AL) and broke his own records with 971 putouts and 1050 total chances, marks which remained AL records until Dan Wilson topped them with the 1997
Seattle Mariners
. Proving his toughness and dedication to winning, Freehan allowed himself to be hit by a pitch 24 times in 1968—at that time an American League record. Freehan was the starting catcher for the American League All Star team in 1968 (and every other year from 1966 to 1972) and finished second in the 1968 American League Most Valuable Player voting, behind Denny McLain.
Norm Cash
, known as "Stormin' Norman," was one of the most popular players on the team. In 1968, he hit .268 with 25 home runs despite being limited to 127 games. In the 1968 World Series, Cash hit .385 (10-for-26). Cash singled to start a 3-run rally in the 7th inning of Game 7. The rally broke a scoreless tie in a pitching duel between Mickey Lolich and Bob Gibson
.
Second baseman
Dick McAuliffe
had a .344 on base percentage, led the AL with 95 runs scored, and showed power with 50 extra base hits. He also tied a major league record by going the entire 1968 season without grounding into a double play. A converted shortstop, McAuliffe also improved defensively, reducing his error total from 28 in 1967 to nine in 1968. He finished No. 7 in the 1968 AL MVP voting. On August 22, 1968, McAuliffe was involved in a brawl in which he drove his knee into pitcher Tommy John
's shoulder after almost being hit in the head by a pitch. McAuliffe played well in the 1968 World Series, with 5 runs, 6 hits, 4 walks, 3 RBIs, and a home run in Game 3, a colossal solo shot into the top of the upper deck in right at Tiger Stadium.
Shortstop
Ray Oyler
managed only 29 hits (21 of them singles) in 1968 for a career-low batting average of .135. However, his glove remained valuable as he had a .977 fielding percentage—15 points above the league average for shortstops. Late in the season, and in the World Series, Oyler was replaced at shortstop by outfielder Mickey Stanley
in a historic gamble by manager Mayo Smith
. In the offseason, Oyler was drafted by the expansion Seattle Pilots
. A radio DJ in Seattle organized a half-mocking, half-serious "Ray Oyler Fan Club" in 1969, and Oyler hit a game-winning home run in the 9th inning of the first game for the Pilots' franchise.
Third baseman
Don Wert
was hit in the head by a pitch that shattered his batting helmet on June 26, 1968. He was carried off on a stretcher, spent two nights in the hospital, missed several games, and was never the same hitter again. He had never hit lower than .257 in five prior seasons, but his 1968 batting average dropped to a career-low .200. Wert was selected for the American League All Star team in 1968 and is remembered for his 9th inning, game-winning hit on September 17 to clinch the American League pennant. Ernie Harwell
described the scene as follows in his radio broadcast of the game:
Willie Horton led the way among the outfielders in 1968. He finished second in the American League behind Frank Howard in home runs (36), slugging percentage (.543), and total bases (278). In a year in which the league batting average was .230, Horton's .285 average was good for fourth in the AL, and he also finished fourth in the AL MVP voting. In the World Series, Horton batted .304 and had a solo home run to give the Tigers an early lead in Game 2. He also made a pivotal defensive play in the fifth inning of Game 5. When Lou Brock
tried to score from second base on a single to left field, Brock was tagged out on a throw from Horton that hit Bill Freehan's glove on the fly. Horton also played an important intangible role as the only African American position player to start for the team.
Mickey Stanley
covered center field for the 1968 Tigers, won a Gold Glove Award
at the position and led all American League outfielders with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage
. Prior to 1968, Stanley had been used mostly as a backup outfielder, but an injury to Al Kaline
expanded his playing time, as Jim Northrup moved to right field to sub for Kaline. When shortstop Ray Oyler went "0 for August," and his batting average fell to .135, manager Mayo Smith
made one of the most talked-about managerial moves in baseball history, moving Stanley to shortstop for the last 9 games of the regular season and for all 7 games of the 1968 World Series. The move also allowed Smith to play both Kaline and Northrup in the outfield. Stanley had not played the shortstop position before the 1968 season, but was a talented athlete with a good glove. Though Stanley made 2 errors in the World Series, neither error led to a run being scored. In its "The End of the Century" series, ESPN
rated Mayo Smith
's decision to move Stanley to shortstop for the World Series as one of the 10 greatest coaching decisions of the 20th Century in any sport.
Jim Northrup was the Tigers' right fielder for most of the 1968 season, and was among the American League leaders with 90 RBIs (3rd in the AL), 57 extra base hits (4th in the AL), 259 total bases (5th in the AL), and 29 doubles (5th in the AL). Northrup also hit five grand slams during the 1968 season. He hit two in consecutive at bats on June 24, 1968, and then hit another five days later, becoming the first major league player to hit three grand slams in a single week. Northrup’s fifth grand slam came in Game 6 of the World Series. With Stanley moving to shortstop, Northrup started in center field during the World Series. Northrup also had the Series-clinching hit in Game 7 off Cardinals ace Bob Gibson
. After Gibson held the Tigers scoreless through the first six innings, Northrup hit a triple
over center fielder
Curt Flood
’s head, driving in Norm Cash and Willie Horton. In the 7-game series, Northrup had a .536 slugging percentage, with 8 RBIs, 7 hits, 4 runs scored, and 2 home run
s. Northrup placed 13th in the 1968 AL MVP voting.
The only future Hall of Fame member who played regularly for the 1968 Tigers was Al Kaline
. (Hall of Famer Eddie Mathews
played in 31 games for the 1968 Tigers.) However, Kaline broke his arm after being hit by a pitch in May and missed part of the season. He played 70 games at his usual spot in right field and another 22 games at first base. His .287 batting average would have placed him 4th in the league, but he did not have enough at bats to qualify. Kaline excelled in his only World Series appearance by batting .379 with 2 home runs and 8 RBIs.
also had a huge year for the Tigers in 1968. Signed by the Tigers while serving time in an Ohio prison, Brown led the team with a .370 batting average (34-for-92) and .685 slugging percentage in the "year of the pitcher" when the league batting average was only .230. He also led the American League in pinch hits and came off the bench with clutch hits to spark a number of dramatic ninth inning come-back victories. On August 11, 1968, Brown had clutch, game-winning hits in the 9th inning of both games of a double-header against the Red Sox.
, the Tigers got off to a 9-1 start in 1968. By April 29, they were 12-4. On May 10, the Tigers moved into first place and remained there for the rest of the season. The Orioles stayed close through much of the season, but the Tigers wound up winning the pennant with a 12-game lead over Baltimore. The Tigers finished with a record of 103-59 and outscored their opponents 671 to 492. The 1968 Tigers also won the season series against all nine league opponents‚ the first team to accomplish that since the 1955 Dodgers.
The 1968 Tigers developed a reputation for dramatic comebacks, often with winning late inning home runs. The Tigers led the major leagues with 185 home runs in 1968. They won 40 games from the 7th inning forward, and won 30 games in their last at bat. In each game, there seemed to be a new hero, with even light hitting Don Wert
and Ray Oyler
providing clutch hits to win ballgames. The 1968 Tigers were also known for their esprit de corps. The starting lineup had been intact since 1965, and several of those starters had grown up in Michigan as Detroit Tigers fans: Willie Horton in Detroit's inner city, Bill Freehan in suburban Royal Oak
, Jim Northrup in a small town 25 miles (40.2 km) west of Saginaw, and Mickey Stanley
from the west of the state in Grand Rapids
.
The 1968 Tigers' winning percentage ranks as the fifth-best in team history, as follows:
Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in
Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in
Note: Pitchers' batting statistics not included
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts
Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; GF = Games finished; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts
featured the Detroit Tigers and the St. Louis Cardinals
, with the Tigers winning in seven games for their third championship in seven World Series appearances.
In Game 1, the Cardinals' ace Bob Gibson
threw a shutout, striking out 17 batters, as St. Louis won 4-0. As of 2010, Gibson's 17 strikeouts is still the record in a World Series game. The only positive the Tigers could take away from Game 1 was the fact that Mickey Stanley
, having moved from center field to shortstop at the end of the season, handled five chances without an error.
In Game 2, Mickey Lolich
hit a home run and pitched the first of his three complete game victories, as Detroit won, 8-1. Norm Cash
and Willie Horton both homered, and perennial Gold Glove winner, Al Kaline
, made two sensational catches in right field.
The Cardinals followed with wins in Games 3 and 4, including another victory by Bob Gibson
over Denny McLain
in Game 4. Lou Brock
stole three bases in Game 3 and had six steals in the first three games. In Game 4, McLain pitched poorly, giving up six runs in three innings. Game 4 also saw one of the most bizarre strategic battles in World Series history. The Cardinals led 4-0 in the third inning, when the game was delayed by rain for over an hour. When play resumed, the Tigers began to stall, hoping to have the game called before it became official. The Cardinals responded by intentionally trying to make outs to move the game forward. As a result of the tactics, Game 4 of the 1968 was criticized as one of the worst games in World Series history.
After Game 4, with the Cardinals up 3 games to 1, a Detroit team that had made dramatic comebacks all year was forced to make its biggest comeback yet.
Game 5 began with the unconventional, soulful singing of the national anthem by Jose Feliciano
, drawing boos from some Detroit fans. When the game got underway, the Cardinals immediately scored three runs in the first inning off Mickey Lolich
. In the fifth inning, Lou Brock
doubled, and the Cardinals had a chance to break the game open, but Brock tried to score from second base on a single to left field. Brock was out in a collision with Bill Freehan
at home plate, as Willie Horton's throw hit Bill Freehan
's glove on the fly, and Brock elected not to slide. In the 7th inning, the Cardinals led, 3-2. Mickey Lolich
led off for the Tigers in the 7th inning with a bloop single, and the Tigers loaded the bases for Al Kaline
to slap a single into right field, driving in two runs. Cash drove in another run, and the Tigers led, 5-3, which proved to be the final score. Mickey Lolich
pitched his second complete game victory.
In Game 6, Mayo Smith
passed over Earl Wilson and elected to start Denny McLain
on two days' rest. McLain held the Cardinals to one run, and the Tigers scored 13 times. The Tigers scored ten runs in the 3rd inning, capped by Jim Northrup's grand slam.
Game 7 was a pitching duel between Bob Gibson
and Mickey Lolich
, pitching on only two days' rest. In a pre-game pep talk, Mayo Smith
told his team that Gibson was not Superman, prompting Norm Cash
to ask: "What was he doing in a telephone booth changing his clothes?" The game was scoreless after six innings, as the two pitchers dominated. In the 7th inning, the Tigers broke through on a triple
by Jim Northrup that went over center fielder
Curt Flood
’s head, driving in Norm Cash
and Willie Horton. Curt Flood
initially misread Northrup's hit, taking a step in, and then slipping as he chased the ball over his head. Flood was tagged a “goat” for having misplayed the ball. The Tigers won Game 7 by a score of 4-1.
Mickey Lolich
, who pitched three complete game victories, was named the MVP of the World Series. On the plane ride back to Detroit after Game 7 of the World Series, Lolich turned to newspaper columnist, Pete Waldmeir, and said: "I guess I'm an unlikely hero. Pot belly. Big ears. Just a guy who shows up every day and gets the job done as best as he knows how." But it was precisely those "average man" qualities that made Lolich one of the most popular sports figures in a working man's city. As the Detroit News put it, "He didn't act like a big shot superstar, he was one of us."
. The City of Detroit had suffered through one of the worst riots in American history during the summer of 1967. Less than a week before Opening Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.
was assassinated in Memphis, triggering civil unrest in 60 American cities. The assassination of Robert Kennedy followed in June. And in late August, the Tigers played a series in Chicago, as Chicago police had violent confrontations with thousands of anti-war protesters during the Democratic National Convention. Yet, through the summer of 1968, the people of Detroit were united by their passion for the Tigers and the calming radio voice of Tigers broadcaster, Ernie Harwell
. When the Tigers won the World Series, the headline in the Detroit Free Press
read: "WE WIN!" The headline told the story. Amidst all the turmoil, the people of Detroit came together behind their baseball team.
In a column published on October 11, 1968, Detroit's senior baseball writer, Joe Falls
, described the impact of the Tigers championship on the city.
Even the Governor of Michigan, George Romney
, credited the Tigers with helping calm the city. In a letter to owner John Fetzer
, Romney wrote: "The deepest meaning of this victory extends beyond the sports pages, radio broadcasts, and the telecasts that have consumed our attention for several months. This championship occurred when all of us in Detroit and Michigan needed a great lift. At a time of unusual tensions, when many good men lost their perspective toward others, the Tigers set an example of what human relations should really be."
Dick McAuliffe
Denny McLain
Mickey Stanley
in 2001:
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 the 1968 World Series
1968 World Series
The 1968 World Series featured the defending champion St. Louis Cardinals against the Detroit Tigers, with the Tigers winning in seven games for their first championship since 1945, and the third in their history...
, defeating the St. Louis Cardinals
1968 St. Louis Cardinals season
The St. Louis Cardinals season was the team's 87th season in St. Louis, Missouri and its 77th season in the National League. The Cardinals went 97-65 during the season, winning their second consecutive NL pennant, this time by nine games over the San Francisco Giants. They lost in 7 games to the...
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
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
in 1901, their eighth pennant
Pennant (sports)
A pennant is a commemorative flag typically used to show support for a particular athletic team. Pennants have been historically used in all types of athletic levels: high school, collegiate, professional etc. Traditionally, pennants were made of felt and fashioned in the official colors of a...
, and third World Series championship. Detroit pitcher Denny McLain
Denny McLain
Dennis Dale "Denny" McLain is a former American professional baseball player, and the last major league pitcher to win 30 or more games during a season —a feat accomplished by only thirteen players in the 20th century....
won the Cy Young Award and was named the American League's Most Valuable Player after winning 31 games. Mickey Lolich
Mickey Lolich
Michael Stephen Lolich is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from 1962 until 1979 who played the majority of his career with the Detroit Tigers.-Baseball career:...
won three games in the World Series to win Series MVP honors.
Pitching: McLain, Lolich, Wilson and Sparma
Denny McLainDenny McLain
Dennis Dale "Denny" McLain is a former American professional baseball player, and the last major league pitcher to win 30 or more games during a season —a feat accomplished by only thirteen players in the 20th century....
had a remarkable season in 1968, as he went 31-6 with a 1.96 ERA
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
, was an All-Star
Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
, won the Cy Young Award
Cy Young Award
The Cy Young Award is an honor given annually in baseball to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball , one each for the American League and National League . The award was first introduced in 1956 by Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick in honor of Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, who died in 1955...
, won the AL Most Valuable Player Award
MLB Most Valuable Player Award
The Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award is an annual Major League Baseball award, given to one outstanding player in the American League and one in the National League. Since 1931, it has been awarded by the Baseball Writers Association of America...
, and won Game 6 of the World Series. He is the only pitcher since 1934 to win 30 games in a season. Beleaguered by legal and financial troubles in later years, McLain was at his best in 1968. Perhaps worn down by pitching an astounding 336 innings during the regular season, McLain's 1968 World Series performance was not as stellar. He lost Games 1 and 4 to NL Cy Young Award winner, Bob Gibson
Bob Gibson
Robert "Bob" Gibson is a retired American professional baseball player. Nicknamed "Hoot" and "Gibby", he was a right-handed pitcher who played his entire 17-year Major League Baseball career with St. Louis Cardinals...
. McLain did, however, win the crucial Game 6 on just two days' rest, holding the Cardinals to one run in a 13-1 victory.
The Tigers' #2 starter, Mickey Lolich
Mickey Lolich
Michael Stephen Lolich is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from 1962 until 1979 who played the majority of his career with the Detroit Tigers.-Baseball career:...
, is best known for his performance in the 1968 World Series, when he allowed just five runs in three complete game
Complete game
In baseball, a complete game is the act of a pitcher pitching an entire game without the benefit of a relief pitcher.As demonstrated by the charts below, in the early 20th century, it was common for most good Major League Baseball pitchers to pitch a complete game almost every start. Pitchers were...
s, winning all three including the final and decisive game. Lolich also helped himself at the plate in Game 2 when he hit the only home run of his 16-year career. Lolich was given the World Series MVP Award
World Series MVP Award
The World Series Most Valuable Player Award is given to the player deemed to have the most impact on his team's performance in the World Series, which is the final round of the Major League Baseball postseason...
for his performance. During the regular season, Lolich went 17-9 with 197 strikeouts and a 3.19 ERA.
Earl Wilson was the team's #3 pitcher, going 13-12 for the season with a 2.85 ERA. Known as one of the best power hitters of all time among major league pitchers, Wilson hit 7 home runs in just 88 at bats in 1968. Wilson's at bat to home run ratio of 12.57 was higher than any player in the major leagues in 1968—higher even than home run leaders Frank Howard and Willie Horton. Wilson was the losing pitcher in Game 3 of the World Series, allowing 10 baserunners and 3 earned runs in 4⅓ innings pitched.
The Tigers #4 starter, Joe Sparma
Joe Sparma
Joseph Blase Sparma was a quarterback in collegiate football and a pitcher in Major League Baseball .-Quarterback at Ohio State:...
, was the starting quarterback of the undefeated 1961 Ohio State football team. In 1968, Sparma lost his spot in the rotation after a run-in with manager Mayo Smith
Mayo Smith
Edward Mayo Smith was an American player, manager, and scout in Major League Baseball.Smith was born in New London, Missouri, but grew up in Florida. A left-handed batter who threw right-handed, Smith was a career minor league outfielder who spent many seasons in the International League with the...
. Sparma was pulled from a game and made critical comments about Smith to 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...
. When Falls asked Smith for a response, Smith said he "didn't want to get into a spitting contest with a skunk." Smith refused to start Sparma for several weeks afterward. When Sparma finally got another start on September 17, 1968, he pitched a 1-run complete game against the Yankees to clinch the pennant. The Sparma-Smith feud continued, and Sparma pitched only 1/3 of an inning in the 1968 World Series, giving up 2 earned runs for a 54.00 ERA in postseason play.
The Tigers' bullpen in 1968 included Pat Dobson
Pat Dobson
Patrick Edward Dobson, Jr. was an American right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Detroit Tigers , San Diego Padres , Baltimore Orioles , Atlanta Braves , New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians...
, John Hiller
John Hiller
John Frederick Hiller is a former left-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played his entire career for the Detroit Tigers. After suffering a heart attack in 1971, he returned to the team and recorded 38 saves in – a major league record until 1983, and a team record until 2000...
, Daryl Patterson
Daryl Patterson
Daryl Alan Patterson is a former professional baseball player. He was a pitcher over parts of 5 seasons with the Detroit Tigers, Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates. Patterson was a member of the 1968 World Series champion Tigers...
, and Fred Lasher
Fred Lasher
Frederick Walter Lasher is a former right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher who played six seasons with the Minnesota Twins , the Detroit Tigers , the Cleveland Indians , and the California Angels.Lasher debuted in the major leagues with the Twins at age 21 in 1963...
.
Catcher: Bill Freehan
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...
Bill Freehan
Bill Freehan
William Ashley Freehan is a former professional baseball player. He played his entire Major League Baseball career as a catcher for the Detroit Tigers...
posted career highs with 25 home runs (5th in the AL) and 84 RBIs (6th in the AL) and broke his own records with 971 putouts and 1050 total chances, marks which remained AL records until Dan Wilson topped them with the 1997
1997 in baseball
-Major League Baseball:*World Series: Florida Marlins over Cleveland Indians ; Liván Hernández, MVP*American League Championship Series MVP: Marquis Grissom**American League Division Series*National League Championship Series MVP: Liván Hernández...
Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
. Proving his toughness and dedication to winning, Freehan allowed himself to be hit by a pitch 24 times in 1968—at that time an American League record. Freehan was the starting catcher for the American League All Star team in 1968 (and every other year from 1966 to 1972) and finished second in the 1968 American League Most Valuable Player voting, behind Denny McLain.
Infield: Cash, McAuliffe, Oyler and Wert
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...
, known as "Stormin' Norman," was one of the most popular players on the team. In 1968, he hit .268 with 25 home runs despite being limited to 127 games. In the 1968 World Series, Cash hit .385 (10-for-26). Cash singled to start a 3-run rally in the 7th inning of Game 7. The rally broke a scoreless tie in a pitching duel between Mickey Lolich and Bob Gibson
Bob Gibson
Robert "Bob" Gibson is a retired American professional baseball player. Nicknamed "Hoot" and "Gibby", he was a right-handed pitcher who played his entire 17-year Major League Baseball career with St. Louis Cardinals...
.
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...
Dick McAuliffe
Dick McAuliffe
Richard 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...
had a .344 on base percentage, led the AL with 95 runs scored, and showed power with 50 extra base hits. He also tied a major league record by going the entire 1968 season without grounding into a double play. A converted shortstop, McAuliffe also improved defensively, reducing his error total from 28 in 1967 to nine in 1968. He finished No. 7 in the 1968 AL MVP voting. On August 22, 1968, McAuliffe was involved in a brawl in which he drove his knee into pitcher Tommy John
Tommy John
Thomas Edward John Jr. is a former left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball whose 288 career victories rank as the seventh highest total among left-handers in major league history...
's shoulder after almost being hit in the head by a pitch. McAuliffe played well in the 1968 World Series, with 5 runs, 6 hits, 4 walks, 3 RBIs, and a home run in Game 3, a colossal solo shot into the top of the upper deck in right at Tiger Stadium.
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...
Ray Oyler
Ray Oyler
Raymond Francis Oyler was an American Major League Baseball shortstop. He played for the Detroit Tigers , Seattle Pilots , and California Angels...
managed only 29 hits (21 of them singles) in 1968 for a career-low batting average of .135. However, his glove remained valuable as he had a .977 fielding percentage—15 points above the league average for shortstops. Late in the season, and in the World Series, Oyler was replaced at shortstop by outfielder Mickey Stanley
Mickey Stanley
Mitchell Jack "Mickey" Stanley was a baseball player for the Detroit Tigers from 1964-1978. Stanley was known as a superb defensive outfielder over his 15-year career, though he is best remembered for the last few weeks of the 1968 season.-Early life:Stanley prepped at Ottawa Hills High School in...
in a historic gamble by manager Mayo Smith
Mayo Smith
Edward Mayo Smith was an American player, manager, and scout in Major League Baseball.Smith was born in New London, Missouri, but grew up in Florida. A left-handed batter who threw right-handed, Smith was a career minor league outfielder who spent many seasons in the International League with the...
. In the offseason, Oyler was drafted by the expansion Seattle Pilots
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
. A radio DJ in Seattle organized a half-mocking, half-serious "Ray Oyler Fan Club" in 1969, and Oyler hit a game-winning home run in the 9th inning of the first game for the Pilots' franchise.
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...
Don Wert
Don Wert
Donald Ralph Wert , nicknamed "Coyote", is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Detroit Tigers from 1963 to 1970 and also briefly played for the Washington Senators in 1971...
was hit in the head by a pitch that shattered his batting helmet on June 26, 1968. He was carried off on a stretcher, spent two nights in the hospital, missed several games, and was never the same hitter again. He had never hit lower than .257 in five prior seasons, but his 1968 batting average dropped to a career-low .200. Wert was selected for the American League All Star team in 1968 and is remembered for his 9th inning, game-winning hit on September 17 to clinch the American League pennant. Ernie Harwell
Ernie Harwell
William Earnest "Ernie" Harwell was an American sportscaster, known for his long career calling play-by-play of Major League Baseball games. For 55 years, 42 of them with the Detroit Tigers, Harwell called the action on radio and/or television...
described the scene as follows in his radio broadcast of the game:
Outfield: Kaline, Northrup, Horton and Stanley
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...
Willie Horton led the way among the outfielders in 1968. He finished second in the American League behind Frank Howard in home runs (36), slugging percentage (.543), and total bases (278). In a year in which the league batting average was .230, Horton's .285 average was good for fourth in the AL, and he also finished fourth in the AL MVP voting. In the World Series, Horton batted .304 and had a solo home run to give the Tigers an early lead in Game 2. He also made a pivotal defensive play in the fifth inning of Game 5. When Lou Brock
Lou Brock
Louis Clark "Lou" Brock is an American former professional baseball player. He began his Major League Baseball career with the Chicago Cubs but, spent the majority of his career as the left fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals. Brock was best known for breaking Ty Cobb's all-time major league...
tried to score from second base on a single to left field, Brock was tagged out on a throw from Horton that hit Bill Freehan's glove on the fly. Horton also played an important intangible role as the only African American position player to start for the team.
Mickey Stanley
Mickey Stanley
Mitchell Jack "Mickey" Stanley was a baseball player for the Detroit Tigers from 1964-1978. Stanley was known as a superb defensive outfielder over his 15-year career, though he is best remembered for the last few weeks of the 1968 season.-Early life:Stanley prepped at Ottawa Hills High School in...
covered center field for the 1968 Tigers, won a Gold Glove Award
Gold Glove Award
The Rawlings Gold Glove Award, usually referred to as the Gold Glove, is the award given annually to the Major League Baseball players judged to have exhibited superior individual fielding performances at each fielding position in both the National League and the American League , as voted by the...
at the position and led all American League outfielders with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage
Fielding percentage
In baseball statistics, fielding percentage, also known as fielding average, is a measure that reflects the percentage of times a defensive player properly handles a batted or thrown ball...
. Prior to 1968, Stanley had been used mostly as a backup outfielder, but an injury to 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...
expanded his playing time, as Jim Northrup moved to right field to sub for Kaline. When shortstop Ray Oyler went "0 for August," and his batting average fell to .135, manager Mayo Smith
Mayo Smith
Edward Mayo Smith was an American player, manager, and scout in Major League Baseball.Smith was born in New London, Missouri, but grew up in Florida. A left-handed batter who threw right-handed, Smith was a career minor league outfielder who spent many seasons in the International League with the...
made one of the most talked-about managerial moves in baseball history, moving Stanley to shortstop for the last 9 games of the regular season and for all 7 games of the 1968 World Series. The move also allowed Smith to play both Kaline and Northrup in the outfield. Stanley had not played the shortstop position before the 1968 season, but was a talented athlete with a good glove. Though Stanley made 2 errors in the World Series, neither error led to a run being scored. In its "The End of the Century" series, ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
rated Mayo Smith
Mayo Smith
Edward Mayo Smith was an American player, manager, and scout in Major League Baseball.Smith was born in New London, Missouri, but grew up in Florida. A left-handed batter who threw right-handed, Smith was a career minor league outfielder who spent many seasons in the International League with the...
's decision to move Stanley to shortstop for the World Series as one of the 10 greatest coaching decisions of the 20th Century in any sport.
Jim Northrup was the Tigers' right fielder for most of the 1968 season, and was among the American League leaders with 90 RBIs (3rd in the AL), 57 extra base hits (4th in the AL), 259 total bases (5th in the AL), and 29 doubles (5th in the AL). Northrup also hit five grand slams during the 1968 season. He hit two in consecutive at bats on June 24, 1968, and then hit another five days later, becoming the first major league player to hit three grand slams in a single week. Northrup’s fifth grand slam came in Game 6 of the World Series. With Stanley moving to shortstop, Northrup started in center field during the World Series. Northrup also had the Series-clinching hit in Game 7 off Cardinals ace Bob Gibson
Bob Gibson
Robert "Bob" Gibson is a retired American professional baseball player. Nicknamed "Hoot" and "Gibby", he was a right-handed pitcher who played his entire 17-year Major League Baseball career with St. Louis Cardinals...
. After Gibson held the Tigers scoreless through the first six innings, Northrup hit a 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....
over 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...
Curt Flood
Curt Flood
Curtis Charles Flood was a Major League Baseball player who spent most of his career as a center fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals. A defensive standout, he led the National League in putouts four times and in fielding percentage twice, winning Gold Glove Awards in his last seven full seasons...
’s head, driving in Norm Cash and Willie Horton. In the 7-game series, Northrup had a .536 slugging percentage, with 8 RBIs, 7 hits, 4 runs scored, and 2 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. Northrup placed 13th in the 1968 AL MVP voting.
The only future Hall of Fame member who played regularly for the 1968 Tigers was 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...
. (Hall of Famer Eddie Mathews
Eddie Mathews
Edwin Lee "Eddie" Mathews was an American Major League Baseball third baseman. He is regarded as one of the greatest third basemen ever to play the game.-Early life:...
played in 31 games for the 1968 Tigers.) However, Kaline broke his arm after being hit by a pitch in May and missed part of the season. He played 70 games at his usual spot in right field and another 22 games at first base. His .287 batting average would have placed him 4th in the league, but he did not have enough at bats to qualify. Kaline excelled in his only World Series appearance by batting .379 with 2 home runs and 8 RBIs.
The Pinch-hitter: Gates Brown
Pinch-hitter Gates BrownGates Brown
William James "Gates" Brown is a former Major League Baseball player who spent his entire career with the Detroit Tigers...
also had a huge year for the Tigers in 1968. Signed by the Tigers while serving time in an Ohio prison, Brown led the team with a .370 batting average (34-for-92) and .685 slugging percentage in the "year of the pitcher" when the league batting average was only .230. He also led the American League in pinch hits and came off the bench with clutch hits to spark a number of dramatic ninth inning come-back victories. On August 11, 1968, Brown had clutch, game-winning hits in the 9th inning of both games of a double-header against the Red Sox.
Offseason
- October 20, 1967: Jerry LumpeJerry LumpeJerry Dean Lumpe is a former Major League Baseball second baseman for the New York Yankees , Kansas City Athletics and Detroit Tigers ....
was released by the Tigers. - November 28, 1967: Dave WickershamDave WickershamDavid Clifford Wickersham is a former starting pitcher in Major League Baseball. From 1960 through 1969, he played for the Kansas City Athletics , Detroit Tigers , Pittsburgh Pirates and Kansas City Royals . Wickersham batted and threw right-handed...
was traded by the Tigers to the Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh PiratesThe Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
for Dennis RibantDennis RibantDennis Joseph Ribant is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, and Cincinnati Reds.-References:...
. - January 27, 1968: 1968 Major League Baseball Draft1968 Major League Baseball Draft-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1968 Major League Baseball draft.* Did not sign- Background :The Los Angeles Dodgers laid the groundwork for their championship clubs of the 1970s with an outstanding draft...
secondary phase- Ken SzotkiewiczKen SzotkiewiczKenneth John Szotkiewicz is a former Major League Baseball shortstop, who played in 47 games for the Detroit Tigers in .-Sources:...
was drafted by the Tigers in the 1st round (3rd pick). - Chuck ScrivenerChuck ScrivenerWayne Allison "Chuck" Scrivener is a former Major League Baseball shortstop. He played in three seasons in the majors, from until , for the Detroit Tigers.-Sources:...
was drafted by the Tigers in the 2nd round.
- Ken Szotkiewicz
Summary
After losing the 1967 American League pennant by one game to the Red Sox1967 Boston Red Sox season
The Boston Red Sox season, often referred to as The Impossible Dream, consisted of the Red Sox shocking New England and the rest of the baseball world by winning the American League Championship and reaching the World Series for the first time since 1946...
, the Tigers got off to a 9-1 start in 1968. By April 29, they were 12-4. On May 10, the Tigers moved into first place and remained there for the rest of the season. The Orioles stayed close through much of the season, but the Tigers wound up winning the pennant with a 12-game lead over Baltimore. The Tigers finished with a record of 103-59 and outscored their opponents 671 to 492. The 1968 Tigers also won the season series against all nine league opponents‚ the first team to accomplish that since the 1955 Dodgers.
The 1968 Tigers developed a reputation for dramatic comebacks, often with winning late inning home runs. The Tigers led the major leagues with 185 home runs in 1968. They won 40 games from the 7th inning forward, and won 30 games in their last at bat. In each game, there seemed to be a new hero, with even light hitting Don Wert
Don Wert
Donald Ralph Wert , nicknamed "Coyote", is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Detroit Tigers from 1963 to 1970 and also briefly played for the Washington Senators in 1971...
and Ray Oyler
Ray Oyler
Raymond Francis Oyler was an American Major League Baseball shortstop. He played for the Detroit Tigers , Seattle Pilots , and California Angels...
providing clutch hits to win ballgames. The 1968 Tigers were also known for their esprit de corps. The starting lineup had been intact since 1965, and several of those starters had grown up in Michigan as Detroit Tigers fans: Willie Horton in Detroit's inner city, Bill Freehan in suburban Royal Oak
Royal Oak, Michigan
Royal Oak is a city in Oakland County of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is a suburb of Detroit. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 57,236. It should not be confused with Royal Oak Charter Township, a separate community located nearby....
, Jim Northrup in a small town 25 miles (40.2 km) west of Saginaw, and Mickey Stanley
Mickey Stanley
Mitchell Jack "Mickey" Stanley was a baseball player for the Detroit Tigers from 1964-1978. Stanley was known as a superb defensive outfielder over his 15-year career, though he is best remembered for the last few weeks of the 1968 season.-Early life:Stanley prepped at Ottawa Hills High School in...
from the west of the state in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The city is located on the Grand River about 40 miles east of Lake Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 188,040. In 2010, the Grand Rapids metropolitan area had a population of 774,160 and a combined statistical area, Grand...
.
The 1968 Tigers' winning percentage ranks as the fifth-best in team history, as follows:
EWLINE
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Chronology
- April 9: Opening Day in Major League Baseball was postponed for the funeral of Martin Luther King, Jr.Martin Luther King, Jr.Martin Luther King, Jr. was an American clergyman, activist, and prominent leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. He is best known for being an iconic figure in the advancement of civil rights in the United States and around the world, using nonviolent methods following the...
- April 10: The Tigers lost to the Red Sox on Opening Day in Detroit. Detroit pitcher Earl Wilson hit a home run but allowed 5 earned runs in 5 innings.
- April 11: The Tigers got their first win, 4-3, over the Red Sox, as 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...
, 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...
and Gates BrownGates BrownWilliam James "Gates" Brown is a former Major League Baseball player who spent his entire career with the Detroit Tigers...
hit home runs. - April 21: Denny McLainDenny McLainDennis Dale "Denny" McLain is a former American professional baseball player, and the last major league pitcher to win 30 or more games during a season —a feat accomplished by only thirteen players in the 20th century....
won his first game, 2-1, in the second game of a double-header. After losing on Opening Day, the Tigers had won 9 straight games. - April 27: The Tigers shut out the Yankees, 7-0, behind a 5-hitter by Denny McLain. Dick McAuliffe and Jim Northrup hit home runs off Jim BoutonJim BoutonJames Alan "Jim" Bouton is a former American Major League Baseball pitcher. He is also the author of the controversial baseball book Ball Four, which was a combination diary of his season and memoir of his years with the New York Yankees, Seattle Pilots, and Houston Astros.-Amateur and college...
. - April 29: Mickey LolichMickey LolichMichael Stephen Lolich is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from 1962 until 1979 who played the majority of his career with the Detroit Tigers.-Baseball career:...
got his first win of the season, 2-1, over the A's. Don WertDon WertDonald Ralph Wert , nicknamed "Coyote", is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Detroit Tigers from 1963 to 1970 and also briefly played for the Washington Senators in 1971...
went 3-for-4, and the Tigers were 12-4 in their first 16 games. - May 6: The Tigers lost to the Orioles, 4-0. Baltimore's Dave LeonhardDave LeonhardDavid Paul Leonhard is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from through for the Baltimore Orioles. Listed at 5' 11", 165 lb., Leonhard batted and threw right-handed. He attended Johns Hopkins University....
threw a one-hitter, and the Tigers had only 23 at bats in the game, as the Orioles turned 3 double plays, and Mickey StanleyMickey StanleyMitchell Jack "Mickey" Stanley was a baseball player for the Detroit Tigers from 1964-1978. Stanley was known as a superb defensive outfielder over his 15-year career, though he is best remembered for the last few weeks of the 1968 season.-Early life:Stanley prepped at Ottawa Hills High School in...
, Jim Northrup, and 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...
were all caught stealing. - May 10: The Tigers won their 3rd straight game, 12-1, over the Senators, to move past the Orioles into first place. Detroit would remain in first place for the rest of the season. Denny McLain got the win, and Al Kaline, Don Wert and Bill Freehan hit home runs.
- May 17: Detroit led 2-1 going into the 9th inning. Frank Howard hit a 2-run home run in the top of the 9th to put the Senators in the lead, but Jim Northrup hit a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the 9th. The Tigers won, 7-3.
- May 19: Detroit rookie Les CainLes CainLeslie "Les" Cain is a former starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Detroit Tigers . He batted and threw left-handed. In a four-season career, Cain posted a 23-19 record with 303 strikeouts and a 3.98 ERA in 373.0 innings...
threw 6⅔ scoreless innings for his first major league win. The Tigers beat the Senators, 7-0, as Eddie MathewsEddie MathewsEdwin Lee "Eddie" Mathews was an American Major League Baseball third baseman. He is regarded as one of the greatest third basemen ever to play the game.-Early life:...
, Al Kaline, and Dick McAuliffe hit home runs. Kaline's home run was his 307th as a Tiger, making him the all-time leader in home runs by a Detroit Tiger. - May 25: The Tigers beat the A's 2-1 behind Denny McLain, but Al Kaline's arm was broken when he was hit by a pitch. Kaline was out of action until June 30.
- May 26: A's pitcher Jack AkerJack AkerJackie Delane Aker is an American former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher. Aker was used exclusively in relief. He appeared in 495 games, none as a starter, and was one of the American League's best closers of his era. He is of Potawatomi Indian ancestry...
beaned Jim Northrup on the batting helmet, and a 15-minute fight erupted. The A's won‚ 7-6. - May 31: Mickey Lolich shut out the Yankees on a 1-hitter in front of 31,115 fans on a Friday night in Detroit. Willie Horton hit a home run in the 7th inning for the game's only run.
- June 5: Denny McLain won his 9th game in Boston.
- June 14: The Tigers beat the White Sox, 6-5, in 14 innings. Pitcher Earl Wilson hit a home run in the 2nd inning, and shortstop Don Wert won it with a home run in the 14th inning.
- June 15: Chicago's Tommy JohnTommy JohnThomas Edward John Jr. is a former left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball whose 288 career victories rank as the seventh highest total among left-handers in major league history...
hit 4 Detroit batters: Willie Horton (twice), Don Wert and Ray OylerRay OylerRaymond Francis Oyler was an American Major League Baseball shortstop. He played for the Detroit Tigers , Seattle Pilots , and California Angels...
. The Tigers lost, 7-4. (See also August 22) - June 24: Jim Northrup hit grand slams in consecutive at bats in the 5th and 6th innings. Shortstop Don Wert was hit in the head by a pitch that shattered his batting helmet. Wert was carried off the field on a stretcher and spent two nights in the hospital. The Tigers beat the Indians, 14-3.
- June 29: Jim Northrup hit his third grand slam of the week in a 5-2 victory over Chicago. Denny McLain notched his 14th win. The Tigers were 22 games over .500 at 48-26.
- July 4: There were fireworks on the 4th of JulyIndependence Day (United States)Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain...
, as the Tigers and Angels combined for 8 home runs. The Tigers won, 13-10. - July 5: Detroit beat Oakland, 8-5. Bill Freehan hit 2 home runs and tallied 6 RBIs.
- July 7: Denny McLain beat the A's, 7-6. Al Kaline hit a 3-run home run to help the Tigers sweep the A's in the second game of a double-header. At the All Star break, McLain was 16-2, and the Tigers led the AL by 9½ games.
- July 26: Detroit beat Baltimore, 4-1, but Earl Wilson left the game after 5 innings with a strained knee. Daryl PattersonDaryl PattersonDaryl Alan Patterson is a former professional baseball player. He was a pitcher over parts of 5 seasons with the Detroit Tigers, Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates. Patterson was a member of the 1968 World Series champion Tigers...
came into the game with the bases loaded and nobody out, and struck out the side. - July 26, 1968: Dennis RibantDennis RibantDennis Joseph Ribant is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, and Cincinnati Reds.-References:...
was traded by the Tigers to the Chicago White SoxChicago White SoxThe Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
for Don McMahonDon McMahonDonald John McMahon was a right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he was signed by the Boston Braves before the 1950 season...
. - July 27: Denny McLain pitched a 3-hit shutout over the Orioles for his 20th win. Norm CashNorm CashNorman Dalton Cash was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who spent almost his entire career with the Detroit Tigers...
had 4 hits, and Willie Horton hit 2 home runs. The Tigers won, 9-0. - August 8: Detroit scored 13 runs to beat the Indians, 14-1. Bill Freehan hit 2 home runs, walked twice, and drove in 4 runs. McLain won his 23rd.
- August 11: Gates BrownGates BrownWilliam James "Gates" Brown is a former Major League Baseball player who spent his entire career with the Detroit Tigers...
got clutch hits to win both games of a double-header against the Red Sox. Gates had a pinch-hit home run in the 14th inning of the opener for a 5-4 win. In the second game, he had a single to drive home the winning run, as the Tigers scored 4 runs in the 9th inning. - August 12: The Tigers beat the Indians, 6-3, and the team was now 75-42.
- August 16: Denny McLain beat the Red Sox 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"...
for his 25th win. He was now 16-0 on the road. Bill Freehan was hit by pitches in 3 consecutive at bats. - August 22: After hitting 4 Tigers in a game earlier in the year, Chicago pitcher Tommy JohnTommy JohnThomas Edward John Jr. is a former left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball whose 288 career victories rank as the seventh highest total among left-handers in major league history...
narrowly missed Dick McAuliffe's head. After another brushback pitch, words are exchanged, and McAuliffe charged the mound. McAuliffe kneed John in the shoulder, resulting in a season-ending injury to John. McAuliffe was suspended for five games. - August 23: The Tigers lost to the Yankees, 2-1, in the first game of a double-header. In the second game, the score was tied 3-3 after 19 innings. Lindy McDanielLindy McDanielLyndall Dale McDaniel, known as Lindy is a right-handed former relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who had a 21-year career from 1955 to 1975. During McDaniel's career he witnessed approximately 3,500 major league games , had more than 300 teammates, and played under eight different managers...
retired 21 straight Tiger batters‚ six on strikeouts. - August 25: After taking a 5-0 lead, the Tigers lost to the Yankees‚ 6-5. The surprise winning pitcher for the Yankees was outfielder 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...
. The former Tiger slugger pitched 2⅔ innings in relief and retired Al Kaline and Willie Horton. Adding to the insult, Colavito scored the winning run in the 8th inning. - August 26: The Tigers beat the White Sox, 3-0, at County Stadium in Milwaukee, where the White Sox had temporarily relocated during the violence-plagued Democratic National Convention1968 Democratic National ConventionThe 1968 Democratic National Convention of the U.S. Democratic Party was held at the International Amphitheatre in Chicago, Illinois, from August 26 to August 29, 1968. Because Democratic President Lyndon Johnson had announced he would not seek a second term, the purpose of the convention was to...
in Chicago. Earl Wilson was hit by a pitch in the 2nd inning with the bases loaded to drive in the first run. - August 27: The Tiger lost to the White Sox, 2-1, as the series moved back to Comiskey Park.
- August 28: Back in Detroit, Denny McLain won his 26th game.
- August 30: In the first game of a 3-game series with second place Baltimore, the Tigers won 9-1 in front of 53,575 fans at Tiger Stadium. In one of the best performances of the year by any Tiger player, Earl Wilson pitched a 4-hitter, went 2-for-4 at the plate, hit his 5th home run of the year, and collected 4 RBIs.
- September 1: Almost 42,000 fans were on hand at Tiger Stadium as Denny McLain won his 27th game, beating the Orioles 7-3. The Tigers had a triple play in the 3rd inning, McLain to Tom MatchickTom MatchickJohn Thomas Matchick is a former professional baseball player. He was a utility infielder over parts of 6 seasons with the Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers and Baltimore Orioles. Matchick was a member of the 1968 World Series champion Tigers...
to Norm Cash. Jim Northrup was 3-for-5 with 3 RBIs. - September 6: The Tigers beat the Twins, 8-3, and Denny McLain got win number 28. Rookie Graig NettlesGraig NettlesGraig Nettles , nicknamed "Puff", is a former Major League Baseball third baseman. During a 22-year baseball career, he played for the Minnesota Twins , Cleveland Indians , New York Yankees , San Diego Padres , Atlanta Braves and Montreal Expos .Nettles was one of the best...
hit his first major league home run off McLain. Willie Horton hit his 32nd home run and had 5 RBIs. - September 14: In front of 33,688 fans on a Saturday in Detroit, with Denny McLain seeking his 30th win, Reggie JacksonReggie JacksonReginald Martinez "Reggie" Jackson , nicknamed "Mr. October" for his clutch hitting in the postseason with the New York Yankees, is a former American Major League Baseball right fielder. During a 21-year baseball career, he played from 1967-1987 for four different teams. Jackson currently serves as...
hit a home run in the 4th inning to put the A's on top. Norm Cash responded with a 3-run home run in the 4th. Reggie JacksonReggie JacksonReginald Martinez "Reggie" Jackson , nicknamed "Mr. October" for his clutch hitting in the postseason with the New York Yankees, is a former American Major League Baseball right fielder. During a 21-year baseball career, he played from 1967-1987 for four different teams. Jackson currently serves as...
hit his second home run of the day in the 6th inning to put the A’s back in the lead. In the bottom of the 9th inning, Al Kaline pinch hit for McLain. Kaline drew a walk and later scored on an error. Willie Horton then drove in Mickey Stanley for the winning run. McLain struck out 10 batters and beat the A’s, 5-4, to become the first 30-game winner since Dizzy DeanDizzy DeanJay Hanna "Dizzy" Dean was an American Major League Baseball pitcher. He was the last National League pitcher to win 30 games in one season. Dean was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1953....
in 1934. - September 15: The Tigers destroyed the A’s, 13-0. Mickey Lolich went the distance, allowing only 3 hits. Jim Northrup and Bill Freehan hit two home runs each.
- September 17: The Tigers beat the Yankees, 2-1, to clinch the American League pennant. Joe SparmaJoe SparmaJoseph Blase Sparma was a quarterback in collegiate football and a pitcher in Major League Baseball .-Quarterback at Ohio State:...
threw a complete game and gave up 5 hits. Don Wert had the pennant-clinching hit in the bottom of the 9th inning, driving in Al Kaline. Many of the 46,512 fans on hand stormed the field in celebration of the Tigers’ first pennant in 23 years. - September 19: Denny McLain won his 31st game against the Yankees. In the 8th inning, with the Tigers safely in the lead, McLain called catcher Jim PriceJim Price (baseball)Jimmie William Price is a former catcher in Major League Baseball who played with the Detroit Tigers from 1967 to 1973...
to the mound and told him to inform 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...
that he's throwing nothing but fastballs. McLain tossed up a fat one, and Mantle hit a home run to move into 3rd place on the all-time home run list. Mantle, who was planning to retire at the end of the season, tipped his cap to McLain as he rounded third base. Joe PepitoneJoe PepitoneJoseph "Joe" Anthony Pepitone is a former Major League Baseball first baseman and outfielder who played the bulk of his career for the New York Yankees. He also played several seasons with the Chicago Cubs and had short stints with the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves...
‚ the next batter‚ signaled where he would like the ball‚ and McLain "dusted" him. Outfielder Mickey Stanley made his major-league debut at shortstop in this game, as Mayo Smith was preparing to use him at that position in the World Series. - September 21: The Tigers won their 11th straight game, a 4-3 victory over the Senators. The team was now 47 games over .500 with a record of 101-54.
- September 23: Going for his 32nd win, Denny McLain surrendered just 2 runs, but lost a 2-1 decision to Baltimore.
- September 28: In his second attempt at win number 32‚ McLain pitched 7 scoreless innings against Washington and left with a 1-0 lead, but the Senators scored 2 in the 9th to win‚ 2-1.
- September 29: The Tigers lost the final game of the regular season, 3-2. The Tigers finished the season with a record of 103-59.
Roster
| 1968 Detroit Tigers | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roster | |||||||||
| Pitchers |
Catchers Infielders |
Outfielders |
Manager Coaches (third base) |
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Starters by position
| = Indicates team leader |
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 | 155 | 540 | 142 | .263 | 25 | 84 | |
| 1B | 127 | 411 | 108 | .263 | 25 | 63 | |
| 2B | 151 | 570 | 142 | .249 | 16 | 56 | |
| 3B | 150 | 536 | 107 | .200 | 12 | 37 | |
| SS | 111 | 215 | 29 | .135 | 1 | 12 | |
| LF | 143 | 512 | 146 | .285 | 36 | 85 | |
| CF | 153 | 583 | 151 | .259 | 11 | 60 | |
| RF | 154 | 580 | 153 | .264 | 21 | 90 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 102 | 327 | 94 | .287 | 10 | 53 | |
| 80 | 227 | 46 | .203 | 3 | 14 | |
| 90 | 212 | 33 | .156 | 4 | 15 | |
| 64 | 132 | 23 | .174 | 3 | 13 | |
| 67 | 92 | 34 | .370 | 6 | 15 | |
| 31 | 52 | 11 | .212 | 3 | 8 | |
| 48 | 48 | 6 | .125 | 1 | 3 | |
| 9 | 8 | 1 | .125 | 1 | 2 | |
| 6 | 4 | 1 | .250 | 0 | 0 | |
| 3 | 3 | 1 | .333 | 0 | 0 |
Note: Pitchers' batting statistics not included
Starting 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | 336 | 31 | 6 | 1.96 | 280 | |
| 34 | 224.1 | 13 | 12 | 2.85 | 168 | |
| 39 | 220 | 17 | 9 | 3.19 | 197 | |
| 34 | 182.1 | 10 | 10 | 3.70 | 110 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | 128 | 9 | 6 | 2.39 | 78 | |
| 47 | 125 | 5 | 8 | 2.66 | 93 | |
| 8 | 24 | 1 | 0 | 3.00 | 13 |
Relief pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; GF = Games finished; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts
| Player | G | W | L | SV | GF | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 22 | 2.12 | 49 | |
| 34 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 14 | 3.33 | 32 | |
| 28 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 11 | 3.62 | 25 | |
| 22 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 2.37 | 25 | |
| 20 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 2.02 | 33 | |
| 14 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 2.22 | 7 | |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3.86 | 4 | |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 1 |
1968 World Series
| Game | Score | Date | Location | Attendance | Winning Pitcher | Losing Pitcher |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tigers 0, Cardinals 4 | October 2 | Busch Stadium Busch Stadium Busch Stadium is the home of the St. Louis Cardinals, of MLB... |
54,692 | Bob Gibson Bob Gibson Robert "Bob" Gibson is a retired American professional baseball player. Nicknamed "Hoot" and "Gibby", he was a right-handed pitcher who played his entire 17-year Major League Baseball career with St. Louis Cardinals... (1–0) |
Denny McLain Denny McLain Dennis Dale "Denny" McLain is a former American professional baseball player, and the last major league pitcher to win 30 or more games during a season —a feat accomplished by only thirteen players in the 20th century.... (0–1) |
| 2 | Tigers 8, Cardinals 1 | October 3 | Busch Stadium Busch Stadium Busch Stadium is the home of the St. Louis Cardinals, of MLB... |
54,692 | Mickey Lolich Mickey Lolich Michael Stephen Lolich is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from 1962 until 1979 who played the majority of his career with the Detroit Tigers.-Baseball career:... (1–0) |
Nelson Briles Nelson Briles Nelson Kelley "Nellie" Briles was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the St. Louis Cardinals , Pittsburgh Pirates , Kansas City Royals , Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles... (0–1) |
| 3 | Cardinals 7, Tigers 3 | October 5 | Tiger Stadium | 53,634 | Ray Washburn Ray Washburn Ray Clark Washburn is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. Washburn, a right-hander, pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals from to and the Cincinnati Reds in .... (1–0) |
Earl Wilson (0–1) |
| 4 | Cardinals 10, Tigers 1 | October 6 | Tiger Stadium | 53,634 | Bob Gibson Bob Gibson Robert "Bob" Gibson is a retired American professional baseball player. Nicknamed "Hoot" and "Gibby", he was a right-handed pitcher who played his entire 17-year Major League Baseball career with St. Louis Cardinals... (2–0) |
Denny McLain Denny McLain Dennis Dale "Denny" McLain is a former American professional baseball player, and the last major league pitcher to win 30 or more games during a season —a feat accomplished by only thirteen players in the 20th century.... (0–2) |
| 5 | Cardinals 3, Tigers 5 | October 7 | Tiger Stadium | 53,634 | Mickey Lolich Mickey Lolich Michael Stephen Lolich is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from 1962 until 1979 who played the majority of his career with the Detroit Tigers.-Baseball career:... (2–0) |
Joe Hoerner Joe Hoerner Joseph Walter Hoerner was a Major League Baseball relief pitcher. A native of Dubuque, Iowa, the left-hander was signed by the Chicago White Sox as an amateur free agent before the 1957 season. He played for the Houston Colt .45s , St... (0–1) |
| 6 | Tigers 13, Cardinals 1 | October 9 | Busch Stadium Busch Stadium Busch Stadium is the home of the St. Louis Cardinals, of MLB... |
54,692 | Denny McLain Denny McLain Dennis Dale "Denny" McLain is a former American professional baseball player, and the last major league pitcher to win 30 or more games during a season —a feat accomplished by only thirteen players in the 20th century.... (1–2) |
Ray Washburn Ray Washburn Ray Clark Washburn is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. Washburn, a right-hander, pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals from to and the Cincinnati Reds in .... (1–1) |
| 7 | Tigers 4, Cardinals 1 | October 10 | Busch Stadium Busch Stadium Busch Stadium is the home of the St. Louis Cardinals, of MLB... |
54,692 | Mickey Lolich Mickey Lolich Michael Stephen Lolich is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from 1962 until 1979 who played the majority of his career with the Detroit Tigers.-Baseball career:... (3–0) |
Bob Gibson Bob Gibson Robert "Bob" Gibson is a retired American professional baseball player. Nicknamed "Hoot" and "Gibby", he was a right-handed pitcher who played his entire 17-year Major League Baseball career with St. Louis Cardinals... (2–1) |
Summary
The 1968 World Series1968 World Series
The 1968 World Series featured the defending champion St. Louis Cardinals against the Detroit Tigers, with the Tigers winning in seven games for their first championship since 1945, and the third in their history...
featured the Detroit Tigers and the St. Louis Cardinals
1968 St. Louis Cardinals season
The St. Louis Cardinals season was the team's 87th season in St. Louis, Missouri and its 77th season in the National League. The Cardinals went 97-65 during the season, winning their second consecutive NL pennant, this time by nine games over the San Francisco Giants. They lost in 7 games to the...
, with the Tigers winning in seven games for their third championship in seven World Series appearances.
In Game 1, the Cardinals' ace Bob Gibson
Bob Gibson
Robert "Bob" Gibson is a retired American professional baseball player. Nicknamed "Hoot" and "Gibby", he was a right-handed pitcher who played his entire 17-year Major League Baseball career with St. Louis Cardinals...
threw a shutout, striking out 17 batters, as St. Louis won 4-0. As of 2010, Gibson's 17 strikeouts is still the record in a World Series game. The only positive the Tigers could take away from Game 1 was the fact that Mickey Stanley
Mickey Stanley
Mitchell Jack "Mickey" Stanley was a baseball player for the Detroit Tigers from 1964-1978. Stanley was known as a superb defensive outfielder over his 15-year career, though he is best remembered for the last few weeks of the 1968 season.-Early life:Stanley prepped at Ottawa Hills High School in...
, having moved from center field to shortstop at the end of the season, handled five chances without an error.
In Game 2, Mickey Lolich
Mickey Lolich
Michael Stephen Lolich is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from 1962 until 1979 who played the majority of his career with the Detroit Tigers.-Baseball career:...
hit a home run and pitched the first of his three complete game victories, as Detroit won, 8-1. 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 Willie Horton both homered, and perennial Gold Glove winner, 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...
, made two sensational catches in right field.
The Cardinals followed with wins in Games 3 and 4, including another victory by Bob Gibson
Bob Gibson
Robert "Bob" Gibson is a retired American professional baseball player. Nicknamed "Hoot" and "Gibby", he was a right-handed pitcher who played his entire 17-year Major League Baseball career with St. Louis Cardinals...
over Denny McLain
Denny McLain
Dennis Dale "Denny" McLain is a former American professional baseball player, and the last major league pitcher to win 30 or more games during a season —a feat accomplished by only thirteen players in the 20th century....
in Game 4. Lou Brock
Lou Brock
Louis Clark "Lou" Brock is an American former professional baseball player. He began his Major League Baseball career with the Chicago Cubs but, spent the majority of his career as the left fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals. Brock was best known for breaking Ty Cobb's all-time major league...
stole three bases in Game 3 and had six steals in the first three games. In Game 4, McLain pitched poorly, giving up six runs in three innings. Game 4 also saw one of the most bizarre strategic battles in World Series history. The Cardinals led 4-0 in the third inning, when the game was delayed by rain for over an hour. When play resumed, the Tigers began to stall, hoping to have the game called before it became official. The Cardinals responded by intentionally trying to make outs to move the game forward. As a result of the tactics, Game 4 of the 1968 was criticized as one of the worst games in World Series history.
After Game 4, with the Cardinals up 3 games to 1, a Detroit team that had made dramatic comebacks all year was forced to make its biggest comeback yet.
Game 5 began with the unconventional, soulful singing of the national anthem by Jose Feliciano
José Feliciano
José Feliciano is a Puerto Rican singer, virtuoso guitarist and composer known for many international hits including the 1970 holiday single "Feliz Navidad".-Childhood:...
, drawing boos from some Detroit fans. When the game got underway, the Cardinals immediately scored three runs in the first inning off Mickey Lolich
Mickey Lolich
Michael Stephen Lolich is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from 1962 until 1979 who played the majority of his career with the Detroit Tigers.-Baseball career:...
. In the fifth inning, Lou Brock
Lou Brock
Louis Clark "Lou" Brock is an American former professional baseball player. He began his Major League Baseball career with the Chicago Cubs but, spent the majority of his career as the left fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals. Brock was best known for breaking Ty Cobb's all-time major league...
doubled, and the Cardinals had a chance to break the game open, but Brock tried to score from second base on a single to left field. Brock was out in a collision with Bill Freehan
Bill Freehan
William Ashley Freehan is a former professional baseball player. He played his entire Major League Baseball career as a catcher for the Detroit Tigers...
at home plate, as Willie Horton's throw hit Bill Freehan
Bill Freehan
William Ashley Freehan is a former professional baseball player. He played his entire Major League Baseball career as a catcher for the Detroit Tigers...
's glove on the fly, and Brock elected not to slide. In the 7th inning, the Cardinals led, 3-2. Mickey Lolich
Mickey Lolich
Michael Stephen Lolich is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from 1962 until 1979 who played the majority of his career with the Detroit Tigers.-Baseball career:...
led off for the Tigers in the 7th inning with a bloop single, and the Tigers loaded the bases for 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...
to slap a single into right field, driving in two runs. Cash drove in another run, and the Tigers led, 5-3, which proved to be the final score. Mickey Lolich
Mickey Lolich
Michael Stephen Lolich is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from 1962 until 1979 who played the majority of his career with the Detroit Tigers.-Baseball career:...
pitched his second complete game victory.
In Game 6, Mayo Smith
Mayo Smith
Edward Mayo Smith was an American player, manager, and scout in Major League Baseball.Smith was born in New London, Missouri, but grew up in Florida. A left-handed batter who threw right-handed, Smith was a career minor league outfielder who spent many seasons in the International League with the...
passed over Earl Wilson and elected to start Denny McLain
Denny McLain
Dennis Dale "Denny" McLain is a former American professional baseball player, and the last major league pitcher to win 30 or more games during a season —a feat accomplished by only thirteen players in the 20th century....
on two days' rest. McLain held the Cardinals to one run, and the Tigers scored 13 times. The Tigers scored ten runs in the 3rd inning, capped by Jim Northrup's grand slam.
Game 7 was a pitching duel between Bob Gibson
Bob Gibson
Robert "Bob" Gibson is a retired American professional baseball player. Nicknamed "Hoot" and "Gibby", he was a right-handed pitcher who played his entire 17-year Major League Baseball career with St. Louis Cardinals...
and Mickey Lolich
Mickey Lolich
Michael Stephen Lolich is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from 1962 until 1979 who played the majority of his career with the Detroit Tigers.-Baseball career:...
, pitching on only two days' rest. In a pre-game pep talk, Mayo Smith
Mayo Smith
Edward Mayo Smith was an American player, manager, and scout in Major League Baseball.Smith was born in New London, Missouri, but grew up in Florida. A left-handed batter who threw right-handed, Smith was a career minor league outfielder who spent many seasons in the International League with the...
told his team that Gibson was not Superman, prompting 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...
to ask: "What was he doing in a telephone booth changing his clothes?" The game was scoreless after six innings, as the two pitchers dominated. In the 7th inning, the Tigers broke through on a 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....
by Jim Northrup that went over 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...
Curt Flood
Curt Flood
Curtis Charles Flood was a Major League Baseball player who spent most of his career as a center fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals. A defensive standout, he led the National League in putouts four times and in fielding percentage twice, winning Gold Glove Awards in his last seven full seasons...
’s head, driving in 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 Willie Horton. Curt Flood
Curt Flood
Curtis Charles Flood was a Major League Baseball player who spent most of his career as a center fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals. A defensive standout, he led the National League in putouts four times and in fielding percentage twice, winning Gold Glove Awards in his last seven full seasons...
initially misread Northrup's hit, taking a step in, and then slipping as he chased the ball over his head. Flood was tagged a “goat” for having misplayed the ball. The Tigers won Game 7 by a score of 4-1.
Mickey Lolich
Mickey Lolich
Michael Stephen Lolich is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from 1962 until 1979 who played the majority of his career with the Detroit Tigers.-Baseball career:...
, who pitched three complete game victories, was named the MVP of the World Series. On the plane ride back to Detroit after Game 7 of the World Series, Lolich turned to newspaper columnist, Pete Waldmeir, and said: "I guess I'm an unlikely hero. Pot belly. Big ears. Just a guy who shows up every day and gets the job done as best as he knows how." But it was precisely those "average man" qualities that made Lolich one of the most popular sports figures in a working man's city. As the Detroit News put it, "He didn't act like a big shot superstar, he was one of us."
The Tigers' role in healing a city
The 1968 baseball season occurred in a year of upheaval. The Tet Offensive earlier in the year increased opposition to the Vietnam WarVietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
. The City of Detroit had suffered through one of the worst riots in American history during the summer of 1967. Less than a week before Opening Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was an American clergyman, activist, and prominent leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. He is best known for being an iconic figure in the advancement of civil rights in the United States and around the world, using nonviolent methods following the...
was assassinated in Memphis, triggering civil unrest in 60 American cities. The assassination of Robert Kennedy followed in June. And in late August, the Tigers played a series in Chicago, as Chicago police had violent confrontations with thousands of anti-war protesters during the Democratic National Convention. Yet, through the summer of 1968, the people of Detroit were united by their passion for the Tigers and the calming radio voice of Tigers broadcaster, Ernie Harwell
Ernie Harwell
William Earnest "Ernie" Harwell was an American sportscaster, known for his long career calling play-by-play of Major League Baseball games. For 55 years, 42 of them with the Detroit Tigers, Harwell called the action on radio and/or television...
. When the Tigers won the World Series, the headline in the Detroit Free Press
Detroit Free Press
The Detroit Free Press is the largest daily newspaper in Detroit, Michigan, USA. The Sunday edition is entitled the Sunday Free Press. It is sometimes informally referred to as the "Freep"...
read: "WE WIN!" The headline told the story. Amidst all the turmoil, the people of Detroit came together behind their baseball team.
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...
, described the impact of the Tigers championship on the city.
Even the Governor of Michigan, George Romney
George W. Romney
George Wilcken Romney was an American businessman and Republican Party politician. He was chairman and CEO of American Motors Corporation from 1954 to 1962, the 43rd Governor of Michigan from 1963 to 1969, and the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 1969 to 1973...
, credited the Tigers with helping calm the city. In a letter to owner John Fetzer
John Fetzer
John Earl Fetzer was a radio and television executive who was best known as the owner of the Detroit Tigers from 1961 through the early 1980s.- Biography :...
, Romney wrote: "The deepest meaning of this victory extends beyond the sports pages, radio broadcasts, and the telecasts that have consumed our attention for several months. This championship occurred when all of us in Detroit and Michigan needed a great lift. At a time of unusual tensions, when many good men lost their perspective toward others, the Tigers set an example of what human relations should really be."
Awards and honors
- Gold Glove Awards
- 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...
, catcher - Mickey StanleyMickey StanleyMitchell Jack "Mickey" Stanley was a baseball player for the Detroit Tigers from 1964-1978. Stanley was known as a superb defensive outfielder over his 15-year career, though he is best remembered for the last few weeks of the 1968 season.-Early life:Stanley prepped at Ottawa Hills High School in...
, outfield
- Bill Freehan
- 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...
, Lou Gehrig Memorial AwardLou Gehrig Memorial AwardThe Lou Gehrig Memorial Award was created by the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity in honor of the former Major League Baseball player Lou Gehrig, who was a member of the fraternity at Columbia University. It is given to players who best exemplify his character and integrity both on and off the field... - Mickey LolichMickey LolichMichael Stephen Lolich is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from 1962 until 1979 who played the majority of his career with the Detroit Tigers.-Baseball career:...
, Babe Ruth AwardBabe Ruth AwardThe Babe Ruth Award is given annually to the Major League Baseball player with the best performance in the postseason. The award, created by the New York chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America in honor of Babe Ruth, was first awarded in 1949 to the MVP of the World Series, one... - Mickey Lolich, World Series Most Valuable Player
- Denny McLainDenny McLainDennis Dale "Denny" McLain is a former American professional baseball player, and the last major league pitcher to win 30 or more games during a season —a feat accomplished by only thirteen players in the 20th century....
, American League Most Valuable Player - Denny McLain, American League Cy Young AwardCy Young AwardThe Cy Young Award is an honor given annually in baseball to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball , one each for the American League and National League . The award was first introduced in 1956 by Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick in honor of Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, who died in 1955...
- Denny McLain, Associated Press Athlete of the YearAssociated Press Athlete of the YearThe first Athlete of the Year award in the United States was initiated by the Associated Press in 1931. At a time when women in sports were never given the same recognition as men, the AP offered a male and a female athlete of the year award to either a professional or amateur athlete...
- Mayo SmithMayo SmithEdward Mayo Smith was an American player, manager, and scout in Major League Baseball.Smith was born in New London, Missouri, but grew up in Florida. A left-handed batter who threw right-handed, Smith was a career minor league outfielder who spent many seasons in the International League with the...
, Associated Press AL Manager of the Year
League leaders
Bill FreehanBill Freehan
William Ashley Freehan is a former professional baseball player. He played his entire Major League Baseball career as a catcher for the Detroit Tigers...
- AL hit by pitch leader (24)
- AL innings at catcher leader (1180.1)
- AL leader in assists at catcher (971)
- AL leader in double plays at catcher (15)
- AL leader in runners caught stealing (38)
Dick McAuliffe
Dick McAuliffe
Richard 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...
- AL runs scored leader (95)
- AL leader in innings at second base (1277.2)
Denny McLain
Denny McLain
Dennis Dale "Denny" McLain is a former American professional baseball player, and the last major league pitcher to win 30 or more games during a season —a feat accomplished by only thirteen players in the 20th century....
- AL wins leader (31)
- AL win percentage leader (.838)
- AL innings pitched leader (336)
- AL games started leader (41)
- AL complete games leader (28)
- AL home runs allowed leader (31)
- AL leader in strikeout to walk ratio (4.44)
- AL batters faced leader (1288)
- AL sacrifice hits leader (16)
Mickey Stanley
Mickey Stanley
Mitchell Jack "Mickey" Stanley was a baseball player for the Detroit Tigers from 1964-1978. Stanley was known as a superb defensive outfielder over his 15-year career, though he is best remembered for the last few weeks of the 1968 season.-Early life:Stanley prepped at Ottawa Hills High School in...
- AL leader in fielding percentage by outfielder (1.000)
- AL grounded into double plays leader (22)
All-Stars
1968 Major League Baseball All-Star Game1968 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 1968 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 39th playing of the midsummer classic between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball...
- 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...
, C, Starter - Willie Horton, OF, Starter
- Denny McLainDenny McLainDennis Dale "Denny" McLain is a former American professional baseball player, and the last major league pitcher to win 30 or more games during a season —a feat accomplished by only thirteen players in the 20th century....
, P - Don WertDon WertDonald Ralph Wert , nicknamed "Coyote", is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Detroit Tigers from 1963 to 1970 and also briefly played for the Washington Senators in 1971...
, 3B
Players ranking among top 100 of all time at position
The following members of the 1968 Tigers have been ranked among the Top 100 of all time at their position in The New Bill James Historical Baseball AbstractThe Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract
The Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract is a reference-type book written by Bill James featuring an overview of baseball decade by decade, along with rankings of the top 100 players at each position. The original edition was published in 1985 by Villard Books, followed by The New Bill James...
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 - 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 - Eddie MathewsEddie MathewsEdwin Lee "Eddie" Mathews was an American Major League Baseball third baseman. He is regarded as one of the greatest third basemen ever to play the game.-Early life:...
: 3rd best third baseman of all time (Mathews appeared in only six games at third base for the 1968 Tigers) - Willie Horton: 55th best left fielder of all time
- 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 - Mickey LolichMickey LolichMichael Stephen Lolich is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from 1962 until 1979 who played the majority of his career with the Detroit Tigers.-Baseball career:...
: 72nd best pitcher of all time