1984 Detroit Tigers season
Encyclopedia
The Detroit Tigers
won the 1984 World Series
, defeating the San Diego Padres
, 4 games to 1. The season was their 84th since they entered the American League
in 1901 and their fourth World Series
championship. Detroit relief pitcher Willie Hernandez
won the Cy Young Award
and was chosen as the American League
Most Valuable Player. The 1984 season is also notable for the Tigers leading the AL East division wire-to-wire. They opened with a 9–0 start, were 35–5 after 40 games, and never relinquished the lead during the entire season.
, known as the "Big Wheel," led the team in home runs (33) and RBIs (98) -- and strikeouts (120) as well. Parrish was the starting catcher for the American League All Star team and won the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger
awards in 1984. He hit 2 home runs and had 5 RBIs in postseason play.
was acquired from the Giants (via the Phillies) in March 1984 and became the Tigers' principal first baseman
, playing 114 games at the position. He hit .273 in the regular season, but failed to get a hit in 5 games of the 1984 World Series
. On June 4, 1984, Bergman had an at-bat at home against Toronto that lasted 13 pitches (7 minutes) and ended with a walk-off, three-run home run. Sparky Anderson
called it the greatest at-bat he had ever seen.
Second baseman
Lou Whitaker, known as "Sweet Lou," had his best year in 1983, hitting .320 with 40 doubles and 206 hits. Though his batting numbers were much lower in 1984 (.289 average, 25 doubles and 161 hits), he was selected as the starting second baseman for the American League All Star team and won the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger
awards in 1984.
Shortstop
Alan Trammell
had a big year in 1984. His .314 batting average
was 5th best in the American League and 25 points higher than any other Tiger. He was selected for the American League All Star team and won his 4th Gold Glove award at shortstop. Trammell was also named the Most Valuable Player of the 1984 World Series
after batting .450, driving in 6 runs and hitting 2 home runs.
Third base was a weak spot in the Detroit lineup, with Tom Brookens
as the starter from 1980–1983. In 1984, manager Sparky Anderson
searched for the right third baseman, as five different players appeared in 19 or more games at third base for the 1984 Tigers: 108 by Howard Johnson
, 68 by Tom Brookens
, 33 by Marty Castillo, 20 by Barbaro Garbey
, and 19 by Darrell Evans
.
Howard Johnson, nicknamed "HoJo," was the starting third baseman
on Opening Day and through most of the 1984 season. Johnson had a disappointing year, batting .248 with 12 home runs and 50 RBIs. In the 1984 World Series, Sparky Anderson gave the third base job to Marty Castillo, and HoJo had only 1 pinch-hit at bat. Johnson was traded to the Mets less than 2 months after the World Series, and had some big years in New York (36 HRs, 101 RBIs in 1989).
with his arms raised above his head after hitting a 3-run home run in the 1984 World Series
has become the iconic symbol of the Tigers' 1984 season. The blast came off Goose Gossage
, the best reliever in the National League, in the 8th inning of the 5th and final game. It put the Tigers ahead, 8–4, and sealed the championship. During the regular season, the Detroit area native played right field and led the team with a .516 slugging percentage. He also contributed 27 home runs, 91 RBIs and 29 stolen bases, and was #6 in the American League Most Valuable Player voting.
Chet Lemon
was the starting center fielder in the 1984 All Star game and a major contributor to the Tigers’ success in 1984. One of the best fielding outfielders in baseball, Lemon had 427 putouts in 1984 with a .995 fielding percentage; his 3.09 Range factor
rating was far above the league average of 2.17. Lemon also contributed to the team's offensive output with 20 home runs, 34 doubles, 76 RBIs, and a.495 slugging percentage.
Larry Herndon
played 117 games in left field for the 1984 Tigers and hit .280. In the World Series, he had a .333 batting average and hit a home run. His 2-run homer in Game 1 was the difference in a 3–2 Tigers win. He also caught the final out of the World Series, a fly ball off the bat of Tony Gwynn
.
was the leader of the Tigers pitching staff. He started the season with a no-hitter in April and was 10–1 before the end of May. He was selected for the 1984 All Star team, but finished the season 9–10 from June through September. He was 19–11 in the regular season with a 3.60 ERA. He won all 3 of his post-season starts, tossing two complete games and allowing only 5 earned runs in 25 innings (1.80 ERA).
The team's #2 starter, Dan Petry
, finished the year 18–8 with the 3rd best winning percentage (.692) in the American League. His 3.24 ERA in the regular season was the lowest among the Tiger starters.
The team's #3 starter, Milt Wilcox
, was 17–8 with a 4.00 ERA. Wilcox was 2–0 in the post-season, giving up only 1 run in 14 innings. He combined with the bullpen to shut out the Royals, 1–0, in the third and final game of the ALCS
.
Though Morris was the ace, the Tigers' MVP was Willie Hernandez
. The Tigers traded John Wockenfuss
and Glenn Wilson
to the Phillies in March for Hernandez and Dave Bergman
. Hernandez appeared in a team record 80 games for the 1984 Tigers and was virtually unhittable. He allowed only 6 home runs in 140-1/3 innings and finished the season with a remarkable 1.92 ERA. His Adjusted ERA+
of 204 is one of the highest in Detroit Tigers
history. With 32 saves and 68 games finished, Hernandez won the Cy Young Award
and was voted the American League's Most Valuable Player. His 32 saves came in 33 opportunities, his only blown save coming in late September after the Tigers had already secured the AL East Division title. Hernandez saved three post-season games, including the series-clinching games in both the ALCS and World Series.
The popular Aurelio López
, known as "Señor Smoke", also had a strong season as the Tigers #2 relief pitcher. Lopez finished the season with 41 games finished, a record of 10–1 and a 2.94 ERA. Lopez earned a win in Game 2 of the ALCS, tossing three scoreless innings as the Tigers won in 11 innings. Almost lost in the World Series Game 5 hitting heroics of Kirk Gibson was Lopez earning the win with 2-1/3 innings of scoreless relief, in which he didn't allow a baserunner.
was the Tigers' big free agent signing before the 1984 season. Though he had big years in 1985 (40 HRs, 94 RBIs) and 1987 (34 HRs, 99 RBIs), Evans struggled in his first year in the American League, batting .232 with 16 home runs and 63 RBIs. In the 1984 World Series, Evans went 1-for-15 for an .067 batting average.
As a rookie in 1984, Barbaro Garbey
played in 110 games, including appearances at first base, second base, third base, DH
, and each of the outfield positions. Garbey hit .287 and had more RBIs (52) than several starters, including Howard Johnson
, Larry Herndon
and Dave Bergman
.
Ruppert Jones
was signed as a free agent one week into the season on April 10, 1984. He played in 79 games, mostly as a backup in left field. Jones contributed 12 home runs and 49 RBIs in only 215 at bats. His .516 slugging percentage was tied with Kirk Gibson
for the team lead.
The most popular of the role players was Marty Castillo. In 1984, Castillo appeared in 70 games as a third baseman and backup catcher, and came through in the clutch at several key moments, including: scoring 3 runs to secure a win on August 26; hitting a home run to beat the Yankees on September 23; collecting the game-winning, pennant clinching RBI in Game 3 of the ALCS
, a 1–0 victory; catching the ball at third base for the final out of the ALCS
; hitting .333 with a .455 on base percentage and a .667 slugging percentage in the World Series
; hitting a two-run home run in Game 3 of the World Series; and scoring in Game 5 when Kirk Gibson
hit his 3-run home run off Goose Gossage
.
is fifth on the all-time list for manager career wins in Major League Baseball
, and in 1984 he became the first manager to win the World Series
while leading clubs in both leagues. He previously managed the Cincinnati Reds
to the 1975
and 1976
championships, but the Reds inexplicably fired him after a second place finish in the 1978 season. Sparky kept a journal during the 1984 season, which was published under the title "Bless You Boys: Diary of the Detroit Tigers' 1984 Season
". On the day the Tigers clinched the pennant, Sparky wrote in his journal: "I have to be honest. I’ve waited for this day since they fired me in Cincinnati. I think they made a big mistake when they did that. Now no one will ever question me again."
. They outscored their opponents 829–643.
The 1984 Tigers' winning percentage ranks as the 4th best in team history, as follows:
in the 1984 American League Championship Series
, prevailing three games to none.
Detroit won the opening game by a score of 8–1. Jack Morris
pitched seven innings and allowed a single run, with Willie Hernández
pitching the final 2 innings. Alan Trammell
hit a triple and a home run for 3 RBIs, and Larry Herndon
and Lance Parrish
also hit home runs for Detroit.
In Game 2, the Tigers won in extra innings by a 5–3 score. Kirk Gibson
doubled to drive in Lou Whitaker in the 1st inning and hit a home run
in the 3rd. Dan Petry
pitched 7 innings and gave up 2 runs. Johnny Grubb
hit a double off Dan Quisenberry
in the 11th inning to drive in Darrell Evans
and Ruppert Jones
. Aurelio López
held the Royals scoreless in the 9th, 10th and 11th innings to earn the win.
Game 3 was a pitching duel between Milt Wilcox
and Charlie Leibrandt
. Leibrandt pitched a complete game, allowing only 1 run and 3 hits, while Milt Wilcox
gave up 2 hits and struck out 8 Royals with Willie Hernández
pitching the 9th inning for the save. Marty Castillo batted in Chet Lemon
for the only run of the game, as the Tigers completed a 3-game sweep and advanced the World Series.
Kirk Gibson
was named the Most Valuable Player of the AL Championship Series.
in the 1984 World Series
, winning the series 4 games to 1.
In Game 1, the Padres led, 2–1, until Larry Herndon
hit a two-out, two-run home run in the fifth. Jack Morris
did not allow another run in his complete-game effort, and the Tigers won, 3–2.
The Padres evened the series in Game 2, on the strength of a Kurt Bevacqua
3-run homer off Dan Petry
, as San Diego won its first (and to date only) World Series game.
In Game 3, the Tigers scored four runs in the second inning, including two on a home run by Marty Castillo, en route to a 5–2 victory for Milt Wilcox
.
In Game 4, Alan Trammell
hit a pair of two-run home runs to account for all of Detroit's offense as the Tigers beat Eric Show
, 4–2. Jack Morris
got his second Series victory and second complete game.
In Game 5, the Tigers scored three runs in the first inning, but the Padres rallied to tie it in the fourth inning. In the eighth, with Detroit leading 5–4, the Tigers got runners to second and third with one out. Padres manager Dick Williams
called on Goose Gossage
to walk Kirk Gibson
and set up a possible double play. Gossage talked Williams into letting him pitch to Gibson, and Gibson responded with a three-run blast into the right-field upper deck to clinch the Series for the Tigers. Detroit radio announcer Ernie Harwell
called Gibson’s home run on WJR
radio as follows:
Following the Tigers’ victory in Game 5, the celebration by Detroit fans turned violent. A well known photograph taken outside Tiger Stadium shows a Tigers “fan” holding a World Series pennant in front of an overturned burning Detroit Police car. The image was printed in newspapers across the country, and became a symbol of Detroit’s decline. One writer described the press reaction to the post-game violence as follows:
Kirk Gibson
Willie Hernández
Chet Lemon
Jack Morris
Lance Parrish
Alan Trammell
Lou Whitaker
:
Surprisingly, not one of the players named above is in the Baseball Hall of Fame, although manager Sparky Anderson was inducted in 2000. Only two members of the '84 Tigers are even still eligible for baseball's highest honour (the others have dropped off the ballot): Trammell (who received just 94 votes in 2009, or 17.4%) and pitcher Jack Morris
, who received 237 votes (44.0%) in 2009, his tenth year on the ballot. 75 percent is needed for induction.
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 1984 World Series
1984 World Series
The 1984 World Series began on October 9 and ended on October 14, 1984. The American League champion Detroit Tigers played against the National League champion San Diego Padres, with the Tigers winning the series four games to one....
, defeating the San Diego Padres
1984 San Diego Padres season
-Offseason:* October 21, 1983: Sandy Alomar, Jr. was signed by the Padres as an amateur free agent.* December 6, 1983: Joe Pittman and a player to be named later were traded by the Padres to the San Francisco Giants for Champ Summers...
, 4 games to 1. The season was their 84th 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 and their fourth World Series
World Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
championship. Detroit relief pitcher Willie Hernandez
Willie Hernández
Guillermo "Willie" Hernández Villanueva is a former relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs , Philadelphia Phillies , and the Detroit Tigers . He threw and batted left-handed.-Career:...
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...
and was chosen as 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...
Most Valuable Player. The 1984 season is also notable for the Tigers leading the AL East division wire-to-wire. They opened with a 9–0 start, were 35–5 after 40 games, and never relinquished the lead during the entire season.
Catcher: Parrish
Catcher Lance ParrishLance Parrish
Lance Michael Parrish, aka "Big Wheel", is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Detroit Tigers , Philadelphia Phillies , California Angels , Seattle Mariners , Cleveland Indians , Pittsburgh Pirates , and the Toronto Blue Jays...
, known as the "Big Wheel," led the team in home runs (33) and RBIs (98) -- and strikeouts (120) as well. Parrish was the starting catcher for the American League All Star team and won the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger
Silver Slugger
The Silver Slugger Award is awarded annually to the best offensive player at each position in both the American League and the National League, as determined by the coaches and managers of Major League Baseball...
awards in 1984. He hit 2 home runs and had 5 RBIs in postseason play.
Infield: Bergman, Whitaker, Trammell and Johnson
Dave BergmanDave Bergman
David Bruce Bergman was a Major League Baseball first baseman, designated hitter, and outfielder.Born in Evanston, Illinois, Bergman is an alumnus of Maine South High School and Illinois State University...
was acquired from the Giants (via the Phillies) in March 1984 and became the Tigers' principal first baseman
First 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...
, playing 114 games at the position. He hit .273 in the regular season, but failed to get a hit in 5 games of the 1984 World Series
1984 World Series
The 1984 World Series began on October 9 and ended on October 14, 1984. The American League champion Detroit Tigers played against the National League champion San Diego Padres, with the Tigers winning the series four games to one....
. On June 4, 1984, Bergman had an at-bat at home against Toronto that lasted 13 pitches (7 minutes) and ended with a walk-off, three-run home run. Sparky Anderson
Sparky Anderson
George Lee "Sparky" Anderson was an American Major League Baseball manager. He managed the National League's Cincinnati Reds to the 1975 and 1976 championships, then added a third title in 1984 with the Detroit Tigers of the American League. He was the first manager to win the World Series in both...
called it the greatest at-bat he had ever seen.
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...
Lou Whitaker, known as "Sweet Lou," had his best year in 1983, hitting .320 with 40 doubles and 206 hits. Though his batting numbers were much lower in 1984 (.289 average, 25 doubles and 161 hits), he was selected as the starting second baseman for the American League All Star team and won the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger
Silver Slugger
The Silver Slugger Award is awarded annually to the best offensive player at each position in both the American League and the National League, as determined by the coaches and managers of Major League Baseball...
awards in 1984.
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...
Alan Trammell
Alan Trammell
Alan Stuart Trammell is a retired American baseball shortstop of the Detroit Tigers from to . Trammell, nicknamed "Tram", played his entire career with the Tigers, highlighted by a World Series championship in and an American League East division championship in . Although his arm was not...
had a big year in 1984. His .314 batting average
Batting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
was 5th best in the American League and 25 points higher than any other Tiger. He was selected for the American League All Star team and won his 4th Gold Glove award at shortstop. Trammell was also named the Most Valuable Player of the 1984 World Series
1984 World Series
The 1984 World Series began on October 9 and ended on October 14, 1984. The American League champion Detroit Tigers played against the National League champion San Diego Padres, with the Tigers winning the series four games to one....
after batting .450, driving in 6 runs and hitting 2 home runs.
Tom Brookens
Thomas Dale Brookens is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Detroit Tigers , New York Yankees , and Cleveland Indians...
as the starter from 1980–1983. In 1984, manager Sparky Anderson
Sparky Anderson
George Lee "Sparky" Anderson was an American Major League Baseball manager. He managed the National League's Cincinnati Reds to the 1975 and 1976 championships, then added a third title in 1984 with the Detroit Tigers of the American League. He was the first manager to win the World Series in both...
searched for the right third baseman, as five different players appeared in 19 or more games at third base for the 1984 Tigers: 108 by Howard Johnson
Howard Johnson (baseball player)
Howard Michael Johnson , nicknamed HoJo, is a switch hitting third baseman for the Rockland Boulders of the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball. He is best known for his career in Major League Baseball, where he played for the Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, Colorado Rockies and...
, 68 by Tom Brookens
Tom Brookens
Thomas Dale Brookens is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Detroit Tigers , New York Yankees , and Cleveland Indians...
, 33 by Marty Castillo, 20 by Barbaro Garbey
Barbaro Garbey
Bárbaro Garbey is a former utility player in Major League Baseball. Garbey played at outfield, first and third bases, and also served as designated hitter. He batted and threw right-handed....
, and 19 by Darrell Evans
Darrell Evans
Darrell Wayne Evans is a former third baseman and first baseman in Major League Baseball who played from 1969 to 1989 with the Atlanta Braves , San Francisco Giants and Detroit Tigers . He is also the former manager and director of player personnel for the Victoria Seals of the Golden Baseball...
.
Howard Johnson, nicknamed "HoJo," was the starting 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...
on Opening Day and through most of the 1984 season. Johnson had a disappointing year, batting .248 with 12 home runs and 50 RBIs. In the 1984 World Series, Sparky Anderson gave the third base job to Marty Castillo, and HoJo had only 1 pinch-hit at bat. Johnson was traded to the Mets less than 2 months after the World Series, and had some big years in New York (36 HRs, 101 RBIs in 1989).
Outfield: Gibson, Lemon and Herndon
The image of Kirk GibsonKirk Gibson
Kirk Harold Gibson is a former Major League Baseball player and currently the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. As a player, Gibson was an outfielder who batted and threw left-handed...
with his arms raised above his head after hitting a 3-run home run in the 1984 World Series
1984 World Series
The 1984 World Series began on October 9 and ended on October 14, 1984. The American League champion Detroit Tigers played against the National League champion San Diego Padres, with the Tigers winning the series four games to one....
has become the iconic symbol of the Tigers' 1984 season. The blast came off Goose Gossage
Goose Gossage
Richard Michael "Goose" Gossage is a former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher. During a 22-year baseball career, he pitched from 1972-1994 for nine different teams, spending his best years with the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres. The nickname "Goose" is a play on his surname...
, the best reliever in the National League, in the 8th inning of the 5th and final game. It put the Tigers ahead, 8–4, and sealed the championship. During the regular season, the Detroit area native played right field and led the team with a .516 slugging percentage. He also contributed 27 home runs, 91 RBIs and 29 stolen bases, and was #6 in the American League Most Valuable Player voting.
Chet Lemon
Chet Lemon
Chester Earl Lemon is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. A three time All-Star, he was a member of the World Series champion 1984 Detroit Tigers.-Early years:...
was the starting center fielder in the 1984 All Star game and a major contributor to the Tigers’ success in 1984. One of the best fielding outfielders in baseball, Lemon had 427 putouts in 1984 with a .995 fielding percentage; his 3.09 Range factor
Range Factor
Range Factor is a baseball statistic developed by Bill James. It is calculated by dividing putouts and assists by number of innings or games played at a given defense position...
rating was far above the league average of 2.17. Lemon also contributed to the team's offensive output with 20 home runs, 34 doubles, 76 RBIs, and a.495 slugging percentage.
Larry Herndon
Larry Herndon
Larry Darnell Herndon is a former Major League Baseball player for the St. Louis Cardinals , San Francisco Giants , and Detroit Tigers...
played 117 games in left field for the 1984 Tigers and hit .280. In the World Series, he had a .333 batting average and hit a home run. His 2-run homer in Game 1 was the difference in a 3–2 Tigers win. He also caught the final out of the World Series, a fly ball off the bat of Tony Gwynn
Tony Gwynn
Anthony Keith "Tony" Gwynn, Sr. , nicknamed Mr. Padre and Captain Video, is a former Major League Baseball right fielder. He is statistically one of the best and most consistent hitters in baseball history. He played his entire 20-year baseball career for the San Diego Padres...
.
Pitching: Morris, Petry, Wilcox, Hernandez and Lopez
Jack MorrisJack Morris
John Scott "Jack" Morris is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He played in 18 big league seasons between 1977 and 1994, mainly for the Detroit Tigers, and won 254 games throughout his career...
was the leader of the Tigers pitching staff. He started the season with a no-hitter in April and was 10–1 before the end of May. He was selected for the 1984 All Star team, but finished the season 9–10 from June through September. He was 19–11 in the regular season with a 3.60 ERA. He won all 3 of his post-season starts, tossing two complete games and allowing only 5 earned runs in 25 innings (1.80 ERA).
The team's #2 starter, Dan Petry
Dan Petry
Daniel Joseph Petry is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers , California Angels , Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox ....
, finished the year 18–8 with the 3rd best winning percentage (.692) in the American League. His 3.24 ERA in the regular season was the lowest among the Tiger starters.
The team's #3 starter, Milt Wilcox
Milt Wilcox
Milton Edward Wilcox was a pitcher who had a sixteen-year career from 1970 to 1975, 1977–1986. He played for the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs of the National League and the Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners of the American League...
, was 17–8 with a 4.00 ERA. Wilcox was 2–0 in the post-season, giving up only 1 run in 14 innings. He combined with the bullpen to shut out the Royals, 1–0, in the third and final game of the ALCS
1984 American League Championship Series
-Game 1:Tuesday, October 2, 1984 at Royals Stadium in Kansas City, MissouriGame 1 was a blowout in Kansas City, as Jack Morris pitched seven innings and allowed a single run, with Willie Hernandez pitching the final two innings. The Tigers scored eight runs...
.
Though Morris was the ace, the Tigers' MVP was Willie Hernandez
Willie Hernández
Guillermo "Willie" Hernández Villanueva is a former relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs , Philadelphia Phillies , and the Detroit Tigers . He threw and batted left-handed.-Career:...
. The Tigers traded John Wockenfuss
John Wockenfuss
Johnny Bilton Wockenfuss is a former utility player in Major League Baseball who had a twelve year career from 1974 to 1985.-Playing career:...
and Glenn Wilson
Glenn Wilson (baseball)
Glenn Dwight Wilson is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He was selected in the 1st round of the 1980 amateur draft by the Detroit Tigers, and made his Major League debut in a Tigers uniform on April 15, 1982...
to the Phillies in March for Hernandez and Dave Bergman
Dave Bergman
David Bruce Bergman was a Major League Baseball first baseman, designated hitter, and outfielder.Born in Evanston, Illinois, Bergman is an alumnus of Maine South High School and Illinois State University...
. Hernandez appeared in a team record 80 games for the 1984 Tigers and was virtually unhittable. He allowed only 6 home runs in 140-1/3 innings and finished the season with a remarkable 1.92 ERA. His Adjusted ERA+
Adjusted ERA+
Adjusted ERA+, often simply abbreviated to ERA+ or ERA plus, is a pitching statistic in baseball. It adjusts a pitcher's earned run average according to the pitcher's ballpark and the ERA of the pitcher's league...
of 204 is one of the highest in Detroit Tigers
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...
history. With 32 saves and 68 games finished, Hernandez 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...
and was voted the American League's Most Valuable Player. His 32 saves came in 33 opportunities, his only blown save coming in late September after the Tigers had already secured the AL East Division title. Hernandez saved three post-season games, including the series-clinching games in both the ALCS and World Series.
The popular Aurelio López
Aurelio López
Aurelio Alejandro López was a Mexican relief pitcher. Over the course of an eleven year Major League career , he acquired the nickname "Señor Smoke" in Detroit due to his Mexican heritage and his overpowering fastball, which had been measured as high as 93 mph.-Early career:Born in Tecamachalco,...
, known as "Señor Smoke", also had a strong season as the Tigers #2 relief pitcher. Lopez finished the season with 41 games finished, a record of 10–1 and a 2.94 ERA. Lopez earned a win in Game 2 of the ALCS, tossing three scoreless innings as the Tigers won in 11 innings. Almost lost in the World Series Game 5 hitting heroics of Kirk Gibson was Lopez earning the win with 2-1/3 innings of scoreless relief, in which he didn't allow a baserunner.
Designated Hitter: Darrell Evans
Darrell EvansDarrell Evans
Darrell Wayne Evans is a former third baseman and first baseman in Major League Baseball who played from 1969 to 1989 with the Atlanta Braves , San Francisco Giants and Detroit Tigers . He is also the former manager and director of player personnel for the Victoria Seals of the Golden Baseball...
was the Tigers' big free agent signing before the 1984 season. Though he had big years in 1985 (40 HRs, 94 RBIs) and 1987 (34 HRs, 99 RBIs), Evans struggled in his first year in the American League, batting .232 with 16 home runs and 63 RBIs. In the 1984 World Series, Evans went 1-for-15 for an .067 batting average.
The Role Players: Garbey, Jones and Castillo
The 1984 Tigers had several non-starters who made big contributions to the team's success.As a rookie in 1984, Barbaro Garbey
Barbaro Garbey
Bárbaro Garbey is a former utility player in Major League Baseball. Garbey played at outfield, first and third bases, and also served as designated hitter. He batted and threw right-handed....
played in 110 games, including appearances at first base, second base, third base, DH
Designated hitter
In baseball, the designated hitter rule is the common name for Major League Baseball Rule 6.10, an official position adopted by the American League in 1973 that allows teams to designate a player, known as the designated hitter , to bat in place of the pitcher each time he would otherwise come to...
, and each of the outfield positions. Garbey hit .287 and had more RBIs (52) than several starters, including Howard Johnson
Howard Johnson (baseball player)
Howard Michael Johnson , nicknamed HoJo, is a switch hitting third baseman for the Rockland Boulders of the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball. He is best known for his career in Major League Baseball, where he played for the Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, Colorado Rockies and...
, Larry Herndon
Larry Herndon
Larry Darnell Herndon is a former Major League Baseball player for the St. Louis Cardinals , San Francisco Giants , and Detroit Tigers...
and Dave Bergman
Dave Bergman
David Bruce Bergman was a Major League Baseball first baseman, designated hitter, and outfielder.Born in Evanston, Illinois, Bergman is an alumnus of Maine South High School and Illinois State University...
.
Ruppert Jones
Ruppert Jones
Ruppert Sanderson Jones is a former Major League Baseball outfielder who played for the Kansas City Royals, Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Detroit Tigers and California Angels...
was signed as a free agent one week into the season on April 10, 1984. He played in 79 games, mostly as a backup in left field. Jones contributed 12 home runs and 49 RBIs in only 215 at bats. His .516 slugging percentage was tied with Kirk Gibson
Kirk Gibson
Kirk Harold Gibson is a former Major League Baseball player and currently the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. As a player, Gibson was an outfielder who batted and threw left-handed...
for the team lead.
The most popular of the role players was Marty Castillo. In 1984, Castillo appeared in 70 games as a third baseman and backup catcher, and came through in the clutch at several key moments, including: scoring 3 runs to secure a win on August 26; hitting a home run to beat the Yankees on September 23; collecting the game-winning, pennant clinching RBI in Game 3 of the ALCS
1984 American League Championship Series
-Game 1:Tuesday, October 2, 1984 at Royals Stadium in Kansas City, MissouriGame 1 was a blowout in Kansas City, as Jack Morris pitched seven innings and allowed a single run, with Willie Hernandez pitching the final two innings. The Tigers scored eight runs...
, a 1–0 victory; catching the ball at third base for the final out of the ALCS
1984 American League Championship Series
-Game 1:Tuesday, October 2, 1984 at Royals Stadium in Kansas City, MissouriGame 1 was a blowout in Kansas City, as Jack Morris pitched seven innings and allowed a single run, with Willie Hernandez pitching the final two innings. The Tigers scored eight runs...
; hitting .333 with a .455 on base percentage and a .667 slugging percentage in the World Series
1984 World Series
The 1984 World Series began on October 9 and ended on October 14, 1984. The American League champion Detroit Tigers played against the National League champion San Diego Padres, with the Tigers winning the series four games to one....
; hitting a two-run home run in Game 3 of the World Series; and scoring in Game 5 when Kirk Gibson
Kirk Gibson
Kirk Harold Gibson is a former Major League Baseball player and currently the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. As a player, Gibson was an outfielder who batted and threw left-handed...
hit his 3-run home run off Goose Gossage
Goose Gossage
Richard Michael "Goose" Gossage is a former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher. During a 22-year baseball career, he pitched from 1972-1994 for nine different teams, spending his best years with the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres. The nickname "Goose" is a play on his surname...
.
The Manager: Sparky Anderson
Detroit manager Sparky AndersonSparky Anderson
George Lee "Sparky" Anderson was an American Major League Baseball manager. He managed the National League's Cincinnati Reds to the 1975 and 1976 championships, then added a third title in 1984 with the Detroit Tigers of the American League. He was the first manager to win the World Series in both...
is fifth on the all-time list for manager career wins in Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
, and in 1984 he became the first manager to win the World Series
World Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
while leading clubs in both leagues. He previously managed the Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
to the 1975
1975 World Series
The 1975 World Series was played between the Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds . It has been ranked by ESPN as the second-greatest World Series ever played...
and 1976
1976 World Series
The 1976 World Series matched the defending champion Cincinnati Reds of the National League against the New York Yankees of the American League, with the Reds sweeping the Series to repeat. The Reds became the only team to sweep an entire multi-tier postseason. The Reds are also the last National...
championships, but the Reds inexplicably fired him after a second place finish in the 1978 season. Sparky kept a journal during the 1984 season, which was published under the title "Bless You Boys: Diary of the Detroit Tigers' 1984 Season
Bless You Boys: Diary of the Detroit Tigers' 1984 Season
Bless You Boys: Diary of the Detroit Tigers' 1984 Season is a book written in 1984 by Sparky Anderson with Dan Ewald. The phrase "Bless You Boys" was the catchphrase adopted by Detroit sportscaster Al Ackerman for the 1984 Detroit Tigers team that started the year with a 35-5 start.-The book:The...
". On the day the Tigers clinched the pennant, Sparky wrote in his journal: "I have to be honest. I’ve waited for this day since they fired me in Cincinnati. I think they made a big mistake when they did that. Now no one will ever question me again."
Offseason
- October 21, 1983: Sal ButeraSal ButeraSalvatore Philip Butera was a Major League Baseball catcher and is currently a Special Assistant to Toronto Blue Jays General Manager Alex Anthopoulos....
was released by the Tigers. - November 21, 1983: Wayne KrenchickiWayne KrenchickiWayne Richard Krenchicki is a former Major League Baseball third baseman. He played all or part of eight seasons in the majors from until . He is currently the manager of the Evansville Otters of the independent Frontier League...
was purchased from the Tigers by the Cincinnati RedsCincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
.
Roster
| 1984 Detroit Tigers | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roster | |||||||||
| Pitchers |
Catchers Infielders |
Outfielders Other batters |
Manager Coaches |
||||||
Season summary
The Tigers began the year with an unprecedented start of 35–5. For the rest of the season, the team went 69–53. There was a stretch in late July and August where the team went 6–12. The Tigers finished with a 104–58 record, 15 games ahead of the second place Toronto Blue Jays1984 Toronto Blue Jays season
The Toronto Blue Jays season was a season in American baseball. It involved the Blue Jays finishing 2nd in the American League East with a record of 89 wins and 73 losses.-Offseason:...
. They outscored their opponents 829–643.
The 1984 Tigers' winning percentage ranks as the 4th best in team history, as follows:
EWLINE
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Season highlights
- December 17, 1983: Darrell Evans was signed as a Free Agent with the Detroit Tigers.
- March 24: Willie HernándezWillie HernándezGuillermo "Willie" Hernández Villanueva is a former relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs , Philadelphia Phillies , and the Detroit Tigers . He threw and batted left-handed.-Career:...
is traded by the Phillies to the Tigers with Dave BergmanDave BergmanDavid Bruce Bergman was a Major League Baseball first baseman, designated hitter, and outfielder.Born in Evanston, Illinois, Bergman is an alumnus of Maine South High School and Illinois State University...
in exchange for John WockenfussJohn WockenfussJohnny Bilton Wockenfuss is a former utility player in Major League Baseball who had a twelve year career from 1974 to 1985.-Playing career:...
and Glenn WilsonGlenn Wilson (baseball)Glenn Dwight Wilson is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He was selected in the 1st round of the 1980 amateur draft by the Detroit Tigers, and made his Major League debut in a Tigers uniform on April 15, 1982...
. - March 24, 1984: Former University of Michigan Wolverines football star Rick LeachRick Leach----Rick Leach is a former professional tennis player and a coach from the United States. A doubles specialist, he won 5 Grand Slam men's doubles titles , and 4 Grand Slam mixed doubles titles . Leach reached the World No...
was released by the Detroit Tigers. - April 3: The Tigers beat the Twins, 8–1, on Opening Day in Minneapolis. Jack MorrisJack MorrisJohn Scott "Jack" Morris is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He played in 18 big league seasons between 1977 and 1994, mainly for the Detroit Tigers, and won 254 games throughout his career...
pitches 7 innings with Aurelio LópezAurelio LópezAurelio Alejandro López was a Mexican relief pitcher. Over the course of an eleven year Major League career , he acquired the nickname "Señor Smoke" in Detroit due to his Mexican heritage and his overpowering fastball, which had been measured as high as 93 mph.-Early career:Born in Tecamachalco,...
and Willie HernándezWillie HernándezGuillermo "Willie" Hernández Villanueva is a former relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs , Philadelphia Phillies , and the Detroit Tigers . He threw and batted left-handed.-Career:...
each pitching a scoreless inning in relief. Darrell EvansDarrell EvansDarrell Wayne Evans is a former third baseman and first baseman in Major League Baseball who played from 1969 to 1989 with the Atlanta Braves , San Francisco Giants and Detroit Tigers . He is also the former manager and director of player personnel for the Victoria Seals of the Golden Baseball...
hits a home run and has 3 RBIs. - April 5: The Tigers beat the Twins again, 7–3. Dan PetryDan PetryDaniel Joseph Petry is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers , California Angels , Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox ....
gets the win. Alan TrammellAlan TrammellAlan Stuart Trammell is a retired American baseball shortstop of the Detroit Tigers from to . Trammell, nicknamed "Tram", played his entire career with the Tigers, highlighted by a World Series championship in and an American League East division championship in . Although his arm was not...
goes 4-for-5 and scores 2 runs. Kirk GibsonKirk GibsonKirk Harold Gibson is a former Major League Baseball player and currently the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. As a player, Gibson was an outfielder who batted and threw left-handed...
hits a 3-run home run. - April 7: Jack MorrisJack MorrisJohn Scott "Jack" Morris is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He played in 18 big league seasons between 1977 and 1994, mainly for the Detroit Tigers, and won 254 games throughout his career...
pitches a no-hitter on NBC's first nationally broadcast Saturday game. Morris walks 6 and pitches his way out of a bases-loaded jam in the 4th inning. - April 8: The Tigers win their 5th straight, 7–3, beating Tom SeaverTom SeaverGeorge Thomas "Tom" Seaver , nicknamed "Tom Terrific" and "The Franchise", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched from 1967-1986 for four different teams in his career, but is noted primarily for his time with the New York Mets...
in his American League debut with the White Sox. Kirk GibsonKirk GibsonKirk Harold Gibson is a former Major League Baseball player and currently the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. As a player, Gibson was an outfielder who batted and threw left-handed...
hits a home run into the upper deck, and Barbaro GarbeyBarbaro GarbeyBárbaro Garbey is a former utility player in Major League Baseball. Garbey played at outfield, first and third bases, and also served as designated hitter. He batted and threw right-handed....
drives in 3 runs. - April 10: Opening Day in Detroit. Dan PetryDan PetryDaniel Joseph Petry is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers , California Angels , Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox ....
pitches a 4-hitter, and Darrell EvansDarrell EvansDarrell Wayne Evans is a former third baseman and first baseman in Major League Baseball who played from 1969 to 1989 with the Atlanta Braves , San Francisco Giants and Detroit Tigers . He is also the former manager and director of player personnel for the Victoria Seals of the Golden Baseball...
hits a 3-run home run. The Tigers beat the Rangers, 5–1. - April 12: Jack Morris gets his 3rd win, as the Tigers beat the Rangers, 9–4. The Tigers set a franchise record by opening the season with 7 straight wins.
- April 13: The Tigers score 8 runs in the 1st inning at Fenway Park, defeating the Red Sox, 13–9. The Tigers tie a record by turning 6 double plays. Lance ParrishLance ParrishLance Michael Parrish, aka "Big Wheel", is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Detroit Tigers , Philadelphia Phillies , California Angels , Seattle Mariners , Cleveland Indians , Pittsburgh Pirates , and the Toronto Blue Jays...
makes all three outs in the 8-run 1st inning with, striking out and later grounding in a double play. - April 17: After two straight rain outs in Boston, the game in Detroit is postponed due to snow.
- April 18: Jack Morris pitches 9 innings, but the game goes into extra innings. Willie Hernández gets the win, 4–3, over the Royals. The Tigers are 9–0 to start the season.
- April 19: The Tigers fail to tie the AL Record of 10 straight to open the season. Bret SaberhagenBret SaberhagenBret William Saberhagen is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher.-Early years:Bret Saberhagen attended Grover Cleveland High School, located in Reseda, California. Saberhagen starred in both basketball and baseball...
of the Royals beats the Tigers, 5–2. - April 22: The Tigers complete a 3-game sweep of the White Sox in Detroit. The Tigers win, 9–1, after a 90 minute snow delay.
- April 24: The Tigers score 3 runs in the 9th inning to come from behind and beat the Twins‚ 6–5. The rally gives Jack Morris his 11th straight win over Minnesota.
- April 25: The Tigers beat the Rangers, 9–4, as Lance ParrishLance ParrishLance Michael Parrish, aka "Big Wheel", is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Detroit Tigers , Philadelphia Phillies , California Angels , Seattle Mariners , Cleveland Indians , Pittsburgh Pirates , and the Toronto Blue Jays...
, Howard Johnson and Johnny GrubbJohnny GrubbJohn Maywood Grubb, Jr. is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and designated hitter, who also occasionally played at first base...
hit home runs. - April 25, 1984: Butch Benton was signed as a Free Agent with the Detroit Tigers.
- April 26: The Tigers win again to extend their record to 16–1.
- April 27: The Indians give the Tigers' their second loss of the season, but it takes 19 innings. Kirk Gibson drops a fly ball in the 19th inning, and the Indians score 4. The game ends at 1:19 a.m.
- April 28: Jack Morris puts the Tigers back on track with his 5th win. Morris throws a complete game, and the Tigers beat the Indians, 6–2.
- April 29: Dan PetryDan PetryDaniel Joseph Petry is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers , California Angels , Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox ....
pitches 8 scoreless innings, and the Tigers beat the Indians, 6–1. Alan TrammellAlan TrammellAlan Stuart Trammell is a retired American baseball shortstop of the Detroit Tigers from to . Trammell, nicknamed "Tram", played his entire career with the Tigers, highlighted by a World Series championship in and an American League East division championship in . Although his arm was not...
hits a double to extend his hitting streak to 17 games. The Tigers finish the month of April with a record of 18–2. - May 1: Milt WilcoxMilt WilcoxMilton Edward Wilcox was a pitcher who had a sixteen-year career from 1970 to 1975, 1977–1986. He played for the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs of the National League and the Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners of the American League...
gets the win, as the Tigers clobber the Red Sox, 11–2. Chet LemonChet LemonChester Earl Lemon is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. A three time All-Star, he was a member of the World Series champion 1984 Detroit Tigers.-Early years:...
goes 3-for-4 with 2 home runs. Trammell gets 2 hits to extend his hitting streak to 18 games. - May 3: The Tigers lose their second straight game to the Red Sox. Despite a 5-hitter by Jack Morris, the Tigers are shut out, 1–0.
- May 6: The Tigers complete a 3-game sweep of the Indians with a 12-inning victory.
- May 8: Jack Morris pitches a complete game for his 6th victory of the year. Tigers beat the Royals, 5–2. Alan TrammellAlan TrammellAlan Stuart Trammell is a retired American baseball shortstop of the Detroit Tigers from to . Trammell, nicknamed "Tram", played his entire career with the Tigers, highlighted by a World Series championship in and an American League East division championship in . Although his arm was not...
hits a grand slam off Dan QuisenberryDan QuisenberryDan Raymond "Quiz" Quisenberry was an American right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played primarily for the Kansas City Royals...
in the 7th inning. - May 11: The Tigers (26–4) break the Dodgers' record (25–5) for the best record after 30 games. Milt WilcoxMilt WilcoxMilton Edward Wilcox was a pitcher who had a sixteen-year career from 1970 to 1975, 1977–1986. He played for the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs of the National League and the Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners of the American League...
gets the win, as the Tigers beat the Angels in front of 44,187 fans in Detroit. - May 12: 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...
hits a home run over the right field roof at Tiger Stadium. Sparky AndersonSparky AndersonGeorge Lee "Sparky" Anderson was an American Major League Baseball manager. He managed the National League's Cincinnati Reds to the 1975 and 1976 championships, then added a third title in 1984 with the Detroit Tigers of the American League. He was the first manager to win the World Series in both...
is thrown out of the game in the 9th inning after the umpire calls a double play when Larry HerndonLarry HerndonLarry Darnell Herndon is a former Major League Baseball player for the St. Louis Cardinals , San Francisco Giants , and Detroit Tigers...
slides out of the basepath to take out the Angels' shortstop. The Tigers lose for the fifth time in 1984. - May 16: Alan TrammellAlan TrammellAlan Stuart Trammell is a retired American baseball shortstop of the Detroit Tigers from to . Trammell, nicknamed "Tram", played his entire career with the Tigers, highlighted by a World Series championship in and an American League East division championship in . Although his arm was not...
hits a triple, and the Tigers score 5 runs in the first inning. The Tigers beat the Mariners, 10–1. - May 17: Sparky Anderson's father dies, and he flies to California.
- May 19: Jack Morris pitches into the 8th inning and wins his 8th game. Lou Whitaker hits a home run.
- May 22: Sparky Anderson rejoins the team as they beat the Angels in Anaheim.
- May 24: The Tigers complete a sweep of the Angels, as Jack MorrisJack MorrisJohn Scott "Jack" Morris is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He played in 18 big league seasons between 1977 and 1994, mainly for the Detroit Tigers, and won 254 games throughout his career...
pitches a 4-hitter. Morris is 9–1, and the team is 35–5. They have also won 17 straight on the road—tying the MLB record. - May 27: The streak is officially over, as the Mariners complete a 3-game sweep over the Tigers. The team is now 35–8.
- May 28: Once again, Jack Morris puts the team back on track, as he pitches a complete game and wins his 10th game on Memorial Day in Oakland. Alan TrammellAlan TrammellAlan Stuart Trammell is a retired American baseball shortstop of the Detroit Tigers from to . Trammell, nicknamed "Tram", played his entire career with the Tigers, highlighted by a World Series championship in and an American League East division championship in . Although his arm was not...
is 3-for-4, and Lance ParrishLance ParrishLance Michael Parrish, aka "Big Wheel", is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Detroit Tigers , Philadelphia Phillies , California Angels , Seattle Mariners , Cleveland Indians , Pittsburgh Pirates , and the Toronto Blue Jays...
hits his 8th home run. - May 30: The Tigers beat the A's, 2–1, on a 9th inning home run by Kirk GibsonKirk GibsonKirk Harold Gibson is a former Major League Baseball player and currently the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. As a player, Gibson was an outfielder who batted and threw left-handed...
. Willie Hernández gets the win. - June 1: The Tigers score a season–high 14 runs in front of 47,252 fans in Detroit to beat the Orioles, 14–2. Dan PetryDan PetryDaniel Joseph Petry is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers , California Angels , Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox ....
gets the win, as Alan TrammellAlan TrammellAlan Stuart Trammell is a retired American baseball shortstop of the Detroit Tigers from to . Trammell, nicknamed "Tram", played his entire career with the Tigers, highlighted by a World Series championship in and an American League East division championship in . Although his arm was not...
, Chet LemonChet LemonChester Earl Lemon is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. A three time All-Star, he was a member of the World Series champion 1984 Detroit Tigers.-Early years:...
, and Lance Parrish all hit home runs. - June 4: The Tigers beat the Blue Jays, 6–3. Howard Johnson hits a three–run home run in the 7th inning to tie the score. In the 11th inning, Dave BergmanDave BergmanDavid Bruce Bergman was a Major League Baseball first baseman, designated hitter, and outfielder.Born in Evanston, Illinois, Bergman is an alumnus of Maine South High School and Illinois State University...
comes to bat with two men on base and two outs. Bergman fouls off seven pitches, and on a full count hits the 13th pitch of the at bat into the upper deck at Tiger Stadium for a walk-off, three-run home run. In his book, “Bless You Boys,” Sparky Anderson wrote: “Tonight I saw the greatest at bat in my life. . . . Bergie fouled off seven pitches and then picked one practically off the ground and drilled it into the upper deck in right. What a battle! Bergie was up there a full seven minutes.” - June 4, 1984: Mike Henneman was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 4th round of the 1984 amateur draft.
- June 4, 1984: Future Canadian Football League quarterback Damon AllenDamon AllenDamon Allen is a former professional quarterback in the Canadian Football League, most recently with the Toronto Argonauts. He is currently second in all-time professional football passing yards and second in all-time CFL passing yards after he was surpassed for first place by the Montréal...
, was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the seventh round, 182nd overall. - June 10: The Tigers sweep the Orioles in a double-header. Lou Whitaker scores 5 runs in the opener.
- June 15: Dan PetryDan PetryDaniel Joseph Petry is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers , California Angels , Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox ....
wins his 10th game, a 3–2 victory over the Brewers. Just 61 games into the season, Petry has 10 wins, and Morris has 11. - June 20: Howard Johnson hits a 3-run home run in the 13th inning, as the Tigers bet the Yankees, 9–6.
- June 24: After missing two starts‚ Jack Morris (12–3) beats the Brewers‚ 7–1. Ruppert JonesRuppert JonesRuppert Sanderson Jones is a former Major League Baseball outfielder who played for the Kansas City Royals, Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Detroit Tigers and California Angels...
and Lance ParrishLance ParrishLance Michael Parrish, aka "Big Wheel", is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Detroit Tigers , Philadelphia Phillies , California Angels , Seattle Mariners , Cleveland Indians , Pittsburgh Pirates , and the Toronto Blue Jays...
hit home runs for the Tigers‚ who draw 165‚000 fans for a four-game series with Milwaukee. - July 5: Trailing 4–1 with 2 outs in the 9th innings‚ the Tigers score six runs to beat the Rangers‚ 7–4. Lou Whitaker hits a single with the bases loaded, and Kirk GibsonKirk GibsonKirk Harold Gibson is a former Major League Baseball player and currently the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. As a player, Gibson was an outfielder who batted and threw left-handed...
seals it with a 3-run blast down the right field line. - July 13: The Tigers go into extra innings when Kirk GibsonKirk GibsonKirk Harold Gibson is a former Major League Baseball player and currently the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. As a player, Gibson was an outfielder who batted and threw left-handed...
throws out a Twins runner at home in the 9th inning. The Tigers win, 5–3, when Lou Whitaker hits an inside-the-park home run. - August 7: The Tigers split a double-header with Boston. In the second game, Lance ParrishLance ParrishLance Michael Parrish, aka "Big Wheel", is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Detroit Tigers , Philadelphia Phillies , California Angels , Seattle Mariners , Cleveland Indians , Pittsburgh Pirates , and the Toronto Blue Jays...
hits a 2-run home run in the 11th to win it. Aurelio LópezAurelio LópezAurelio Alejandro López was a Mexican relief pitcher. Over the course of an eleven year Major League career , he acquired the nickname "Señor Smoke" in Detroit due to his Mexican heritage and his overpowering fastball, which had been measured as high as 93 mph.-Early career:Born in Tecamachalco,...
gets the win to extend his record to 9–0. - August 17: The Tigers beat the Mariners, 6–2, and the Tigers season attendance reaches 2,031,847—passing the franchise record set by the 1968 team1968 Detroit Tigers seasonThe 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...
. - August 18: Kirk GibsonKirk GibsonKirk Harold Gibson is a former Major League Baseball player and currently the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. As a player, Gibson was an outfielder who batted and threw left-handed...
drives in 3 runs and hits his 20th home run to become the first Tiger to reach 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases. Juan BerenguerJuan BerenguerJuan Bautista Berenguer was a Major League Baseball pitcher for the New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins and other teams. He had a career record of 67 wins and 62 losses. A mean-looking, husky Panamanian with long hair and a mustache, he was called "Pancho Villa" by his...
strikes out 12 batters. - August 20: The Tigers crush the A's, 14–1. Jack Morris gives up 3 hits in 7 innings for his 16th win. Lance ParrishLance ParrishLance Michael Parrish, aka "Big Wheel", is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Detroit Tigers , Philadelphia Phillies , California Angels , Seattle Mariners , Cleveland Indians , Pittsburgh Pirates , and the Toronto Blue Jays...
, Chet LemonChet LemonChester Earl Lemon is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. A three time All-Star, he was a member of the World Series champion 1984 Detroit Tigers.-Early years:...
and Darrell EvansDarrell EvansDarrell Wayne Evans is a former third baseman and first baseman in Major League Baseball who played from 1969 to 1989 with the Atlanta Braves , San Francisco Giants and Detroit Tigers . He is also the former manager and director of player personnel for the Victoria Seals of the Golden Baseball...
hit home runs. - August 26: The Tigers beat 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...
and the Angels, 12–6. Marty Castillo hits a home run and scores three runs. Chet LemonChet LemonChester Earl Lemon is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. A three time All-Star, he was a member of the World Series champion 1984 Detroit Tigers.-Early years:...
hits a grand slam, and Kirk GibsonKirk GibsonKirk Harold Gibson is a former Major League Baseball player and currently the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. As a player, Gibson was an outfielder who batted and threw left-handed...
hits two home runs. - September 6: The Tigers beat the Orioles, 1–0, as the Tigers score the game's only run on a fielding error by Cal Ripken, Jr.Cal Ripken, Jr.Calvin Edwin "Cal" Ripken, Jr. , nicknamed "Iron Man", is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and third baseman. He played his entire 21-year baseball career for the Baltimore Orioles ....
. - September 7: The Tigers beat the Blue Jays, 7–4, coming back from a 4–0 deficit in the 8th inning. Dave BergmanDave BergmanDavid Bruce Bergman was a Major League Baseball first baseman, designated hitter, and outfielder.Born in Evanston, Illinois, Bergman is an alumnus of Maine South High School and Illinois State University...
wins it with a 3-run home run in the 10th inning. - September 11: The Tigers beat the Orioles, 9–2. Darrell EvansDarrell EvansDarrell Wayne Evans is a former third baseman and first baseman in Major League Baseball who played from 1969 to 1989 with the Atlanta Braves , San Francisco Giants and Detroit Tigers . He is also the former manager and director of player personnel for the Victoria Seals of the Golden Baseball...
has 4 hits. Evans and Larry HerndonLarry HerndonLarry Darnell Herndon is a former Major League Baseball player for the St. Louis Cardinals , San Francisco Giants , and Detroit Tigers...
hit back-to-back home runs, and Kirk Gibson has 3 hits and steals his 27th base. - September 18: The Tigers clinch the AL East with a 3–0 win over the Brewers. They are the 4th team in the 20th Century to remain in first place from wire-to-wire, joining the 1927 Yankees1927 New York Yankees seasonThe New York Yankees season was their 25th season. The team finished with a record of 110-44, winning their fifth pennant and finishing 19 games ahead of the Philadelphia Athletics. New York was managed by Miller Huggins. The Yankees played at Yankee Stadium. In the World Series, they swept the...
‚ and the 1955 Dodgers1955 Brooklyn Dodgers seasonIn , the Brooklyn Dodgers finally fulfilled the promise of many previous Dodger teams. Although the club had won several pennants in the past, and had won as many as 105 games in 1953, it had never won a World Series. This team finished 13.5 games ahead in the National League pennant race, leading...
. The 1990 Cincinnati Reds would later join that list. - September 23: The Tigers win their 100th game, a 4–1 victory over the Yankees. Jack Morris pitches 6 scoreless innings for his 19th win. Marty Castillo goes 2-for-3, including a game-winning home run in the 7th inning.
- September 29: The Tigers beat the Yankees, 11–3, for their 104th win – a franchise record. Larry HerndonLarry HerndonLarry Darnell Herndon is a former Major League Baseball player for the St. Louis Cardinals , San Francisco Giants , and Detroit Tigers...
, Lance ParrishLance ParrishLance Michael Parrish, aka "Big Wheel", is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Detroit Tigers , Philadelphia Phillies , California Angels , Seattle Mariners , Cleveland Indians , Pittsburgh Pirates , and the Toronto Blue Jays...
, and Dwight LowryDwight LowryDwight Lowry, born Dwight Lowery was a catcher in Major League Baseball who played with the Detroit Tigers in 1984, 1986, and 1987, and for the Minnesota Twins in 1988.-Biography:...
hit home runs, and Howard Johnson hit a three run double.
Starters by position
Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At Bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting Average; HR = Home Runs; RBI = Runs Batted In| Pos | Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Lance Parrish Lance Parrish Lance Michael Parrish, aka "Big Wheel", is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Detroit Tigers , Philadelphia Phillies , California Angels , Seattle Mariners , Cleveland Indians , Pittsburgh Pirates , and the Toronto Blue Jays... |
147 | 578 | 137 | .237 | 33 | 98 |
| 1B | Dave Bergman Dave Bergman David Bruce Bergman was a Major League Baseball first baseman, designated hitter, and outfielder.Born in Evanston, Illinois, Bergman is an alumnus of Maine South High School and Illinois State University... |
120 | 271 | 74 | .273 | 7 | 44 |
| 2B | Lou Whitaker | 143 | 558 | 161 | .289 | 13 | 56 |
| 3B | Howard Johnson | 116 | 355 | 88 | .248 | 12 | 50 |
| SS | Alan Trammell Alan Trammell Alan Stuart Trammell is a retired American baseball shortstop of the Detroit Tigers from to . Trammell, nicknamed "Tram", played his entire career with the Tigers, highlighted by a World Series championship in and an American League East division championship in . Although his arm was not... |
139 | 555 | 174 | .314 | 14 | 69 |
| CF | Chet Lemon Chet Lemon Chester Earl Lemon is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. A three time All-Star, he was a member of the World Series champion 1984 Detroit Tigers.-Early years:... |
141 | 509 | 146 | .287 | 20 | 76 |
| RF | Kirk Gibson Kirk Gibson Kirk Harold Gibson is a former Major League Baseball player and currently the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. As a player, Gibson was an outfielder who batted and threw left-handed... |
149 | 531 | 150 | .282 | 27 | 91 |
| LF | Larry Herndon Larry Herndon Larry Darnell Herndon is a former Major League Baseball player for the St. Louis Cardinals , San Francisco Giants , and Detroit Tigers... |
125 | 407 | 114 | .280 | 7 | 43 |
| DH | Darrell Evans Darrell Evans Darrell Wayne Evans is a former third baseman and first baseman in Major League Baseball who played from 1969 to 1989 with the Atlanta Braves , San Francisco Giants and Detroit Tigers . He is also the former manager and director of player personnel for the Victoria Seals of the Golden Baseball... |
98 | 362 | 109 | .232 | 16 | 63 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barbaro Garbey Barbaro Garbey Bárbaro Garbey is a former utility player in Major League Baseball. Garbey played at outfield, first and third bases, and also served as designated hitter. He batted and threw right-handed.... |
110 | 327 | 94 | .287 | 5 | 52 |
| Tom Brookens Tom Brookens Thomas Dale Brookens is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Detroit Tigers , New York Yankees , and Cleveland Indians... |
113 | 224 | 55 | .246 | 5 | 26 |
| Ruppert Jones Ruppert Jones Ruppert Sanderson Jones is a former Major League Baseball outfielder who played for the Kansas City Royals, Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Detroit Tigers and California Angels... |
79 | 215 | 61 | .284 | 12 | 37 |
| Johnny Grubb Johnny Grubb John Maywood Grubb, Jr. is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and designated hitter, who also occasionally played at first base... |
86 | 176 | 47 | .267 | 8 | 17 |
| Marty Castillo | 70 | 141 | 33 | .234 | 4 | 17 |
| Rusty Kuntz Rusty Kuntz Russell Jay "Rusty" Kuntz is a former Major League Baseball designated hitter and outfielder. He is an alumnus of California State University, Stanislaus.... |
84 | 140 | 40 | .286 | 2 | 22 |
| Doug Baker Doug Baker Douglas Lee Baker is a former infielder in Major League Baseball player who played with the Detroit Tigers from - and the Minnesota Twins from -. Baker played in 136 Major League games and had a .207 batting average with 51 hits, 38 runs, 22 RBIs, and 11 doubles.-External links:... |
43 | 108 | 20 | .244 | 2 | 7 |
Starting pitchers
Note: G = Games; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Morris Jack Morris John Scott "Jack" Morris is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He played in 18 big league seasons between 1977 and 1994, mainly for the Detroit Tigers, and won 254 games throughout his career... |
35 | 240.3 | 19 | 11 | 3.60 | 148 |
| Dan Petry Dan Petry Daniel Joseph Petry is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers , California Angels , Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox .... |
35 | 233.3 | 18 | 8 | 3.24 | 144 |
| Milt Wilcox Milt Wilcox Milton Edward Wilcox was a pitcher who had a sixteen-year career from 1970 to 1975, 1977–1986. He played for the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs of the National League and the Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners of the American League... |
33 | 193.7 | 17 | 8 | 4.00 | 119 |
| Juan Berenguer Juan Berenguer Juan Bautista Berenguer was a Major League Baseball pitcher for the New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins and other teams. He had a career record of 67 wins and 62 losses. A mean-looking, husky Panamanian with long hair and a mustache, he was called "Pancho Villa" by his... |
31 | 168.3 | 11 | 10 | 3.48 | 118 |
| Dave Rozema Dave Rozema David Scott Rozema , nicknamed "Rosey", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.-Early years and 1977 rookie season:... |
29 | 101 | 7 | 6 | 3.74 | 48 |
Other pitchers
| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glenn Abbott Glenn Abbott William Glenn Abbott is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. During an 11-year baseball career, he pitched for the Oakland Athletics , Seattle Mariners , and the Detroit Tigers... |
13 | 44 | 3 | 4 | 5.93 | 8 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willie Hernández Willie Hernández Guillermo "Willie" Hernández Villanueva is a former relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs , Philadelphia Phillies , and the Detroit Tigers . He threw and batted left-handed.-Career:... |
80 | 9 | 3 | 32 | 68 | 1.92 | 112 |
| Aurelio López Aurelio López Aurelio Alejandro López was a Mexican relief pitcher. Over the course of an eleven year Major League career , he acquired the nickname "Señor Smoke" in Detroit due to his Mexican heritage and his overpowering fastball, which had been measured as high as 93 mph.-Early career:Born in Tecamachalco,... |
71 | 10 | 1 | 14 | 41 | 2.94 | 94 |
| Doug Bair Doug Bair Charles Douglas Bair is a right-handed former Major League Baseball pitcher. He played all or part of fifteen seasons in the majors, from until , for seven different teams... |
47 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 12 | 3.75 | 57 |
| Bill Scherrer Bill Scherrer William Joseph Scherrer , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues primarily in relief from 1982-1988... |
18 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1.89 | 16 |
American League Championship Series
The Tigers defeated the Kansas City RoyalsKansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
in the 1984 American League Championship Series
1984 American League Championship Series
-Game 1:Tuesday, October 2, 1984 at Royals Stadium in Kansas City, MissouriGame 1 was a blowout in Kansas City, as Jack Morris pitched seven innings and allowed a single run, with Willie Hernandez pitching the final two innings. The Tigers scored eight runs...
, prevailing three games to none.
Detroit won the opening game by a score of 8–1. Jack Morris
Jack Morris
John Scott "Jack" Morris is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He played in 18 big league seasons between 1977 and 1994, mainly for the Detroit Tigers, and won 254 games throughout his career...
pitched seven innings and allowed a single run, with Willie Hernández
Willie Hernández
Guillermo "Willie" Hernández Villanueva is a former relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs , Philadelphia Phillies , and the Detroit Tigers . He threw and batted left-handed.-Career:...
pitching the final 2 innings. Alan Trammell
Alan Trammell
Alan Stuart Trammell is a retired American baseball shortstop of the Detroit Tigers from to . Trammell, nicknamed "Tram", played his entire career with the Tigers, highlighted by a World Series championship in and an American League East division championship in . Although his arm was not...
hit a triple and a home run for 3 RBIs, and Larry Herndon
Larry Herndon
Larry Darnell Herndon is a former Major League Baseball player for the St. Louis Cardinals , San Francisco Giants , and Detroit Tigers...
and Lance Parrish
Lance Parrish
Lance Michael Parrish, aka "Big Wheel", is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Detroit Tigers , Philadelphia Phillies , California Angels , Seattle Mariners , Cleveland Indians , Pittsburgh Pirates , and the Toronto Blue Jays...
also hit home runs for Detroit.
In Game 2, the Tigers won in extra innings by a 5–3 score. Kirk Gibson
Kirk Gibson
Kirk Harold Gibson is a former Major League Baseball player and currently the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. As a player, Gibson was an outfielder who batted and threw left-handed...
doubled to drive in Lou Whitaker in the 1st inning and hit a 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...
in the 3rd. Dan Petry
Dan Petry
Daniel Joseph Petry is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers , California Angels , Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox ....
pitched 7 innings and gave up 2 runs. Johnny Grubb
Johnny Grubb
John Maywood Grubb, Jr. is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and designated hitter, who also occasionally played at first base...
hit a double off Dan Quisenberry
Dan Quisenberry
Dan Raymond "Quiz" Quisenberry was an American right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played primarily for the Kansas City Royals...
in the 11th inning to drive in Darrell Evans
Darrell Evans
Darrell Wayne Evans is a former third baseman and first baseman in Major League Baseball who played from 1969 to 1989 with the Atlanta Braves , San Francisco Giants and Detroit Tigers . He is also the former manager and director of player personnel for the Victoria Seals of the Golden Baseball...
and Ruppert Jones
Ruppert Jones
Ruppert Sanderson Jones is a former Major League Baseball outfielder who played for the Kansas City Royals, Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Detroit Tigers and California Angels...
. Aurelio López
Aurelio López
Aurelio Alejandro López was a Mexican relief pitcher. Over the course of an eleven year Major League career , he acquired the nickname "Señor Smoke" in Detroit due to his Mexican heritage and his overpowering fastball, which had been measured as high as 93 mph.-Early career:Born in Tecamachalco,...
held the Royals scoreless in the 9th, 10th and 11th innings to earn the win.
Game 3 was a pitching duel between Milt Wilcox
Milt Wilcox
Milton Edward Wilcox was a pitcher who had a sixteen-year career from 1970 to 1975, 1977–1986. He played for the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs of the National League and the Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners of the American League...
and Charlie Leibrandt
Charlie Leibrandt
Charles Louis "Charlie" Leibrandt, Jr. is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played from 1979 to 1993 for the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers. Leibrandt was a productive pitcher throughout his 14 year career, and a member of the 1985 World Series...
. Leibrandt pitched a complete game, allowing only 1 run and 3 hits, while Milt Wilcox
Milt Wilcox
Milton Edward Wilcox was a pitcher who had a sixteen-year career from 1970 to 1975, 1977–1986. He played for the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs of the National League and the Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners of the American League...
gave up 2 hits and struck out 8 Royals with Willie Hernández
Willie Hernández
Guillermo "Willie" Hernández Villanueva is a former relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs , Philadelphia Phillies , and the Detroit Tigers . He threw and batted left-handed.-Career:...
pitching the 9th inning for the save. Marty Castillo batted in Chet Lemon
Chet Lemon
Chester Earl Lemon is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. A three time All-Star, he was a member of the World Series champion 1984 Detroit Tigers.-Early years:...
for the only run of the game, as the Tigers completed a 3-game sweep and advanced the World Series.
Kirk Gibson
Kirk Gibson
Kirk Harold Gibson is a former Major League Baseball player and currently the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. As a player, Gibson was an outfielder who batted and threw left-handed...
was named the Most Valuable Player of the AL Championship Series.
| Game | Score | Date | Location | Attendance | Winning Pitcher | Losing Pitcher |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tigers 8, Royals 1 | October 2 | Royals Stadium | 41,973 | Jack Morris Jack Morris John Scott "Jack" Morris is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He played in 18 big league seasons between 1977 and 1994, mainly for the Detroit Tigers, and won 254 games throughout his career... (1–0) |
Bud Black Bud Black Harry Ralston "Bud" Black is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher and current manager of the San Diego Padres.-College:Black played two years at Lower Columbia College in Longview... (0–1) |
| 2 | Tigers 5, Royals 3 | October 3 | Royals Stadium | 42,019 | Aurelio López Aurelio López Aurelio Alejandro López was a Mexican relief pitcher. Over the course of an eleven year Major League career , he acquired the nickname "Señor Smoke" in Detroit due to his Mexican heritage and his overpowering fastball, which had been measured as high as 93 mph.-Early career:Born in Tecamachalco,... (1–0) |
Dan Quisenberry Dan Quisenberry Dan Raymond "Quiz" Quisenberry was an American right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played primarily for the Kansas City Royals... (0–1) |
| 3 | Tigers 1, Royals 0 | October 5 | Tiger Stadium | 52,168 | Milt Wilcox Milt Wilcox Milton Edward Wilcox was a pitcher who had a sixteen-year career from 1970 to 1975, 1977–1986. He played for the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs of the National League and the Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners of the American League... (1–0) |
Charlie Leibrandt Charlie Leibrandt Charles Louis "Charlie" Leibrandt, Jr. is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played from 1979 to 1993 for the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers. Leibrandt was a productive pitcher throughout his 14 year career, and a member of the 1985 World Series... (0–1) |
World Series
The Tigers beat the San Diego PadresSan Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
in the 1984 World Series
1984 World Series
The 1984 World Series began on October 9 and ended on October 14, 1984. The American League champion Detroit Tigers played against the National League champion San Diego Padres, with the Tigers winning the series four games to one....
, winning the series 4 games to 1.
In Game 1, the Padres led, 2–1, until Larry Herndon
Larry Herndon
Larry Darnell Herndon is a former Major League Baseball player for the St. Louis Cardinals , San Francisco Giants , and Detroit Tigers...
hit a two-out, two-run home run in the fifth. Jack Morris
Jack Morris
John Scott "Jack" Morris is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He played in 18 big league seasons between 1977 and 1994, mainly for the Detroit Tigers, and won 254 games throughout his career...
did not allow another run in his complete-game effort, and the Tigers won, 3–2.
The Padres evened the series in Game 2, on the strength of a Kurt Bevacqua
Kurt Bevacqua
Kurt Bevacqua is a former Major League Baseball player. He was chosen in the 12th round of the 1967 draft by the Cincinnati Reds and debuted in the big leagues in 1971 with the Cleveland Indians, ultimately playing for six different teams during his career. His final appearance was in with the...
3-run homer off Dan Petry
Dan Petry
Daniel Joseph Petry is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers , California Angels , Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox ....
, as San Diego won its first (and to date only) World Series game.
In Game 3, the Tigers scored four runs in the second inning, including two on a home run by Marty Castillo, en route to a 5–2 victory for Milt Wilcox
Milt Wilcox
Milton Edward Wilcox was a pitcher who had a sixteen-year career from 1970 to 1975, 1977–1986. He played for the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs of the National League and the Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners of the American League...
.
In Game 4, Alan Trammell
Alan Trammell
Alan Stuart Trammell is a retired American baseball shortstop of the Detroit Tigers from to . Trammell, nicknamed "Tram", played his entire career with the Tigers, highlighted by a World Series championship in and an American League East division championship in . Although his arm was not...
hit a pair of two-run home runs to account for all of Detroit's offense as the Tigers beat Eric Show
Eric Show
Eric Vaughn Show was a Major League Baseball player who played for most of his career with the San Diego Padres. On September 11, 1985, Show gave up Pete Rose's record-breaking 4,192nd career hit...
, 4–2. Jack Morris
Jack Morris
John Scott "Jack" Morris is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He played in 18 big league seasons between 1977 and 1994, mainly for the Detroit Tigers, and won 254 games throughout his career...
got his second Series victory and second complete game.
In Game 5, the Tigers scored three runs in the first inning, but the Padres rallied to tie it in the fourth inning. In the eighth, with Detroit leading 5–4, the Tigers got runners to second and third with one out. Padres manager Dick Williams
Dick Williams
Richard Hirschfeld "Dick" Williams was an American left fielder, third baseman, manager, coach and front office consultant in Major League Baseball. Known especially as a hard-driving, sharp-tongued manager from 1967–69 and 1971–88, he led teams to three American League pennants, one National...
called on Goose Gossage
Goose Gossage
Richard Michael "Goose" Gossage is a former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher. During a 22-year baseball career, he pitched from 1972-1994 for nine different teams, spending his best years with the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres. The nickname "Goose" is a play on his surname...
to walk Kirk Gibson
Kirk Gibson
Kirk Harold Gibson is a former Major League Baseball player and currently the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. As a player, Gibson was an outfielder who batted and threw left-handed...
and set up a possible double play. Gossage talked Williams into letting him pitch to Gibson, and Gibson responded with a three-run blast into the right-field upper deck to clinch the Series for the Tigers. Detroit radio announcer 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...
called Gibson’s home run on WJR
WJR
WJR is a radio station in Detroit, Michigan, United States. It broadcasts a news/talk format. It is a class A clear channel station whose broadcasts can be heard throughout most of the Midwest, eastern United States and Canada at night, making it one of the most powerful radio stations in the...
radio as follows:
Following the Tigers’ victory in Game 5, the celebration by Detroit fans turned violent. A well known photograph taken outside Tiger Stadium shows a Tigers “fan” holding a World Series pennant in front of an overturned burning Detroit Police car. The image was printed in newspapers across the country, and became a symbol of Detroit’s decline. One writer described the press reaction to the post-game violence as follows:
| Game | Score | Date | Location | Attendance | Winning Pitcher | Losing Pitcher |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tigers 3, Padres 2 | October 9 | Jack Murphy Stadium | 57,908 | Jack Morris Jack Morris John Scott "Jack" Morris is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He played in 18 big league seasons between 1977 and 1994, mainly for the Detroit Tigers, and won 254 games throughout his career... (2–0) |
Mark Thurmond Mark Thurmond Mark Anthony Thurmond , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1983-1990... (0–2) |
| 2 | Padres 5, Tigers 3 | October 10 | Jack Murphy Stadium | 57,911 | Andy Hawkins Andy Hawkins Melton Andrew "Andy" Hawkins is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.A right-handed starter, Hawkins spent most of his career with the San Diego Padres, and also played for the New York Yankees and briefly for the Oakland Athletics... (1–0) |
Dan Petry Dan Petry Daniel Joseph Petry is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers , California Angels , Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox .... (0–1) |
| 3 | Tigers 5, Padres 2 | October 12 | Tiger Stadium | 51,970 | Milt Wilcox Milt Wilcox Milton Edward Wilcox was a pitcher who had a sixteen-year career from 1970 to 1975, 1977–1986. He played for the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs of the National League and the Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners of the American League... (2–0) |
Tim Lollar Tim Lollar William Timothy Lollar is a former professional baseball pitcher. He played all or part of seven seasons in Major League Baseball from 1980-86 for the New York Yankees , San Diego Padres , Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox , primarily as a starting pitcher.- Early career :Lollar played... (0–1) |
| 4 | Tigers 4, Padres 2 | October 13 | Tiger Stadium | 52,130 | Jack Morris Jack Morris John Scott "Jack" Morris is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He played in 18 big league seasons between 1977 and 1994, mainly for the Detroit Tigers, and won 254 games throughout his career... (3–0) |
Eric Show Eric Show Eric Vaughn Show was a Major League Baseball player who played for most of his career with the San Diego Padres. On September 11, 1985, Show gave up Pete Rose's record-breaking 4,192nd career hit... (0–2) |
| 5 | Tigers 8, Padres 4 | October 14 | Tiger Stadium | 51,901 | Aurelio López Aurelio López Aurelio Alejandro López was a Mexican relief pitcher. Over the course of an eleven year Major League career , he acquired the nickname "Señor Smoke" in Detroit due to his Mexican heritage and his overpowering fastball, which had been measured as high as 93 mph.-Early career:Born in Tecamachalco,... (2–0) |
Andy Hawkins Andy Hawkins Melton Andrew "Andy" Hawkins is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.A right-handed starter, Hawkins spent most of his career with the San Diego Padres, and also played for the New York Yankees and briefly for the Oakland Athletics... (0–1) |
Batting
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dave Bergman Dave Bergman David Bruce Bergman was a Major League Baseball first baseman, designated hitter, and outfielder.Born in Evanston, Illinois, Bergman is an alumnus of Maine South High School and Illinois State University... |
5 | 5 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0 |
| Tom Brookens Tom Brookens Thomas Dale Brookens is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Detroit Tigers , New York Yankees , and Cleveland Indians... |
3 | 3 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0 |
| Marty Castillo | 3 | 9 | 3 | .333 | 1 | 2 |
| Darrell Evans Darrell Evans Darrell Wayne Evans is a former third baseman and first baseman in Major League Baseball who played from 1969 to 1989 with the Atlanta Braves , San Francisco Giants and Detroit Tigers . He is also the former manager and director of player personnel for the Victoria Seals of the Golden Baseball... |
5 | 15 | 1 | .067 | 0 | 1 |
| Barbaro Garbey Barbaro Garbey Bárbaro Garbey is a former utility player in Major League Baseball. Garbey played at outfield, first and third bases, and also served as designated hitter. He batted and threw right-handed.... |
4 | 12 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0 |
| Kirk Gibson Kirk Gibson Kirk Harold Gibson is a former Major League Baseball player and currently the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. As a player, Gibson was an outfielder who batted and threw left-handed... |
5 | 18 | 6 | .333 | 2 | 7 |
| Johnny Grubb Johnny Grubb John Maywood Grubb, Jr. is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and designated hitter, who also occasionally played at first base... |
4 | 3 | 1 | .333 | 0 | 0 |
| Larry Herndon Larry Herndon Larry Darnell Herndon is a former Major League Baseball player for the St. Louis Cardinals , San Francisco Giants , and Detroit Tigers... |
5 | 15 | 5 | .333 | 1 | 3 |
| Ruppert Jones Ruppert Jones Ruppert Sanderson Jones is a former Major League Baseball outfielder who played for the Kansas City Royals, Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Detroit Tigers and California Angels... |
2 | 3 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0 |
| Rusty Kuntz Rusty Kuntz Russell Jay "Rusty" Kuntz is a former Major League Baseball designated hitter and outfielder. He is an alumnus of California State University, Stanislaus.... |
2 | 1 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 1 |
| Chet Lemon Chet Lemon Chester Earl Lemon is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. A three time All-Star, he was a member of the World Series champion 1984 Detroit Tigers.-Early years:... |
5 | 17 | 5 | .294 | 0 | 1 |
| Lance Parrish Lance Parrish Lance Michael Parrish, aka "Big Wheel", is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Detroit Tigers , Philadelphia Phillies , California Angels , Seattle Mariners , Cleveland Indians , Pittsburgh Pirates , and the Toronto Blue Jays... |
5 | 18 | 5 | .278 | 1 | 2 |
| Alan Trammell Alan Trammell Alan Stuart Trammell is a retired American baseball shortstop of the Detroit Tigers from to . Trammell, nicknamed "Tram", played his entire career with the Tigers, highlighted by a World Series championship in and an American League East division championship in . Although his arm was not... |
5 | 20 | 9 | .450 | 2 | 6 |
| Lou Whitaker | 5 | 18 | 5 | .278 | 0 | 0 |
Pitching
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Morris Jack Morris John Scott "Jack" Morris is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He played in 18 big league seasons between 1977 and 1994, mainly for the Detroit Tigers, and won 254 games throughout his career... |
2 | 18 | 2 | 0 | 2.00 | 13 |
| Dan Petry Dan Petry Daniel Joseph Petry is a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers , California Angels , Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox .... |
2 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 9.00 | 4 |
| Milt Wilcox Milt Wilcox Milton Edward Wilcox was a pitcher who had a sixteen-year career from 1970 to 1975, 1977–1986. He played for the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs of the National League and the Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners of the American League... |
1 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1.50 | 4 |
| Willie Hernández Willie Hernández Guillermo "Willie" Hernández Villanueva is a former relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs , Philadelphia Phillies , and the Detroit Tigers . He threw and batted left-handed.-Career:... |
3 | 5.3 | 0 | 0 | 1.69 | 0 |
| Aurelio López Aurelio López Aurelio Alejandro López was a Mexican relief pitcher. Over the course of an eleven year Major League career , he acquired the nickname "Señor Smoke" in Detroit due to his Mexican heritage and his overpowering fastball, which had been measured as high as 93 mph.-Early career:Born in Tecamachalco,... |
2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0.00 | 4 |
| Bill Scherrer Bill Scherrer William Joseph Scherrer , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues primarily in relief from 1982-1988... |
3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3.00 | 0 |
| Doug Bair Doug Bair Charles Douglas Bair is a right-handed former Major League Baseball pitcher. He played all or part of fifteen seasons in the majors, from until , for seven different teams... |
1 | 0.7 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 1 |
Award winners and league leaders
Sparky AndersonSparky Anderson
George Lee "Sparky" Anderson was an American Major League Baseball manager. He managed the National League's Cincinnati Reds to the 1975 and 1976 championships, then added a third title in 1984 with the Detroit Tigers of the American League. He was the first manager to win the World Series in both...
- AL Manager of the Year Award
Kirk Gibson
Kirk Gibson
Kirk Harold Gibson is a former Major League Baseball player and currently the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. As a player, Gibson was an outfielder who batted and threw left-handed...
- AL Championship Series MVP
- Finished 6th in AL MVP voting
- AL leader in errors by an outfielder (12)
- AL leader in Power/Speed Number (28.0)
- #3 in AL in triples (9)
- #4 in AL in times hit by pitch (8)
- #6 in AL in slugging percentage (.516)
- #8 in AL in stolen bases (29)
- #10 in AL in OPS (.880)
Willie Hernández
Willie Hernández
Guillermo "Willie" Hernández Villanueva is a former relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs , Philadelphia Phillies , and the Detroit Tigers . He threw and batted left-handed.-Career:...
- AL 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...
- AL Most Valuable Player Award
- The Sporting News Pitcher of the Year Award
- AL All Star Team, reserve pitcher
- AL leader in games (80)
- AL leader in games finished (68)
- #3 in AL in saves (32)
Chet Lemon
Chet Lemon
Chester Earl Lemon is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. A three time All-Star, he was a member of the World Series champion 1984 Detroit Tigers.-Early years:...
- AL leader in fielding percentage by a center fielder (.995)
- AL All Star Team, starting center fielder
- #7 in AL in intentional walks (9)
- #8 in AL in doubles (34)
- #8 in AL in times hit by pitch (7)
Jack Morris
Jack Morris
John Scott "Jack" Morris is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He played in 18 big league seasons between 1977 and 1994, mainly for the Detroit Tigers, and won 254 games throughout his career...
- AL All Star Team, pitcher
- AL Babe Ruth Award
- Pitcher of the MonthPitcher of the MonthThe Pitcher of the Month award is a Major League Baseball award named by each league for each month of the regular season. The National League started recognizing the award in . The American League followed in...
Award, April - Finished 7th in AL Cy Young Award voting
- AL leader in wild pitches (14)
- #2 in AL in wins (19)
- #4 in AL in games started (35)
- #9 in AL in winning percentage (.633)
- #9 in AL in strikeouts (148)
- #9 in AL in bases on balls allowed (87)
Lance Parrish
Lance Parrish
Lance Michael Parrish, aka "Big Wheel", is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Detroit Tigers , Philadelphia Phillies , California Angels , Seattle Mariners , Cleveland Indians , Pittsburgh Pirates , and the Toronto Blue Jays...
- AL Gold Glove AwardGold Glove AwardThe 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...
, catcher - AL Silver Slugger Award, catcher
- AL All Star Team, starting catcher
- AL leader in double plays at catcher (11)
- Finished 16th in AL MVP voting
- #3 in AL in home runs (33)
- #6 in AL in at bats per home run (17.5)
- #7 in AL in strikeouts (120)
Alan Trammell
Alan Trammell
Alan Stuart Trammell is a retired American baseball shortstop of the Detroit Tigers from to . Trammell, nicknamed "Tram", played his entire career with the Tigers, highlighted by a World Series championship in and an American League East division championship in . Although his arm was not...
- Player of the MonthPlayer of the MonthThe Player of the Month Award is a Major League Baseball award named by each league every month of the regular season. The National League started recognizing the award on June 4, 1958. National League president Warren Giles conducted a poll of baseball writers in each Major League city and...
Award, April - AL All Star Team, shortstop
- 1984 World Series MVP
- AL Gold Glove AwardGold Glove AwardThe 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...
, shortstop - Finished 9th in AL MVP voting
- #4 in AL in Power/Speed Number (16.1)
- #5 in AL in batting average (.314)
- #6 in AL in times caught stealing (13)
- #8 in AL in on base percentage (.382)
- #8 in AL in doubles (34)
Lou Whitaker
- AL Gold Glove AwardGold Glove AwardThe 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...
, second base - AL Silver Slugger Award, second base
- AL All Star Team, starting second baseman
Players ranking among top 100 all time at position
The following members of the 1984 Detroit Tigers are among the Top 100 of all time at their position (in fact, they are all in the Top 50), as ranked by The 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...
:
- Lance ParrishLance ParrishLance Michael Parrish, aka "Big Wheel", is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Detroit Tigers , Philadelphia Phillies , California Angels , Seattle Mariners , Cleveland Indians , Pittsburgh Pirates , and the Toronto Blue Jays...
: 19th best catcher of all time; - Lou Whitaker: 13th best second baseman of all time;
- Alan TrammellAlan TrammellAlan Stuart Trammell is a retired American baseball shortstop of the Detroit Tigers from to . Trammell, nicknamed "Tram", played his entire career with the Tigers, highlighted by a World Series championship in and an American League East division championship in . Although his arm was not...
: 9th best shortstop of all time; - Darrell EvansDarrell EvansDarrell Wayne Evans is a former third baseman and first baseman in Major League Baseball who played from 1969 to 1989 with the Atlanta Braves , San Francisco Giants and Detroit Tigers . He is also the former manager and director of player personnel for the Victoria Seals of the Golden Baseball...
: 10th best third baseman of all time (played in 131 games, but only 19 at third base, for the 1984 Tigers); - Howard Johnson: 47th best third baseman of all time;
- Kirk GibsonKirk GibsonKirk Harold Gibson is a former Major League Baseball player and currently the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. As a player, Gibson was an outfielder who batted and threw left-handed...
: 36th best left fielder of all time (played in 149 games, but none in left field, for the 1984 Tigers); - Chet LemonChet LemonChester Earl Lemon is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. A three time All-Star, he was a member of the World Series champion 1984 Detroit Tigers.-Early years:...
: 48th best center fielder of all time.
Surprisingly, not one of the players named above is in the Baseball Hall of Fame, although manager Sparky Anderson was inducted in 2000. Only two members of the '84 Tigers are even still eligible for baseball's highest honour (the others have dropped off the ballot): Trammell (who received just 94 votes in 2009, or 17.4%) and pitcher Jack Morris
Jack Morris
John Scott "Jack" Morris is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He played in 18 big league seasons between 1977 and 1994, mainly for the Detroit Tigers, and won 254 games throughout his career...
, who received 237 votes (44.0%) in 2009, his tenth year on the ballot. 75 percent is needed for induction.