The Detroit News Photo Store
  • Home |
  • My Album |
  • My Cart |
  • FAQ |
  • Registration/Login |
  • Order Status
  • | Can't find a photo?
  • | Search

Categories

  • Home
  • All Albums
  • Detroit Autos
  • Detroit History
  • Detroit Music Scene
  • Detroit Sports
  • Vintage Detroit
  • Vintage Michigan
  • Can't find a photo?

  • Bookmarks:
Home > Vintage Detroit > Vintage Detroit
The Corner
Date: 11/30/2011 Album ID: 1371020
Slideshow icon View Slideshow
Lights out for Reggie July 13, 1971 Only the light tower got in the way of Reggie Jackson’s mammoth pinch hit home run in the 1971 All-Star Game at Tiger Stadium. It would have cleared the roof and landed on Trumbull Avenue had it not struck the light tower on the way up. The ball hit the steel base of the tower and bounced away. Jackson’s home run off Pittsburgh’s Doc Ellis ignited the American League, which won the game for the first time since 1962. Detroit News file photos
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Base brawl comes to town August 22, 1972 Tigers manager Billy Marin—the inventor of a fiery brand called Billy Ball—had the last word this day after a brawl erupted between the Tigers and the Oakland Athletics. But the A’s would get the ultimate last word when they beat the Tigers in the American League Championship Series to advance to the World Series. Martin eventually wore out his welcome and he was fired in the 1972 season.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
The one-year wonder June 28, 1976 For one season Mark “The Bird” Fidrych captivated the baseball world like few players ever have. The gangly rookie’s youthful enthusiasm made him the No. 1 box-office attraction in 1976. No matter where he pitched crowds of up to 40,000 fans could be expected. Fidrych posted a 19-9 record and led the American League with a 2.34 ERA. However, injuries kept him from pitching another full season, and he was only 10-10 over the next four years before retiring.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
A new wave Tiger October 14, 1984 This unusual perspective of Kirk Gibson’s historic home run off the Padres’ Goose Gossage in the deciding game of the 1984 World Series shows how fans reacted moments after the ball took flight. Gibson, who has two of the most memorable home runs in World Series history, crushed the Gossage fastball deep into the right-field upper deck. He then showed his flair for the theatrical by rounding the bases, pumping his fists and blowing kisses to the Tiger Stadium crowd.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
It was a marvelous season October 14, 1984 Catcher Lance Parrish (left) and reliever Willie Hernandez leap for joy after Hernandez recorded the final out in Game 5 of the 1984 World Series. Hernandez’s splendid season was one of the many reasons the Tigers got off to a 35-5 record and won 104 games. He recorded 32 saves, had a 1.92 ERA and was rewarded by being named both the American League’s MVP and Cy Young Award winner.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Hometown hero wins it October 4, 1987 Frank Tanana, a Catholic Central product, celebrates with Tigers second baseman Lou Whitaker after Tanana defeated Toronto 1-0 at Tiger Stadium to clinch the American League East division title. Detroit popped the majors with 98 victories and 225 home runs, but fell to the eventual World Series champion Minnesota Twins in the American League Championship Series, losing in five games.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Rallying behind Mandela June 28, 1990 Tiger Stadium had been the site of many political gatherings during its history, including a 1990 rally where 49,000 people filled the stadium to hear South African leader Nelson Mandela speak on the issue of apartheid in South Africa, shortly after Mandela was released from jail where he served time as a political prisoner. Many of Metro Detroit’s prominent African American citizens—including Aretha Franklin—attended the event.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Hit it here, Cecil September 26, 1990 Seven-year old Brent Mees came all the way from Jackson to watch Cecil Fielder’s attempt to hit 50 home runs. With his father’s glove slipping out of his tiny hand, he waited, and waited, and waited… But Fielder wouldn’t break the 50-homer barrier until the final game of the season in New York. For good measure, Fielder hit another shot and finished with 51.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
More than just a job September 30, 1992 Joseph Driebk, a Tiger Stadium guard for 10 years, sits in a tunnel at the stadium trying to keep his hands warm as temperatures drop throughout the Tigers final home game of the 1992 season. While Tiger Stadium is made of cold stone and steel, the old structure has warmed the hearts of many of its employees, some of whom have worked there for over 30 years.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
In the Beginning July 4, 1887 Before there was a Navin Field, a Briggs Stadium or a Tiger Stadium, The National League’s Detroit Wolverines played baseball at Recreation Park on the near east side of town at the corner of Brush and Brady Streets. The team did not draw well, even after winning the championship in 1887, and folded in 1888 after just eight seasons in the National League.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Wildcat Tiger fans Date Unknown The erection of Wildcat stands by area homeowners was an ongoing problem at Bennett Park. The stands, built on the tops of barns and other buildings, severely undercut the Tigers profit margin because owners would charge a fraction of what it would cost to actually get into the ballpark. Many of the stands would accommodate up to 75 fans at a time, making it a very profitable business on game day.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Pittsburgh Tigers? 1903 In this early action shot taken in a game in Detroit, New York Highlanders third baseman Wid Conroy leaps to catch an errant throw. By 1903 the currant arrangement between the American League and National League was born, resulting in joint recognition of the two leagues and establishment of the World Series. The agreement prevented the Tigers from relocating to Pittsburgh, where they would have competed against the National League Pirates.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Can you play, kid? 1905 Ty Cobb, a tender rookie of 18, gets instruction from well-dressed manager Bill Armour. Cobb would bat only .240 in his first season in Detroit, but never finished lower than .320 thereafter. When his career finally ended in 1928, Cobb would boast the highest career average (.367) in major-league history, a mark that still stands.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
The original freebie Date Unknown Don’t have a ticket? Some Detroiters before the turn of the century got a chance to see the Tigers play anyway at Boulevard Park, the original home of the Tigers at the corner of Lafayette and Helen Streets. The wooden structure would last until 1895, when team owner George Vanderbeck purchased the land at Michigan and Trumbell and began construction of Bennett Park.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
You can’t catch me 1904 Ty Cobb was safe at home in this close play at home plate sliding deftly under the tag of Boston catcher Lou Criger in a game at Bennett Park. Cobb had perfected a slide where he would swerve his body away from the tag at the last moment and touch the corner of the plate as he was going by.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
A title team in waiting 1907 The Tigers first World Series teams poses for a picture at Bennett Park. The Tigers played in three consecutive World Series (1907-09) but wouldn’t win their first championship until 1935. Ty Cobb (second row, third from left) was only 20 in 1907, but he led the league in hitting a .350 average. The pitching staff included three 20-game winners and an 18-gamer. Between the four, they accounted for all but four of the team’s 92 victories that year.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Always the bridesmaid 1908 The 1907 American League pennant is paraded around Bennett Park before a game. Despite a star-studded lineup that included the like of Ty Cobb, Sam Crawford and twenty-game winners Bill Donovan, Ed Killian and George Mullins, the Tigers would repeat the ritual the next two years but wouldn’t get an opportunity to hoist a World Series flag until 1935.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Exhibit ‘A’ for the defense August 24, 1909 Hall of Fame center fielder Ty Cobb was called a “Genius in Spikes” by Tiger fans, and a “demon in spikes” by opponents. In this play in 1909, he spiked A’s Hall of Famer Frank “Home Run” Baker while sliding into third. Cobb had a reputation for sharpening his cleats and trying to injure enemy infielders. But when the Athletics accused him of deliberately injuring Baker, this photo was considered enough to disprove the claim.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
A Hall of Fame photo shoot April 26, 1911 Ty Cobb tries out his photography skills on fellow Hall-ofFamer Sam Crawford in this rare shot, taken at Bennett Park. For 15 seasons, Crawford played alongside Cobb in the outfield, hit behind him and even pinch hit for him. But he was also overshadowed by Cobb, much as Gehrig was overshadowed by Ruth. Still, Crawford had a brilliant career, batting .309 with 2,961 hits and legging out 309 triples—the most in major-league history.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Fielder on the roof July 22, 1993 Cecil Fielder takes to the roof at Tiger Stadium for a smoke and a little batting practice. Actually, Fielder just wanted to see where his monster home run had landed a month before. He had just won the IBM Tale of the Tape award for longest home run in the month of June, a regular occurrence for the first baseman. Cecil’s blast—hit one June 24 –traveled 475 feet and landed on the left-field roof.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Gray-haired greatness September 13, 1995 Manager Sparky Anderson looks like he’s waiting out the end in Detroit. But in his years at the helm in Detroit, Anderson won more games than any Tiger manager with 1,331. On the all-time list he ranks second with 2,194 victories. He’s the only manager to hold career records with two different teams, to record 100-victory seasons in both leagues and to manage teams in both leagues to World Series championships.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
A capable combination September 13, 1995 Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker, appearing before a disappointed Tiger Stadium crowd, acknowledge the few fans who showed up to see them break the league record for games played together as teammates. Over 19 years the shortstop-second baseman combination had played in 1,915 games, breaking the record set by George Brett and Frank White of the Kansas City Royals.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Ghost of Rudy York June 25, 1998 Thanks to interleague play, fans get to see a record fall at Tiger Stadium. The Cubs’ Sammy Sosa hit his 19th home run of the month off Brian Moehler to topple the 51-year old mark set be the Tigers’ Rudy York in 1937. Sosa, the 1998 National League MVP, finished the month with 20 homers. He would battle the Cardinal’s Mark McGwire to the wire in the most prolific home-run race in baseball history. McGwire finished with 70, Sosa with 66.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
The last time April 12, 1999 Willie Blair throws the first pitch at 1:04 p.m. on the final opening day at Tiger Stadium. A sellout crowd saw the Tigers lose 1-0 in extra innings, but by the time the story is through being told, just about every Metro Detroiter will claim to have been in attendance. Next year’s opener will be another historic occasion—the first year of Comerica Park.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Public transportation October 8, 1934 Trolley cars were a popular source of transportation to Tigers games during the 1930s, at least for those who could afford the fare. In this photo, hundreds of fans exit a trolley car near Navin Field offices at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull before Game 6 of the 1934 World Series. The Tigers lost the game and the series 4-3 to the St. Louis Cardinals Detroit News file photo
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Tiger Stadium. Undated photo Detroit News file photo
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Happy birthday, George Date Unknown George Mullin is one of eight pitchers to hurl a no-hitter at Michigan and Trumbull. He’s the only one to do it on his birthday. Mullin beat St. Louis 7-0 on July 4, 1912 at Bennett Park to celebrate his 32nd birthday. He also collected three hits and knocked in three runs. Earl Hamilton returned the no-hit favor on St. Louis’ next visit, holding the Tigers hitless in a 5-1 victory on August 30.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Play ball! April 20, 1912 The Tigers watch at the American flag is raised for the first time during Navin Field opening festivities. An overflow crowd of 24,384 watched the Tigers rally past Cleveland 6-5 in 11 innings. Ty Cobb was his usual aggressive self with a steal of home after his first at-bat. Much of the attention in the newspaper the next day was diverted by one of the world’s most famous disasters—the sinking of the Titanic.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
He only acted that way Date Unknown Hughie Jennings, second only to Sparky Anderson in years of service as a Tigers manager, held a law degree from Cornell. Jennings was much beloved by Detroit fans for his on-the-field antics, including ringing a bell in the dugout during this game. While Jennings may have seemed a bit on the strange side, he survived in Detroit for 14 years, winning 1,131 games.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
‘I got it!’ April 27, 1912 Sam Crawford chases a fly ball in the sun at Navin Field. Note the early form of sunglasses Crawford is sporting. “Wahoo” Sam got his nickname from the town of Wahoo, Nebraska, where he was born in 1880. He batted .325 in 1912, but was overshadowed by teammate Ty Cobb and his major league-leading .410 average. Crawford is tops all-time in triples (312) and inside-the-park home runs (51).
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Eee-yaah!! Date Unknown That was the nickname of Hughie Jennings, who managed the Tigers to American League pennants in 1907, 1908 and 1909, but never won a World Series. A shortstop for the original Baltimore Orioles, Jennings managed the Tigers and coached third base from 1907-20. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1945.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
He had no equal August 29, 1925 Among the greats who have worn a Tigers uniform, Ty Cobb stands above all others. The Sporting News recently named him the third best player of all time, behind Babe Ruth and Willie Mays. Cobb played at both Bennett Park and Navin Field during his 22-year career with the Tigers, and he appeared in three World Series, but never won one. As complete a player as he was, Cobb’s numbers has never been retired by the Tigers—he played in an era with uniform numbers.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Tampering with the mail Date Unknown Two key figures in Tiger history, owner Frank Navin and Tigers star Ty Cobb, talk on game day before the crowd starts filtering into Navin Field. When Navin found out the Cobb was being pursued by the rival Federal League, he had Cobb’s telegrams stolen so that he could keep abreast of the negotiations.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Fire in his belly August 29, 1925 Although Ty Cobb was a great player, he wasn’t the friendliest guy in town. Here he signs autographs for two young Tiger fans. But when it came to fellow players—including his own teammates—Cobb was known to be aloof, owner of a hair trigger temper and a bigot. For all his personality flaws, even those who had to endure his shortcomings respected his on-the-field abilities.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
No horsing around 1926 Mounted police push back the opening day crowd at Navin Field, Ty Cobb’s last year as manager of the team. The excitement of opening day was soon forgotten, and by the halfway point of the season Cobb had replaced himself in center field and relegated himself to coaching from the bench to avoid the boos that rang from the crowd.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Slow as molasses 1926 If Harry Heilman is safe at first base, most other players probably would have made it to second. Despite his slowness afoot, Heilman was able to win four batting titles. Had he possessed any sort of speed, Heilman likely would have batted .400 at least twice and his .342 career average would have been considerably higher.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Hard times in Tigertown April 1928 Ground crew members till the soil at Navin Field in 1928, a down time at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull. Late in the season, with the Tigers relegated to a second-division finish, only 404 diehard fans showed up for a game against Boston. It remains the Tigers smallest home crown since joining the American League.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Not in my house Date Unknown Don’t let the smiles fool you – Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb didn’t like each other. Cobb always resented the way the Detroit fans warmed up to the Babe whenever he performed there. While the fans hoped that Ruth would hit one of his legendary tape-measure home runs, Cobb would do a slow burn as he saw his reputation as the game’s dominant player slip away.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
A great Michigander 1934 Charlie Gehringer looks out at the field as he awaits his turn to bat. The Fowlerville (Mich.) native was an all-around player who not only batted more than .300 in 13 of his 16 seasons, but was called by Ty Cobb one of the two “greatest second baseman (he) ever saw.” Gehringer’s .320 career batting average is sixth on the Tigers all-time list. Cobb, of course, is tops at .367.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Can you sign, Mr. Goslin? 1934 Goose Goslin, who said Detroit was the best baseball town he ever played in, signs autographs for some young fans at Navin Field. Moments like this have kept baseball at “The Corner” so intimate between the Tigers and their fans. Through the generations fans remember their interaction with Tiger greats…and even the not-so-greats.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
A rampaging rookie takes a break August 25, 1934 Schoolboy Rowe relaxes in the dugout on the day he made his rookie year a record-setting one. He defeated the Washington Senators 4-2 for his 16th consecutive victory. He also drove in the winning run in the ninth inning. Rowe finished the year with a 24-8 record, the best of his career, and helped the Tigers make their first World Series appearance in 25 years.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
He could have been a Tiger September 19, 1934 Player-manager Mickey Cochrane, on his way to leading the Tigers to two consecutive pennants, including their first World Series victory in 1935, chats with Babe Ruth at Navin Field before the Babe’s final game in Detroit. Amazingly, Cochrane almost didn’t get the job. Owner Frank Navin had invited Ruth to Detroit to discuss managing, but the Yankee slugger instead took his family on vacation and told Navin he’s see him laster. Navin turned to Cochrane instead.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Beginning of the end October 3, 1934 It isn’t quite the crush of media at a Super Bowl, but Tigers manager Mickey Cochrane and St. Louis manager Frankie Frisch shake hands and accommodate journalists and photographers before Game 1 of the World Series. The Cardinals took game 1 at Navin Field and went on to win the series in seven games.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Wait until next year… October 5, 1934 Babe Ruth, with a little experience to back him up, gives Tiger star Hank Greenberg a few pointers before Game 3 of the 1934 World Series. Unfortunately, the Tigers lost the game 4-1 (on an eight-hitter by Paul Dean of the Cardinals) and eventually the series, too. The Tigers would finally break through in 1935, winning their first world baseball championship after four unsuccessful attempts.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Public transportation October 8, 1934 Trolley cars were a popular source of transportation to Tigers games during the 1930s, at least for those who could afford the fare. In this photo, hundreds of fans exit a trolley car near Navin Field offices at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull before Game 6 of the 1934 World Series. The Tigers lost the game and the series 4-3 to the St. Louis Cardinals Detroit News file photos
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Dean takes Rowe to school October 8, 1934 Schoolboy Rowe, who won a record 16 in a row early in the 1934 season, warms up before Game 6 of the World Series. Rowe didn’t fare as well in this game, losing 4-3 to Paul Dean as the Cardinals tied the series. St. Louis went on to win Game 7 to deny the Tigers their first World Series championship.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Safe at the plate October 8, 1934 Jack Rothrock scores on a Joe Medwick single in Game 6 of the World Series as the Cardinals take a first-inning lead. The Tigers, who returned to Detroit leading the series 3-2 and in need of a single victory for their first championship, tied the score 3-3 in the sixth inning, but St. Louis pitcher Paul Dean knocked in the winning run in the seventh and tossed a seven-hitter to win 4-3.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Rotten deal for Medwick October 9, 1934 Baseball Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis orders Joe Medwick of the Cardinals to take the rest of the day off during Game 7 of the World Series. Medwick had mixed it up with the Tigers Marv Owen and after a bench-clearing brawl, fans pelted Medwick with garbage and bottles four times before Landis’ move restored order. The Cardinals’s Dizzy Dean won the game 11-0 behind a 17-hit attack.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Not in Hank’s house August 30, 1935 Hank Greenberg nails a Cleveland pitch for his 30th home run of the season, an MVP year for “Hammerin’ Hank.” The Tigers used a home-field advantage to win the 1935 World Series, losing the opener at Navin Field but sweeping the remaining three games there to win the series 4-2 against the Chicago Cubs. Their Game 6 victory touched off a wild night of celebration in downtown Detroit.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
A bird’s eye view October 2, 1935 An aerial view shows a packed Navin Field during Game 1 of the 1935 World Series. The shoulder-to-shoulder fans had little to celebrate during the game as the Chicago Cubs took the opener 3-0 as Ron Warneke outpitched Schoolboy Rowe. The Tigers rebounded with an 8-3 victory in Game 2, scoring four runs in the first inning before the Cubs managed to retire a batter.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Tickets, tickets, who’s got tickets? October 2, 1935 Fans line up early at Navin Field hoping to purchase remaining bleacher seats before Game 1 of the 1935 World Series. The opener, played in Detroit because the Chicago Cubs needed time to prepare Wrigley Field for the series, drew 47,391. The Tigers lost the opener 3-0, but needed just six games to win their first world championship.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Three stars of the game October 7, 1935 The three heroes of Game 6 of the 1935 World Series celebrate I the Tigers locker room after that game. Tommy Bridges (right) was the winning pitcher; Goose Goslin knocked in Mickey Cochrane with the winning run with a sinking line drive single into center field. The two-out base hit gave the Tigers a 4-3 victory and touched off a lot of locker room hugging.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
The sky’s the limit April 20, 1937 After winning their first World Series in 1935, the Tigers finished second but a distant 19.5 games behind the Yankees in 1936. Still, with the batting of Charlie Gehringer (.371, 133 runs) and Hank Greenberg (.337, 93 extra-base hits and 183 RBI), and the pitching of Roxie Lawson (18-7), Eldon Auker (17-9) and Tommy Bridges (15-12), the 1937 team expected to make the Series again. Alas, the Tigers went 89-65 – 13 game behind the Yankees.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Loaded with talent August 29, 1937 Hank Greenberg and rookie Rudy York of the Tigers pose with the Yankees’ Bill Dickey (far left), Lou Gehrig and Joe DiMaggio. Two days later Yourk would break one of Babe Ruth’s records with 18 home runs in August when he hit two against the Washington Senators in D.C. He finished the year with 35 home runs and would never top that mark again.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Hats off to Rudy York August 30, 1937 A Yankee batboy picks up hats tossed onto the playing field at Navin Field after a Rudy York home run. It was a tradition on Labor Day for the men to sail their hats onto the field at the first positive thing the Tigers did during the game. In Ty Cobb’s day, he would have groundskeepers pick them up and he would take them back to his farm in Georgia and put them on the heads of his donkeys to keep them out of the sun.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
He wore out his welcome August 7, 1938 Mickey Cochrane talks with Boston’s Joe Cronin after the Tigers manager-general manager was fired following a second consecutive home loss to the Red Sox. By then the glow was off new Briggs Stadium, with Cochrane being second guessed by anyone with an ounce of baseball knowledge. The line on his 4 ? years in Detroit: 2 pennants, 2 second-place finishes and the team’s first Worlds Series title.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Monkey suits 1938 Briggs Stadium vendors model their uniforms and show off their wares before a game. When the Tigers were owned by Frank Navin and then Walter Briggs, every ballpark employee was expected to dress accordingly. This policy included everyone from the vendors, to ticket takes, to cigarette girls to the ground crew. And although the uniforms changed over the years, the intention was always to provide a pleasant atmosphere at the ballpark.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Man for all positions June 12, 1939 Rudy York, better known for hit bat than his glove, makes a catch in foul territory. In fact, the Tigers bounced his around just to keep his potent bat in the starting lineup. In 1937, he replaced an injured Mickey Cochran behind the plate and responded with 35 homers and 103 RBI. In 1940, Hank Greenberg was moved from first base to the left field to make way for York, who batted .316 with 33 home runs and 134 RBI. York also played the outfield and third base for Detroit.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Louis comes home a champ September 20, 1939 Although baseball has been king at “The Corner,” the site has also held other significant events. Here hometown favorite Joe Louis throws the 11th-round punch that knocked out Bob Pastor, a victory in keeping with Detroit’s reputation as City of Champions. The fight was scheduled for 20 rounds, with the ring set up in the middle of Briggs Stadium infield.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Birthday boy May 11, 1940 Charlie Gehringer gets the star treatment from newspaper photographers and other members of the media on his 37th birthday. Gehringer, always a favorite because of his Michigan ties (he was born in Fowlerville), was take aback when the ushers rolled out a giant birthday cake onto the Briggs Stadium field. Despite hi advancing age, Gehringer still managed to hit .313 for the 1940 American League champions.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Both sides of the pitch August 3, 1940 Schoolboy Rowe revs up to fire one to the plate in a game at Briggs Stadium. Rowe pitched for the Tigers for parts of nine seasons. Not only was he a capable pitcher, he was also pretty good with the bat. In one game in 1935 he had a double, a triple, 3 singles and 3 RIB. For his career Rowe batted .263 and knocked in 153 runs.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Friends and family October 6, 1940 Tiger Stadium has always been a place of unity for Detroiters, a place where they could put aside their differences and share a game of baseball. No matter how bad things seemed to get elsewhere, baseball at the “The Corner” was always a pleasant diversion for young and old fans alike, especially at a game such as Game 5 of the 1940 World Series.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
His heart was in it, but… August 27, 1941 Rookie Hal Newhouser and retired great Charlie Gehringer, now in the military, meet in the locker room at Briggs Stadium. Newhouser had intended to join the service to fight for his country during World War II, and was to take his oath on the Briggs Stadium mound before a game. However, a heart murmur was detected during his physical so he remained with the Tigers.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Never skipped a beat September 26, 1946 With the center field bleachers as a backdrop, Hank Greenberg rounds third base after hitting his 43rd home run for the season. Greenberg led the majors with 44 home runs and topped the American League with 127 RBI. Greenberg—then in his first full year after returning from a four-year stint in the army—hit a grand slam in his first game back with the Tigers in July 1943.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Tigers turn on the switch June 15, 1948 The lights finally go on at Briggs Stadium, the last American League ballpark to host a night game. A crowd of 54,480 turned out to watch the Tigers play the Philadelphia Athletics. The A’s hitters must have had trouble picking up the ball in the light provided by the new $40,000 system as Hal Newhouser tossed a two-hitter in a 4-1 victory by the Tigers.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Silence for a silenced star July 10, 1951 The American League team pauses for a moment to honor former Tigers great Harry Heilmann prior to the 1951 All-Star game at Briggs Stadium. Heilmann, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1952, died the day before the game in Souhfield (Mich.) at age 56. The righthander batted .390 or better four times, including .403 in 1923. Heilmann was the voice of the Tigers on radio for 17 years beginning in 1934.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Alone in his thoughts 1952 Tigers general manager Charlie Gehringer sits among the empty seats at Briggs Stadium during a loss to the New York Yankees. The 1952 season was one of the worst years in team history, with the Tigers finishing in last place for the first time with a 50-104 record, even though 32 of those victories came at home. On July 14, manager Red Rolfe was fired.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
A long-time Tiger May 1957 Al Kaline takes batting practice at an empty Briggs Stadium. In 1980 Kaline become only the 10th player to be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first attempt. When he retired he became only the second Tigers player—Ty Cobb was the other—to play more than 20 seasons in a Detroit uniform.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
The other cats at ‘The Corner’ December 18, 1957 The Tigers weren’t the only tenants at Tiger Stadium. The Detroit Lions also called the stadium home from 1938 through 1974. The team won their last championship there as the Lions defeated the Cleveland Browns 59-14 behind quarterback Kyle Rote’s four touchdown passes and one run for a score. The Lions also won their first championship at Tiger Stadium, again against the Browns in 1953.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Colorful debut for Virgil June 15, 1958 Although Ozzie Virgil gets the label “first black player” for the Tigers, the truth was that even Virgil didn’t consider himself black; he was born in the Dominican Republic. Walter Briggs chose Virgil because of his light coloring. Nonetheless, Virgil’s opening-day performance at Briggs Stadium was a keeper when he went 5-for-5 against the Washington Senators.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
All-Star voices September 1961 George Kell (center) and Ernie Harwell call a game from the booth at Tiger Stadium, with engineer Howard Stitzel in the background. Kell retired after the 1996 season, but Harwell has called the Tigers games every year since 1960 season except 1992. The Tigers have had great radio and television voices over the years, going back as far as Ty Tyson, the original voice of the Tigers, who called games for WWJ from 1927-42.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Back in uniform June 1, 1964 Al Kaline of the Tigers and former Cardinals great Stan Musial talk in the batting cage at Tiger Stadium before an exhibition game between the two teams. Musial, inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969, had retired the year before but suited up for the love of the game. Four years later, Kaline would lead the Tigers to their first World Series victory in 23 seasons, batting .379 against those same St. Louis Cardinals.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
A very exclusive club September 14, 1968 Denny McLain and Dizzy Dean (in white hat) head for the dugout as the delirious Tiger Stadium cheers McLain’s 30th victory of the season. Dean had previously been the last man to record 30 victories back in 1934. The Tigers helped McLain to his historic victory by rallying for two runs in the ninth inning. For the season, McLain was 31-6 with a 1.96 ERA.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Here comes momentum October 7, 1968 Bill Freeham applies the tag that turned the World Series in the Tigers favor. The Cardinals won three of the first four games and the Tigers needed a home victory to remain alive. With the Cardinals up 3-2 in the fifth, Lou Brock attempted to score on a single and was gunned down by Willie Horton. Al Kaline singled home two runs in the seventh to win it 5-3, and the Tigers would go on to win the next two games in St. Louis to clinch the title.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
Tigertown tough guys 1969 Willie Horton (left) and Gates Brown were two of the first black fan favorites to play for the Tigers. Horton, one of sixteen kids raised in a Detroit housing project, hit 262 home runs during his career with Detroit and was one of the most feared long-ball hitters in the American League. Brown, who was nicknamed so because of time spent in prison, was one of the most accomplished pinch-hitters in baseball history.
Email Page to FriendBuy this PhotoEnlarge this Photo
MyCapture, Inc. - A Second Street Media, Inc. Solution
© MyCapture, Inc. - A Second Street Media, Inc. Solution All rights reserved.

FAQ | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Order Status | Can't find a photo?