2009 Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers finished the 2008 season a lamentable last place in the fierce AL Central, but the offseason was spent filling in holes in the roster, so the 2009 season promises to bring much improvement. Catchers Gerald Laird and Matt Treanor were added to the roster, as were starting pitcher Edwin Jackson and relief pitcher Brandon Lyon, as well as shortstop Adam Everett. And though 2008 wasn’t exactly their year, the team still has great pitchers in Jeremy Bonderman, Justin Verlander and Joel Zumaya, who are all well under 30 and have plenty of potential. There’s certainly no where to go but up for the Tigers, but a positive outlook – from a stadium full of supportive fans – may be the difference between a losing and a winning season. Get your tickets to Coamerica Park and help the Detroit Tigers triumph in the 2009 season!

Early Success

The Detroit Tigers became charter members of the American League in 1901. By the end of the decade they were the best team in the league having won the pennant in 1907, 1908, and 1909. The team was led by Ty Cobb who won his first three batting titles during those years. Cobb would go on to win 8 more batting titles and set dozens of batting records, some of which still stand. Despite Cobb’s hitting exploits the Tigers would not win the World Series in his 22 seasons with the team.

First World Series Title

The Tigers would have to wait until 1935 to win their first World Series Title. Led by catcher-manager Mickey Cochrane and slugger Hank Greenberg the Tigers beat the Cubs in 6 games to win the Title. Ten years later with Hank Greenberg contributing 13 homeruns and 60 RBIs off the bench they once again beat the Cubs in the World Series. The Tigers would go on to win the World Series twice more in 1968 and 1984.

Comerica Park

In 2000 the Tigers moved into the brand new Comerica Park. One of the largest stadiums in the game, the huge outfield allows for many triples but fewer homeruns changing the strategy of the game somewhat. In addition, the new stadium has something for everyone including a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and a museum that envelops the concourse. The stadium’s lack of upper deck allows for fans to view the Detroit skyline in the background.

Becoming Contenders Again

After falling deep into the cellar in the years following their World Series win in 1984, the Tigers re-emerged as a contender recently. The Tigers spent big on free agents in 2004 and 2005 adding Ivan Rodriguez and Magglio Ordonez. Then in 2006 they added veteran pitcher Kenny Rogers. Led by Rogers and bolstered by young pitching stars like Justin Verlander and Jeremy Bonderman the Tigers reached the World Series once again in 2006, but lost to the Cardinals. Having traded for Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera this past off season the hopes are high in Detroit this year.