Fetzer sold the team to a pizza magnate, Tom Monaghan. A dozen years later, after Navins death, Walter Briggs bought the club, adding an upper deck along the foul poles and seats in right field. The only major changes during the latter decades were the closure of the "skybox" suites that perched on the front edge of the roof, and (in 1978) the replacement of the old dark green . [63], Tiger Stadium saw exactly 11,111 Major League home runs. If in doubt, leave it out. The Lions played football in Tiger Stadium from 1938 until the end of 1974, after which they moved into the Silverdome in Pontiac, a suburb over 30 miles away. What do you get when you combine a block party and a baseball league? Tiger Stadium saw gigantic home runs, like the one Babe Ruth hit that witnesses swore traveled 600 feet as it soared over the right field grandstands. [3], For a time after it was constructed, the right field upper deck had a "315" marker at the foul pole (later painted over), with a "325" marker below it on the lower deck fence (which was retained). Or the blast off Gibsons bat that landed on the roof of the lumber yard across Trumbull Avenue. In the 1971 All-Star Game, Reggie Jackson hit a ball off a transformer in deep right-center field that left the bat so fast that all TV could catch was its return trip to earth. Fick, a catcher and designated hitter, entered the game batting .200 with two home runs in 30 . Winning pitcher Jim Bouton tossed seven scoreless innings for the victory. Cecil signed an autograph for me the next year at the stadium, on my birthday in fact. Kirk Gibson famously hit a ball over the right field roof that landed in the lumber yard across the street, traveling a distance of more than 500 feet. A doctor who was sitting in the stands tore from his seat, broke past an official and ran to help Hughes. New Richmond Flying Squirrels ballpark Thats so true, every game can be legendary. Only one current Tiger ever hit a home run at Tiger Stadium, and it was a memorable occasion. [7][2] Taking predecessor Bennett Park into account, Tiger Stadium was the oldest Major League Baseball site in use in 1999. [42], The Lions played their final game at Tiger Stadium on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1974 against the Denver Broncos. - Advertisement - Check it out. In Game 6, a controversial play occurred when St. Louis Joe Medwick slid hard into third base and ended up in a fight with Detroit third baseman Marv Owen. Tiger Stadium (formerly known as Navin Field and Briggs Stadium) was a stadium located in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan. ), But the biggest move came in 1938. Navin Field opened on April 20, 1912, the same day as the Boston Red Sox's Fenway Park. , The Metropolitan Museum of Art has one of the best baseball card collections in the world thanks to one man, By The seven-hour game is the second longest game in American League history. Source: wikimedia.org. The 1999 Tigers finished with a 69-92 record, but it felt like the stands were always full. Text by Dave Wright Photos by John Moist. On June 27, 1963, he played an entire game at first base without a chance, as the Minnesota Twins won 106. . It was out of the park in a split second. Although few improvements were made to the ballpark over the years, it was still considered a showcase of baseball with a flair for memorable games. Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium (Wisconsin Timber Rattlers) updates In his first professional season, 1975, he batted .324 with 10 home runs and 38 runs batted in for the Southern League's Montgomery Rebels. Once or twice a year, an outfielder would have to go behind the pole to chase an errant hit. On June 28, 1990, the ballpark hosted another unusual event. She is very accommodating and made me feel at home, especially since I was unaware they don't operate a standard retail shop. Six years later, Cecil Fielder hit a moonshot over the left field roof on his way to 51 homers that season. [38], Tiger Stadium was home of the Detroit Lions from 1938 to 1974. In 1970, when ABC signed on to carry Monday Night Football on a weekly basis, the network came to Detroit to do a trial run at an exhibition game. A+! He makes numerous personal appearances as an ambassador for the Yankees. The Lions last title came in 1957. A few players, very few, hit home runs into the bleachers in straightaway center field, an incredible 440 feet away. Cash hit the ball over Tiger Stadium's right field roof four times in his career. In 1961, John Fetzer bought the team and renamed its home Tiger Stadium. Briggs Stadium, as it was now known, held 53,000 seats. The distance of the home run has been estimated at up to 575 feet (175m). Historian Mark Gallagher estimated that the home run Mantle hit in September of 1960 at Tiger Stadium traveled a whopping 643 feet. Out of concern for the neighborhood, the team moved a series to Baltimore. Left field was 345 feet away while right field was a monstrous 370 feet down the line. Nomar Mazara (505 Feet) (Rumor was this came at the behest of the teams first star, Ty Cobb.) On July 2, 1993, Tigers first baseman Cecil Fielder hit a home run that has only just now come back to Earth. called the stadium home in the late 1960s. Be respectful even if you disagree. & quot;According to the Detroit Free Press book "The Corner", the following have hit HR's out of Tiger Stadium: Norm Cash (did it 4 times) Mickey Mantle (did it 3 times) Kirk Gibson (did it 3 times) Jason Thompson (did it twice) Mickey Tettlton (did it twice) Tony Clark . Tiger Stadium didnt go down easily. Lynne asked what I was interested in and presented me with a great selection of Tigers caps and T-shirts. Lynn worked with me to swap out to something similar excellent customer service. The club went 68-86 and hit 18 fewer home runs than the year before. What a game. A new ballpark for the Tigers was built in downtown Detroit, and the club moved to Comerica Park after the 1999 season. In 1949, he defeated Marcel Cerdan, winning on a knockout in the tenth round to win the World Middleweight crown. [62], On September 27, 1999, the final Tigers game was held at Tiger Stadium; an 82 victory over the Kansas City Royals, capped by a late grand slam by Robert Fick, which hit the right field roof. July 3rd, 1999 still stands as a milestone for Indians fans, who fondly remember the astounding home run that secured Jim Thome's place in MLB history. Willie Horton hit a home run at Tiger Stadium when he was 16 years old during an all-city high school game. The company pioneered in the use of reinforced concrete and built municipal and industrial facilities throughout the country. I placed an order and received a follow up call within 24 hrs due to item was not available. Junior was upset that Sparky had intentionally walked him so often. Among major league parks whose construction predated the advent of night games, only Wrigley Field went longer without lights (1988). Myshak Metro Ballpark (Edmonton Prospects) Although it was the park where he was booed regularly, Tiger Stadium played a huge role in Maris career. It would be 16 innings before either team scored again. Initially, a dual stadium complex was planned that included a moving roof that was later scrapped due to high costs and the lack of a commitment from the Tigers. Dismiss, Copyright 2022 Vintage Detroit Collection, Spinnaker Center, 44692 Helm St, Plymouth. Despite the fact The Corner wasnt being used much, the city of Detroit was on the hook for some $400,000 a year in maintenance. Fittingly, Ficks blast was the final hit of any kind at Tiger Stadium. Awesome article Dan as usual! Later measurement revealed the ball traveled close to 600 feet. Detroit was one of the first powers in the new league, advancing to the World Series three years in a row from 1907-09. [69] Among performers at the nightclub-style event was Snoop Dogg. Proudly powered by WordPress | [7][2], When the park was expanded in 1936, a second deck was added over the right field pavilion and bleachers. Watched Harmons HR shot go over the left field stands-right over the top of me-I was working as a stand-boy out in left field and got a break to go out and and watch part of the gamemy only comment was WOW! He ordered a steel-and-concrete 23,000-seat ballpark that was built in an astonishing period of seven months after the end of the 1911 season. Michael Clair Comerica Park is NICE; Tiger Stadium was GREAT!!!! Center field was even farther 467 feet. I had Ernie on the radio listening to the game. . Excited to work with Vintage Detroit on future orders. Al Kaline takes aim at the seats in Tiger Stadium in the late 1950s. Most spectacular was Cash's performance in the doubleheader that June Sunday 60 years ago. Harmon Killebrew had 2,086 hits over his career. After the game, it was revealed Hughes had passed away from a heart attack. [62][64][65] Following the game, an emotional ceremony with past and present Tigers greats was held to mark the occasion. Quick shipping as well. [54][55] Of the many home runs in those games, the most often replayed is Reggie Jackson's drive to right field that hit so high up in the light tower that the TV camera lost sight of it, until it dropped to the field below. The Tigers. On September 27, 1999, the final Tigers game was held at Tiger Stadium; an 8-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals, capped by a late grand slam by Robert Fick, which hit the right field roof. [41], In the early 1970s, the city of Pontiac and its community leaders made a presentation to the Metropolitan Stadium Committee of a 155-acre (0.63km2) site on the city's eastern boundary, north of M-59 and near the intersection with Interstate 75 (I-75). In 1935, following Navin's death, new owner Walter Briggs oversaw the expansion of Navin Field to a capacity of 36,000 by extending the upper deck to the foul poles and across right field. But on August 25, 1990, during a Saturday game against Oakland, Tigers first baseman Cecil Fielder joined the exclusive circle of sluggers. Mickey Mantle: On September 10, 1960, the Yankee slugger hit a home run out of Tiger Stadium against Frank Lary. I saw Cecil hit #50 at Yankee Stadium unfortunately, I misssed seeing #51 because my date was not so much of a baseball fan, early October games get cold, etc. Lynne asked what I was interested in and presented me with a great selection of Tigers caps and T-shirts. Singles by Mullin, Jimmy Bloodworth, and pinch-hitter Anse Moore plated another run for the Tigers in the seventh. The ball was hit over the roof in right field and accross Wentworth avenue. Good article. [3], Like other older baseball stadiums such as Fenway Park and Wrigley Field, Tiger Stadium offered "obstructed view" seats, some of which were directly behind a steel support column; while others in the lower deck had sight lines obstructed by the low-hanging upper deck. The last Tigers game at the stadium was held on September 27, 1999. I ended up buy a very nice winter Tiger jacket and as I tried it on and decided on it they noticed a very minor blemish on the back and quickly informed me I had a hard time even seeing it & probably would have never noticed it. Tiger Stadium (formerly known as Navin Field and Briggs Stadium) was a stadium located in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan. Shortly thereafter, the city of Detroit bought the park from the team for $1. As I mentioned above, a list that includes significant home runs at Tiger Stadium has to include Charlie Maxwell hitting 4 HRS in 4 consecutive at bats on May 3, 1959 in a double header against the Yankees. He never played another game. WebFont.load({ google: { families: ["Lato:900:latin", "Lato:300:latin", "Playfair+Display:700italic:latin", "Merriweather:700:latin", "Crete+Round::latin", "PT+Sans+Narrow:700:latin"] } }); Detroit Red Wings jerseys are back in stock! Minnesotas Harmon Killebrew had been the first in 1962, followed six years later by Washingtons Frank Howard. Board of Supervisors voted unanimously in favor of an $80 million south end-zone upper deck expansion that added 70 "Tiger Den" suites, over 3,000 club seats and 1,500 . [64][66], On July 24, 2001, the day Detroit celebrated its 300th birthday, a Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League game between the Motor City Marauders and the Lake Erie Monarchs was played at Tiger Stadium. Discussion of suicide or self-harm is not tolerated and will result in an immediate ban. My sons at 10 and 8 thought I was a genious. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Monaghan had to get a helicopter to fly in pizzas to writers working inside the old ballpark while overzealous fans partied too hard directly outside Tiger Stadium. [98], Tiger Stadium showing signs of neglect in 2006, Tiger Stadium with facade lettering removed in November 2007, The visitors' bullpen and right field from lower deck in November 2007, Tiger Stadium with seats removed in November 2007, Abandoned in April 2008; Tigers now play in Comerica Park, Demonstration against a School Amendment at Navin Field in 1920, This article is about the Detroit Tigers' former stadium. In its early years, Navin Field was a pitchers paradise. Along Trumbull Avenue, 24 town homes were planned for sale. Navin Field got a lot of play in the newsreels that winter but it was not the sort of publicity one desires. Four were over the longer left field roof, (Harmon Killebrew, Frank Howard, Cecil Fielder, Mark McGuire) and the rest were over the right field roof.) Date: 1999. Thank you so much, I can't wait to wear my jersey to a Wings game! Shipping Service Buckeye Video 632 subscribers 5.2K 1M views 7 years ago Oakland A's vs. Detroit Tigers 8/25/90. The first night game at the stadium was held on June 15, 1948. 2 others that hit the light towers. Three who did were Roberto Clemente in the 71 All-Star Game, Larry Herndon in 1983, and Mark McGwire in 1987. The latter once flipped off Sparky Anderson after hitting a home run into the right field upper deck in 1993. Fielder didnt hit his 50th that night, but it remains one of my more memorable spontaneous moments. Reggie Jackson's All-Star Game homer off the Tiger Stadium roof is still jaw-dropping By Chris Landers July 12, 2017 There's no way to say for sure whether Reggie Jackson's homer at the 1971 All-Star Game is the longest in the history of the Midsummer Classic -- the game is over 80 years old, after all, and data is incomplete. Back to top. The NFL Lions left University of Detroit Stadium to move downtown. I was there. Its first day was overshadowed by the news the Titanic hit an iceberg and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean. By the 1970s, the ballpark was beginning to show its age. Tiger Stadium saw exactly 11,111 home runs, the last a right field, rooftop grand slam by Detroits Robert Fick as the last hit in the last game played there. Development deal to include houses, preservation of field", "DETROIT NEXT STOP FOR REEVES' BASEBALL MOVIE", "Billy Crystal directing HBO docudrama on Maris and Mantle", "HBO revisits Mantle, Maris home-run race of '61", "Film shoots at Tiger Stadium ahead of demolition", "Briggs Stadium cartoon, undated | Digital Collection", "Eminem shoots 'Beautiful' video in Detroit", "Eminem's 'Beautiful' video tells Detroit's story too", "Hung: "Fat Off My Love or I'm the Allergen", "Mickey Coachrane Fired As Manager of Detroit Tigers", Aerial Views, Demolition of Tiger Stadium 2008 2009, A documentary on the battle to save Tiger Stadium, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tiger_Stadium_(Detroit)&oldid=1137426409, Artist Gene Mack, who drew a series of pictures of several figures and ballparks, mentioned a bone that, This page was last edited on 4 February 2023, at 16:20. Cabrera They checked it over and off I went. Like other home runs mentioned on this list, Thome's blast bounced through the streets after leaving the stadium by flying over the center field fence. Dismiss, Copyright 2022 Vintage Detroit Collection, Spinnaker Center, 44692 Helm St, Plymouth. As we stood at the vendor the entire stadium erupted. But there was nothing anybody could do. The people there are awesome and they clearly don't get much walk in business however they know their product while intending in only buying one jersey I walked out with much more! Football at Tiger Stadium was an adventure. the Yankees won that day, 22-2 the worst loss the Tigers ever suffered at home.). In the 22nd inning, Jack Reed hit the only home run of his 129-at bat career off Phil Regan for a 9-7 win. Through 1990, only two players had cleared the roof in left. One of those occurred on June 24, 1962. How many home runs did Harmon Killebrew have? Here are the longest home runs in the Home Run Derby, during the StatCast era, away from Coors Field. Took everyones breath away. Along the way it served as scenes for movies as well as a plethora of public events ranging from a KISS concert to a speech by Nelson Mandela. [2] Spotlights were added above the warning track to illuminate the area beneath the overhang. He was also adept at hitting the ball out down the left field line, a trait later adopted by Willie Horton and Lance Parrish. Through snow flurries and a first-pitch temperature of 32 degrees at Comerica Park, Cabrera stepped to the plate in the first inning and ripped an opposite field home run just inches over the yellow line in right field to give the Tigers a quick 2-0 lead on the Cleveland Indians (scroll for video below). [4] A week into demolition, it was announced that the field, foul poles, and flagpole would be preserved. Detroit OF Rocky Colavito tied a major-league record when he went 7-for-10 in the game. Bosman, once Howard's roommate, mentioned one blast Howard clocked off Tommy John at RFK Stadium in 1966, then another off Mickey Lolich that sailed clear out of Tiger Stadium in 1968. When did the Detroit Tigers Stadium get demolished? Cecil was on 49, and I veered my car onto the exit to downtown Detroit and snatched up a ticket. A year later, Tiger Stadium was in the national spotlight when Denny McLain became the first pitcher in 31 years to win 30 games. I,my son and two friends were sitting on the first base side in the upper deck when he hit that one, it went up so high I thought it wasnt coming down until it disappeared over the edge of the roof, Jose Cansenco hit on into center field at the flag pole that game too. On June 11, 1961, Cash became the first Detroit Tiger to hit a home run ball out of Tiger Stadium. Only four of the game's most powerful right-handed sluggers (Harmon Killebrew, Frank Howard, Cecil Fielder and Mark McGwire) reached the left field rooftop. A short while later I left with a new cap and a custom Fidrych T-shirt. And the fans got rewarded with unusual moments such as a 22-inning game decided by a player who hit the only home run of his career to decide the game. Historians generally agree the longest home run hit in the ballpark was probably achieved by Detroit 1B Norm Cash, who ripped a shot over the center field scoreboard in a 1962 game that landed on the roof of a parked taxicab. Privacy Policy the Nearest to me was Vintage. There were over 30 home runs hit onto the right field roof over the years. Harmon Killebrew had 573 home runs over his career. Jim Thome. Some opposing players seemed to shine at Tiger Stadium. However, in just about every case, it had been occurred due to a stadium conflict or for a special reason.