Detroit Tigers
The oldest American League team still playing in its original city under its original name.
The Detroit Tigers are an American professional baseball team based in Detroit. The Tigers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Central Division. One of the AL's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit as a member of the minor league Western League in 1894 and is the only Western League team still in its original city. They are also the oldest American League team still playing in their original city under their original name.
- division
- American League Central
- status
- Active
Lore & Background
Since their establishment as a major league franchise in 1901, the Tigers have won four World Series championships (1935, 1945, 1968, and 1984), 11 AL pennants (1907, 1908, 1909, 1934, 1935, 1940, 1945, 1968, 1984, 2006, 2012), and four AL Central division championships (2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014). They also won division titles in 1972, 1984, and 1987 as a member of the AL East. Since 2000, the Tigers have played their home games at Comerica Park in Downtown Detroit.
In Their Own Story
The atmosphere surrounding the September 27 game was thick with contrasting histories. Chicago fans held signs reading "121" and booed their own team's mistakes, hoping to witness a record-breaking loss, while Detroit fans celebrated a playoff berth. The Tigers' pitching staff, led by rookie Brant Hurter who earned the win after four innings, successfully limited the White Sox to just one run. Relief pitchers Tyler Holton, Will Vest, and Jason Foley closed out the game, with Foley recording his 28th save. The final out came when Andrew Vaughn flied out to right fielder Wenceel Pérez, who bumped into Parker Meadows and fell while making the catch. This moment sent the Detroit crowd into a frenzy as they secured their first playoff spot since 2014.
Reader's Guide
The Tigers constructed Bennett Park at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Trumbull Avenue in Corktown just west of Downtown Detroit and began playing there in 1896. In 1912, the team moved into Navin Field, which was built on the same location. It was expanded in 1938 and renamed Briggs Stadium. It was renamed Tiger Stadium in 1961 and the Tigers played there until 1999.
Did You Know?
- From 1901 to 2025, the Tigers' overall win–loss record is 9,763–9,642–93 (.503).
- The franchise's best winning percentage was .656 in 1934, while its worst was .265 in 2003.
- The franchise record for most wins in a season is 104 in 1984, when the club won 35 of its first 40 games en route to the World Series championship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Detroit Tigers?
They are a Major League Baseball franchise that serves as a primary divisional rival to the Chicago White Sox in the American League Central. Their annual matchups define much of the regional competition within their shared league.
Why was the September 27 matchup historic?
The contest concluded with Detroit securing a return to October baseball for the first time in over a decade, even as Chicago fell to an all-time low in wins. It became a defining moment where one franchise's success mirrored the other's historic failure.
How did this rivalry impact the 2024 standings?
The Tigers' victory directly contributed to their postseason qualification while ensuring the White Sox finished with the most defeats in modern MLB history. This single series encapsulated the divergent fortunes of both franchises during that campaign.
What is the significance of their divisional relationship?
As members of the American League Central, every game played between Chicago and Detroit directly influences who secures a playoff spot or wild card berth. Their head-to-head results often determine the final hierarchy at the end of the regular season.
Is this rivalry still active today?
Yes, both teams remain active competitors within the same division and continue to face each other multiple times throughout every regular season. The intensity of their competition ensures it remains a central fixture in American League baseball.
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