1938 Detroit Tigers Season

Hank Greenberg's 58-homer chase of Babe Ruth's record in a fourth-place season.

In the 1938 season the Detroit Tigers compiled a record of 84 wins and 70 losses, fourth place in the American League. Hank Greenberg hit 58 home runs.

Quick Facts

Season: 1938
League: American League
Ballpark: Briggs Stadium
City: Detroit
League place: 4th
Owners: Walter Briggs, Sr.
General managers: Mickey Cochrane
Managers: Mickey Cochrane, Del Baker

Facts from the source article.

Background

The highlight of the season was first baseman Hank Greenberg challenging the single-season home run record of 60 held by Babe Ruth. Greenberg went into the season's final weekend against the Cleveland Indians with 58 home runs but failed to homer on Saturday or Sunday.

Did You Know?

Greenberg entered the final weekend of 1938 with 58 home runs, two short of Babe Ruth's record.
His 58 tied Jimmie Foxx's 1932 mark for a right-handed hitter.

More in Club History & Eras

Sam Crawford Hank Greenberg Willie Horton Al Kaline Lou Whitaker Kirk Gibson Mike Ilitch The Cobb Era (1905–1926)Division Winners (2011–2014)A New Approach (1988–1995)1967 Detroit Tigers Season

Elsewhere in Detroit Tigers

Comerica Park · Stadiums & Fan Culture 1935 American League Pennant · Championships & Records Hal Newhouser · Legendary Players & Managers Armando Galarraga · Legendary Players & Managers Jack Morris · Legendary Players & Managers 2012 ALDS Game 5 · Iconic Games & Moments

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