A New Approach (1988–1995)
Gibson gone, a 59–103 collapse, then Cecil Fielder's 51 homers: the power-hitting rebuild of 1988–1995.
Despite their 1987 division title, the Tigers proved unable to build on their success. The team lost Kirk Gibson to free agency, spent much of 1988 in first place in the AL East but slumped to second at 88–74, one game behind the Boston Red Sox, and in 1989 collapsed to a 59–103 record, worst in the majors. The franchise then attempted to rebuild using a power-hitting approach, with sluggers Cecil Fielder, Rob Deer and Mickey Tettleton joining Trammell and Whitaker in the lineup.
Background
In 1990, Fielder led the American League with 51 home runs, becoming the first player to hit 50 since George Foster in 1977 and the first AL player since Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle in 1961, and finished second in the voting for AL MVP. He hit 44 home runs and collected 132 RBI in 1991, again finishing second in the MVP balloting. Behind the hitting of Fielder and others, the Tigers improved by 20 wins in 1990 (79–83) and posted a winning record in 1991 (84–78). However, the team lacked quality pitching despite Bill Gullickson's 20 wins in 1991, its core of key players began to age, and the minor league system was largely barren of talent, producing only a few everyday players during the 1990s.
Did You Know?
- Cecil Fielder's 51 home runs in 1990 were the first 50-homer season in the majors since George Foster in 1977.
- Mike Ilitch's first priorities after buying the club in August 1992 included rehiring Ernie Harwell.
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