1965 2017: History of Inception and Planning", "The Detroit Lions' Last Game at Tiger Stadium", "Louis Proved to Be Clever Ring Master in Victory over Bob Pastor", "Remembering when the Titans played Notre Dame at Briggs Stadium", "DCFC-Glentoran match marks 50th anniversary of Detroit Cougars", "DCFC to host MSU at old Tiger Stadium site", "Babe Ruth birthday: He owned the Detroit Tigers", "July 18, 1921: Babe Ruth's 560-foot blast against Tigers sets career home run record", "This Day in Baseball: Lou Gehrig's historic run ended in Detroit", "Reggie Jackson's All-Star Game homer off the Tiger Stadium roof is still jaw-dropping", "Detroit Lions Player Dies After Collapsing on Field", "Football Thursday: Legacy of Chuck Hughes goes deeper than being only NFL player to die on field during a game", "Boston Red Sox at Detroit Tigers Box Score, April 7, 1986", "Detroit Tigers vs. Boston Red Sox Opening Day: Remember What Happened in 1986? This pole was in play. He has four other children and four grandchildren. Tiger Stadium (Detroit) | American Football Database | Fandom The last night at Tiger Stadium - The Athletic There were over 30 home runs hit onto the right field roof over the years. Its unique dimensions allowed fans to get closer than usual to the ballgame. Tiger Stadium was sold to the city of Detroit on January 1, 1978 for $1.00 and leased back for 30 years. Focus On Sport/Getty Images. A short while later I left with a new cap and a custom Fidrych T-shirt. At the time, some places in the outfield were only marked off with rope. None had occurred since 1955. the Nearest to me was Vintage. Reggie Jackson became a national figure due to a famous home run in an All-Star Game. [7][2] Taking predecessor Bennett Park into account, Tiger Stadium was the oldest Major League Baseball site in use in 1999. [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. called the stadium home in the late 1960s. Once or twice a year, an outfielder would have to go behind the pole to chase an errant hit. [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. Tiger Stadium blast part of legacy that leads Jason LeCronier - mlive In 1955, right field returned to its 325-foot status. Ted Williams said Briggs Stadium had the best sight lines of any ballpark, and that was back when the interior was painted green. The roof was 94 feet high and the left-field fence was 340 feet from home plate, making roof shots in that direction one of the most challenging feats in baseball during the years the Tigers called Tiger Stadium home. Lou Gehrig said goodbye there. Although other teams joined the rotation (Dallas came first and a third TV game was added in 2006), the Lions still host a Thanksgiving Day game every season. Back to top. What do you get when you combine a block party and a baseball league? A year later, he returned to the stadium and retained his crown with a 15-round decision over Lauren Dauthuille. I placed an order and received a follow up call within 24 hrs due to item was not available. Although never as well known as Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park or Wrigley Field, Tiger Stadium held an unique place in the hearts of Detroiters, who have now seemed to come to terms with the fact it will be torn down, probably in September 2008. I was in the stands the day that Mr. McGwire hit his shot over the roof in left. It was an effort by a local sports management company to bring a Frontier League franchise to Detroit. Cash hit the ball over Tiger Stadiums right field roof four times in his career. And on September 27, 1999, with flashbulbs popping, Robert Fick hit the final home run at The Corner, a grand slam in the last game at Tiger Stadium. The ballparks other famous boxing matches involved Jake LaMotta. the Yankees won that day, 22-2 the worst loss the Tigers ever suffered at home.). Discussion of suicide or self-harm is not tolerated and will result in an immediate ban. As i pulled in I quickly understood this was a warehouse & office thinking this is a internet retailer. In 80-degree weather on Aug. 25, 1990, Tiger Stadium hosted 45,474 fans eager to watch the Oakland Athletics' "Bash Brothers," Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco, face off against the Tigers'. [70], In 2006, the feature-length documentary Stranded at the Corner: The Battle to Save Historic Tiger Stadium was released. Six years later, Cecil Fielder hit a moonshot over the left field roof on his way to 51 homers that season. About Us The longest home runs hit at Tiger Stadium in Detroit - Vintage Detroit 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. Although it was the park where he was booed regularly, Tiger Stadium played a huge role in Maris career. www.newsbreak.com Fittingly, Ficks blast was the final hit of any kind at Tiger Stadium. Although that game was never televised, Tiger Stadium remained a part of the opening for the series for many years long after the Lions had moved to the Pontiac Silverdome. Detroit OF Rocky Colavito tied a major-league record when he went 7-for-10 in the game. . I found it refreshing to be served by people who truly knew everything and who came across as glad i stopped in and only care about me getting the service beyond what i deserved. It was declared a State of Michigan Historic Site in 1975 and has been listed on the National Register of . In 1984, Kirk Gibson launched a home run into the upper deck in right field in the 8th inning of Game Five of the World Series, sealing the title for the Tigers. Customer Service Everyone has their own opinion. wow! Order Tracking Thats the longest home run Ive had hit off me, said Stewart, who had surrendered an upper-deck shot to Fielder in the first inning. When did the Detroit Tigers Stadium get demolished? 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. A new ballpark for the Tigers was built in downtown Detroit, and the club moved to Comerica Park after the 1999 season. [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). Ruth hit 60 homers there, the most by any visiting ballplayer. It was part of a memorable summer as the city healed its wounds, got behind its baseball team ands flocked to the ballpark in record numbers. It was the type of park that inspired such feats. Extremely satisfied with the wonderful personable service! The last Tigers game at the stadium was held on September 27, 1999. ORDER YOURS NOW! [2][19] Plans to modify and maintain Tiger Stadium as the home of the Tigers, known as the Cochrane Plan, were supported by many in the community, but were never seriously considered by the city or the Tigers. Tettleton Hits Another Homer Out of Stadium; Tigers Win, 8-7 The film dramatized the efforts of New York Yankees teammates Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris during the 1961 season to break fellow Yankee Babe Ruth's single-season home run record of 60. Some call this the longest home run ever hit. Carl Yastrzemski 3 Home Runs At Tiger Stadium! - YouTube Cecil hit the longest homerun Ive seen in my life during a minor league game in Kinston , N.C.The left field at Grainger Stadium is 370 ft. from home plate ; Cecils homerun cleared the fence , the street behind the fence , and landed on the roof of a 3 story building that was 20 yards on the other side of the street . #TBT: Cecil Fielder blasts a homer onto the roof of Tiger Stadium Saw Herndons line shot to center. Cecil Fielder watches his home run out of Tiger Stadium - YouTube We sat down with Cecil Fielder and had him take us through his iconic roof-clearing home run vs. the A's in 1991.. The city received a $5 million federal grant and issued $8.5 million in bonds to pay for renovations, including replacement of the old green wooden seats with blue plastic seats. ),

The Tigers moved to Comerica Park in 2000 but the Corner remained standing. That stadium was called Bennett Park and featured a wooden grandstand with a wooden peaked roof in the outfield. [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. Ficks homer hit the roof in right and just missed going out of the stadium. Considered one of the longest home runs ever hit in major league history. Robert Fick hit a grand-slam homer to help Detroit to an 8-2 win over Kansas City. Extremely satisfied with the wonderful personable service! 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! Cecil signed an autograph for me the next year at the stadium, on my birthday in fact. On June 27, 1963, he played an entire game at first base without a chance, as the Minnesota Twins won 106. [48] The area was nicknamed "Cobb's Lake". Charlie Steiner with ESPN highlights of Oakland A's/Detroit Tigers. There were unlikely homers: little Freddie Patek, a 5 foot 5 imp who hit only a handful of homers in his career, hit two at Tiger Stadium; and 19-year old pitcher Denny McLain hit a home run on September 21, 1963, in his first big league game, and never hit another. Fittingly, they lost to Denver, 31-27. As part of the transfer, the city gave the place a major paint job, changing the interior from green to blue. It was out of the park in a split second. [44], On October 5, 1951, the University of Notre Dame played the University of Detroit at Briggs Stadium before a capacity crowd of 52,000. This never happened. He was also adept at hitting the ball out down the left field line, a trait later adopted by Willie Horton and Lance Parrish. (At age 89, Eldon Auker, a member of the 1934-35 AL champions, was the oldest returnee. He never played another game. The Red Sox, though, quickly struck again. This did not include wildcat seats that were built on the rooftops on houses located behind the left-field fence. Took everyones breath away. Detroit responded quickly, trailing 7-6 after just three innings. Why Ill never sell my Mark Fidrych rookie card, Ken Holloway: Detroits other Yankee Killer, These batters hit the most home runs at Tiger Stadium, #TBT: Tigers power hitting catcher Mickey Tettleton. Why a 1969 Frank Howard home run in Seattle still sticks with a The hit itself was a gunshot, echoing back from center. Football at Tiger Stadium was an adventure. Briggs Stadium, as it was now known, held 53,000 seats. Development plans included a four-story building along Michigan Avenue with about 30,000 square feet (2,800m2) of retail space and 102 residential property rental units, each averaging 800 square feet (74m2). But Jackson, trying hard to make fans . The Home Run Encyclopedia gives an account of one of Ruth's longest drives and one of the longest hit ever. There were occasional amateur games played there, a 2002 fantasy camp and occasional special segments were taped there. The home run record was reset to 235 three years later, during the Tigers' final campaign at Tiger Stadium. He responded by going four-for-five in his third game as a major leaguer. They stayed at the ballpark until 1974 when they left to play in the 76,000-seat Pontiac Silverdome. Observers Recall Longest Homers - UPI Archives Mantle is generally credited with the longest home run of all time, a clout that left Tiger Stadium on Sept. 10, 1960, and landed in a lumberyard across the street. Thanks for reading. Awesome article Dan as usual! Privacy Policy She is very accommodating and made me feel at home, especially since I was unaware they don't operate a standard retail shop. 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! [62][64][65] Following the game, an emotional ceremony with past and present Tigers greats was held to mark the occasion. Hammerin Hank Greenberg probably hit more home runs to deep left-center field at Navin Field/Briggs Stadium than any other player. tiger stadium home runs over roof - sportauto.se 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. Obviously those CF home runs had to be close to 500 feet to clear the wall at that point. Shipping Service He hit his first home run of the 1961 season there. To Ilitchs credit, he paid for several renovations that kept the park looking reasonable in its final years. In the bottom of the 3rd inning, Jackson crushed an outside fastball that eventually rang off of a transformer at the top of the stadium. Detroit was one of the first powers in the new league, advancing to the World Series three years in a row from 1907-09. [14], The stadium was seen in the 1980 feature film Raging Bull where it was the site of two of Jake LaMotta's championship boxing matches. Shipping Service Center field was even farther 467 feet. In 1977, a fire wiped out the press box. July 11, 2018. Paul was great to work with and offered to delay shipping when I told him I would be on vacation on the original delivery date. Returns & Exchanges Joe Louis moved to Detroit as a youngster. Unlike some teams that played in baseball parks, the Lions made no attempt to cover the infield. [48], On July 18, 1921, Babe Ruth hit what is believed to be the longest verified home run in Major League Baseball history. Tiger Stadium - history, photos and more of the Detroit Tigers former 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.) The Tigers scratched out a run in the sixth to tie the game at 7. Thank you so much, I can't wait to wear my jersey to a Wings game! Cecil was on 49, and I veered my car onto the exit to downtown Detroit and snatched up a ticket. On Rader's home run, the only other Mariner who remembers is Vada Pinson, who is a first-base coach for Seattle. But on August 25, 1990, during a Saturday game against Oakland, Tigers first baseman Cecil Fielder joined the exclusive circle of sluggers. 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. Bullying, racism, personal attacks, harassment, or discrimination is prohibited. If you want a new roof on Tiger Stadium it will have to built from scratch. No advertising or spamming is permitted. [2][20][21][22] Ground was broken for the new Comerica Park on October 29, 1997. The most notable one easily was a KISS concert held on June 28, 1996. 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. The group reunited for their Alive/Worldwide tour. For the current stadium of the Detroit Tigers, see, U.S. National Register of Historic Places, 1999 Detroit Tigers season Final game at Tiger Stadium, "Tiger Stadium still holds a special place in hearts of fans", "Sept. 21, 2009: The day Tiger Stadium died", "Bennett Park/Navin Field/Briggs Stadium/Tiger Stadium", "50 Years ago Briggs Stadium was Renamed Tiger Stadium", "National Register of Historic Places MICHIGAN (MI), Wayne Country", "First pitch thrown at former Tiger Stadium site, now home to youth league", "April 28, 1896: There used to be a hay market here: Detroit Tigers open Bennett Park", "April 20, 1912: Frank Navin's field of dreams opens in Detroit", "Tigers say Detroit is prime stadium site", "Old Tiger Stadium's famed flagpole gets new life", "Detroit Tigers: 10 Things You May Not Know About Comerica Park", "June 15, 1948: 'Look at your wonderful lights here': Tigers win first night game in Detroit", "The Game That Was NotPhiladelphia Phillies at Chicago Cubs, August 8, 1988", "Remembering old Tiger Stadium and its final game", "In pictures: Remembering the Tigers' original home in Detroit", "1957 Detroit Lions: What happened each game during championship season", "Tiger Stadium History, Photos & More of the former NFL stadium of the Detroit Lions", "FORMER PONTIAC SILVERDOME .