This pole was in play. Myshak Metro Ballpark (Edmonton Prospects) On October 24, 1971, Chuck Hughes, a 27-year-old wide receiver for Detroit, suddenly collapsed on the field at the end of a play. He was also adept at hitting the ball out down the left field line, a trait later adopted by Willie Horton and Lance Parrish. I was a bit too far up the stands behind home plate to see it go out (the upper deck blocked my view), but I knew something had happened. 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.. Detroit OF Rocky Colavito tied a major-league record when he went 7-for-10 in the game. The hit itself was a gunshot, echoing back from center. The blast must have ignited Cash's non-corked bat, as he decimated American League pitching with 23 home runs and 58 RBIs in 78 games after the All-Star break. [39][40] The football field ran mostly in the outfield from the right field line to left center field parallel with the third base line. A doctor who was sitting in the stands tore from his seat, broke past an official and ran to help Hughes. 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. Hinchliffe Stadium renovations Cash hit the ball over Tiger Stadium's right field roof four times in his career. 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! I put the location into google maps off I went. At the time, some places in the outfield were only marked off with rope. The NFL Lions left University of Detroit Stadium to move downtown. There were moments of joy to behold down the stretch. Historian Mark Gallagher estimated that the home run Mantle hit in September of 1960 at Tiger Stadium traveled a whopping 643 feet. This did not include wildcat seats that were built on the rooftops on houses located behind the left-field fence. - Advertisement - Check it out. [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. 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. He never played another game. I was in desperate need because of a upcoming event to make purchase I could get same day while searching for the item I quickly realized there wasn't just limited availability of the item but very limited locations in Metro Detroit i could purchase the item. 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. [2] Frank Robinson appeared poised to make the catch only to see the ball drop in the first row of the overhang for a game winning home run, one of just four Matchick hit in six big league seasons. http://www.courtsidetweets.comCarl Yastrzemski of the Boston Red Sox has a magical night at Tiger Stadium versus the Detroit Tigers by hitting three home run. Shipping Service By the time Detroits Tiger Stadium bade farewell 87 years, it had witnessed 11,111 home runs, six World Series, three memorable All-Star games, NFL Championship games and championship boxing fights. 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. [26][27], When the stadium closed, it was tied with Fenway Park as the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball, the two parks having opened on the same date in 1912. The Red Sox, though, quickly struck again. Lou Gehrig said goodbye there. In 1895, Detroit Tigers owner George Vanderbeck had a new ballpark built at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull Avenues. Left field settled in at 340 while right field gradually shrunk until settling in at 325. 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. On June 27, 1963, he played an entire game at first base without a chance, as the Minnesota Twins won 106. 11,111 home runs It seemed like Rusty Staub hit more than his fair share of those, and Dave Bergman too. The right field overhang frustrated many outfielders who were camped under a routine flyball only to see it land in the first row upstairs. The most notable one easily was a KISS concert held on June 28, 1996. Doak Field at Dail Park upgrades (NC Wolfpack) As i pulled in I quickly understood this was a warehouse & office thinking this is a internet retailer. Lynne asked what I was interested in and presented me with a great selection of Tigers caps and T-shirts. A 125-foot flagpole stood just to the left of the 440-foot sign in dead center field. Ask away and we will do our best to answer or find someone who can.We try to vet our answers to get you the most acurate answers. [81], After a hiatus wherein various plans to preserve portions of the stadium were considered,[82][83][84][85] demolition was completed on September 21, 2009. [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). The Metropolitan Stadium Committee voted unanimously for the Pontiac site. I was there the day Fielder hit the over-the-roof shot. Many seats were replaced. Customer Service Chain link and at one time, a barbed wire fence, separated the bleachers from the reserved sections and was the only section of seating not covered by at least part of the roof. I was a little concerned it would let look as good as I hoped, but when I put it on, I loved it. [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. Especially into August and September, the stadium was packed with fans making one last pilgrimage.. Matt Monagan For medical advice, always consult your medical doctor. [30], Due to then-owner Walter Briggs's dislike of night baseball, lights were not installed at the stadium until 1948. Quick shipping as well. 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. It was declared a State of Michigan Historic Site in 1975 and has been listed on the National Register of . In the first game Cash hit the shot over the roof and another home run off McClain. 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. I was in the stands the day that Mr. McGwire hit his shot over the roof in left. Whitaker hit 146 homers at the old ballpark, most of them after he matured into a better power hitter in his late 20s. (For one season 1954 the Tigers shortened right field to 302 feet. Tickets to the Hall of Fame banquet are available by contacting Jennifer Thunberg at Bay City Central at 989-891-0602, thunbergj@bcschools.net or in person from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through . The club went 68-86 and hit 18 fewer home runs than the year before. Some opposing players seemed to shine at Tiger Stadium. I was there for Gibsons shot over the roof onto brooks lumber. Winning pitcher Jim Bouton tossed seven scoreless innings for the victory. (Cerdan claimed he dislocated his shoulder in the first round.) Once or twice a year, an outfielder would have to go behind the pole to chase an errant hit. Norm Cash hit the most Homeruns over the Stadium. Bullying, racism, personal attacks, harassment, or discrimination is prohibited. [61], There were over 30 home runs hit onto the right field roof over the years. [17], Over the years, expansion continued to accommodate more spectators. 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. Dan: Great column. To Ilitchs credit, he paid for several renovations that kept the park looking reasonable in its final years. Target Field renovations, 2024 Ballparks My guess is there is a more effective way for the Athletic Department to spend 20 million dollars (or 50 million..or whatever it would cost). In 1923, Navin increased capacity to 30,000. Jim Thome has to be in there for homeruns to it seemed like every time I was at a game he hit one to right field. Center field was even farther 467 feet. ORDER YOURS NOW! Talk about luck, but wow were they wrong. The game was televised only to Green Bay. The distance of the home run has been estimated at up to 575 feet (175m). Lynn worked with me to swap out to something similar excellent customer service. Bill Freehan deserves special mention in that he hit exactly 100 home runs at Tiger Stadium and also 100 on the road. Although the ballpark suffered little damage, the citys name was sullied. 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. [53][54][55] Ted Williams won the 1941 game with a walk-off three-run home run. I will never forget this day. In the early 1970s, disgusted Detroit fans began to throw snowballs at the team bench from the upper-deck seats in right field. The field ran from the first base line, across the infield to the left-center-field fence. Dismiss, Copyright 2022 Vintage Detroit Collection, Spinnaker Center, 44692 Helm St, Plymouth. Babe Ruth (60), Ted Williams (55), Jimmie Foxx (52), Mickey Mantle (42), Yogi Berra (37), Yaz (36). South African leader Nelson Mandela spoke before 49,000 people. [62] In his career, Norm Cash hit four home runs over the Tiger Stadium roof in right field and is the all-time leader. In 1961, John Fetzer bought the team and renamed its home Tiger Stadium. Three who did were Roberto Clemente in the 71 All-Star Game, Larry Herndon in 1983, and Mark McGwire in 1987. 23, hit a 435-foot blast into the lower deck in right field to lead off the . (Rumor was this came at the behest of the teams first star, Ty Cobb.) [14], In 1895, Detroit Tigers owner George Vanderbeck had a new ballpark built at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull Avenues. Today's Posts; Member List; Calendar; Forum; American League; Chicago White Sox; If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. A record that cant be broken, You are correct he hit 4 out of the Stadium. About Us Because owner Walter Briggs believed baseball should be played in the daytime, the Tigers were the last team in the American League to install lights, putting in the arcs in 1948. Outsiders began to look at Tiger Stadium and the neighborhood it was located in a different light. - LSU blasted four home runs and collected 20 hits to propel the #1 ranked Tigers to a 26-4 victory over Central Connecticut State Saturday afternoon inside . The final act came on September 27, 1999. On September 28, 1964, the league scheduled Detroit to host Green Bay on a Monday night. There were very few concerts held over the years at The Corner. From the original Briggs/Tiger Stadium configuration from 1938 until the park closed in 1999, 36 home runs were hit over the roof of the ballpark. [7][15][16], In 1911, new Tigers owner Frank Navin ordered a new steel-and-concrete baseball park to be built on the same site that would seat 23,000 to accommodate the growing numbers of fans. The league scheduled eight more games in the next five years. 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. [86] There was at one time also a sign on the enclosing fence labeling the site "Ernie Harwell Park". 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. Returns & Exchanges Back to top. 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. Cecil Fielder was only Tiger to clear Tiger Stadiums left-field roof. By: WBRZ Sports. Left Field and Right Field hitting averages: Data displaying the left and right field averages for each statistic, with 1.00 being the average. , Where to live in New York if you've just come into $324 million. 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. On June 11, 1961, Cash became the first Detroit Tiger to hit a home run ball out of Tiger Stadium. It was said the lights at the ballpark were so bright that it could light up a city of 10,000 people. The ball was hit over the roof in right field and accross Wentworth avenue. (The movie Detroit Rock City was based on this concert.). Hughes was quickly wheeled off the field, which eerily ended minutes later. 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. (At age 89, Eldon Auker, a member of the 1934-35 AL champions, was the oldest returnee. [24] The same flag pole was to be brought to Comerica Park, but this never happened. Distance: 511 Feet. The Amercan League won the game 6-4, with two run homers by Jackson, Frank Robinson, and Harmon Killebrew. It was a relatively soft touch compared to left field, with a 325-foot (99m) foul line and with a roof that was in line with the front of the lower deck. The seven-hour game is the second longest game in American League history. (When the credits rolled at the end of the movie, it is duly listed that the role of Yankee Stadium was played by Tiger Stadium.). On June 11, 1961, Cash became the first Detroit Tiger to hit a home run ball out of Tiger Stadium. The city used the proceeds to defray the demolition costs. I put the location into google maps off I went. Dismiss, Copyright 2022 Vintage Detroit Collection, Spinnaker Center, 44692 Helm St, Plymouth. 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! It was the final Major League hit, home run, and RBI in Tiger Stadium's history. Minnesotas Harmon Killebrew had been the first in 1962, followed six years later by Washingtons Frank Howard. It hosted the Detroit Tigers Major League Baseball team from 1912 to 1999, as well as the National Football League's Detroit Lions from 1938 to 1974. Thank you so much, I can't wait to wear my jersey to a Wings game! I highly recommend if you live within a 30 minute drive of this place and you are looking for authentic NBA NFL and MB items stop in and see them they also have a lot of very rare items which will make you stand out. Tiger Stadium was sold to the city of Detroit on January 1, 1978 for $1.00 and leased back for 30 years. It was the kind of place that inspired the best in players. On Rader's home run, the only other Mariner who remembers is Vada Pinson, who is a first-base coach for Seattle. [41][43], In 1939, boxer Joe Louis defended his world heavyweight title with an eleventh-round knockout of Bob Pastor at the stadium. [34], In 1999, its final season, only this ballpark and Bank One Ballpark had a dirt path that ran from the pitcher's mound to home plate. He only fought once at Briggs Stadium, defeating Bob Pastor on September 20, 1939. I was in desperate need because of a upcoming event to make purchase I could get same day while searching for the item I quickly realized there wasn't just limited availability of the item but very limited locations in Metro Detroit i could purchase the item. The last Tigers game at the stadium was held on September 27, 1999. It was my 1st game and we sat in the upper deck in left field. Posted on 10/1/19 at 7:27 am to chimesstreet. As the team improved, so did the capacity of the ballpark, capping out at 14,000. [79], The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation awarded the demolition contract on April 22, 2008, with the speculation that demolition revenue would come from the sale of scrap metal. Bennett Park was still their home field, when six years later, they joined the AL as a charter member. 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. Location: Heritage Park. Subscribe to our e-mail newsletter to receive updates. By Rhiannon Walker @InstantRHIplay. Tiger Stadium (formerly known as Navin Field and Briggs Stadium) was a stadium located in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan. Tiger Stadium, previously known as Navin Field and Briggs Stadium, was a multi-purpose stadium located in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit. You just dont get this type of service anywhere else folks and turns out it all to be a great value as well as they search the system for every possible discount they could give me. In September 1990, I was making the trip from Traverse City down to Toledo, Ohio, to visit my grandmother. [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. 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. No one hit more homers in Tiger Stadium than Al Kaline, who belted 212 there, while hitting 187 on the road. BATON ROUGE, La. The Tigers moved to the newly constructed Comerica Park for their 2000 season, leaving Tiger Stadium unused. The city of Detroit decide to move an entire street Cherry Street so the entire ball park could now be double decked. It was out of the park in a split second. FAQ. 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. 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 . (Oddly. Tiger Stadium (formerly known as Navin Field and Briggs Stadium) was a stadium located in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan. As I approached the area I quickly realized I was in more an industrial & commercial area then retail. [18] In 1977, the Tigers sold the stadium to the city of Detroit, which then leased it back to the Tigers. Outfield Wall Height: A left-to-right representation of the outfield wall and the minimum/maximum heights (in feet) of the wall. Recently got a blank jersey stitched at Vintage Detroit and the finished product looks awesome! [59][60] This was also the first game on MLB's schedule that season, giving Evans the record for the earliest home run to start a season in terms of at bats. 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. New Tennessee Smokies ballpark. [49], On May 2, 1939, ailing New York Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig voluntarily benched himself at Briggs Stadium, ending his streak of consecutive games at 2,130. A year later, Tiger Stadium was in the national spotlight when Denny McLain became the first pitcher in 31 years to win 30 games. Awesome article Dan as usual! highlights - the Tigers 1984 miracle season, and the stadium's most famous home run: a mammoth home run by Reggie Jackson off a light tower atop the right-field roof during the 1971 All-Star Game - and lowlights, such as October 9, 1934, when in the sixth inning of Game Seven of the World