The Detroit Tigers are known to having some of the greatest players in MLB history. With players like Ty Cobb, Al Kaline and recent Hall of Fame inductee Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez. The team has many great seasons and also some very memorable moments. My family has been following the Tigers ever since 1940, starting with my Great Grandpa and with every generation since, we become even closer with the team. There are many reasons why the Tigers are so great in our eyes, and that's because we love the sport of baseball. I have grown up playing it, my dad has, and even his dad. My great grandpa wasn't the most athletic person, but he sure was a great bartender. He would wait for games at his bar so he could watch them while playing and when the Tigers won, he would buy everyone a drink.
The Detroit Tigers have been in Detroit for a long time, dating back all the way to 1901 starting off at Bennett Park. They played at Tiger Stadium from 1912-1999 and, boy were there some great moments there. The Tigers had one of the greatest baseball players ever, Ty Cobb, this player was known for something you wouldn't expect. He got his fame from not just being talented, but by being ruthless as all hell. This guy would find you on the diamond and he would trip you, slide into the base with his cleats up so he can put them right into your legs, just to name a few. He is the original "Bad Boy of Baseball," and is funny that his real nickname is "The Georgia Peach." Cobb led the way to the Tigers first A.L. pennant in 1907 with the help of Sam Crawford, and pitcher Bill Donovan. This shown dominance in the league early enough to prove to everyone that the Tigers are not a team to mess with. The Tigers did not win their first World Series until 1935 against the Chicago Cubs winning four games to three.
The Tigers hit a rough patch for a while until the Al Kaline era in which the 1968 team is one of the greatest Tigers teams in franchise history winning over 100 games that season. Al Kaline was my grandpas favorite player because he had all five tools for being a baseball player. Kaline can run, hit for power, hit for contact, field, and has an arm that no one can run on. He is, for sure, one great player and is one of my favorite players also, even though he was way before my time.
There's just something about sports in which a family really can connect with. My family have been watching sports for years and it's a way in which we can all come together and be a little closer. The Detroit Tigers is also a team I would like to call my family as well and love every thing about it.
