In the decade after the Tigers vacated the stadium, several rejected redevelopment and preservation efforts finally gave way to demolition. Have Your Own Jersey? There were strange home runs: one hit on a line drive that stuck under the wall and allowed Dixie Walker to circle the bases in 1939; a homer that rattled around the flag pole in deep center field while Lou Gehrig ran around the bases in 1933; and the inside-the-park homer that Kirk Gibson hit in which he was a stride behind teammate Lou Whitaker who slid safely in front of him scoring from first base. Plainsman Park (Auburn) upgrades He never played another game. By the early 1990s the owner of the Tigers wanted a new luxurious ballpark for team. Comerica Park is NICE; Tiger Stadium was GREAT!!!! The last game at Tiger Stadium was on September 27, 1999. Cecil Fielder takes a gingerly stroll on the roof of Tiger Stadium in 1993. Its first day was overshadowed by the news the Titanic hit an iceberg and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean. 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. George Brett loved the park, and in his final game at Tiger Stadium in an afternoon tilt in 1993, he hit two homers, one to right and one to left (I was there!). He installed an area in the lower deck (between first and third base) that had padded seats and added waitservice. Stopped by Wed morning 7/6 and had the pleasure of dealing directly with Lynne. I was there the day Fielder hit the over-the-roof shot. Six years later, Cecil Fielder hit a moonshot over the left field roof on his way to 51 homers that season. These were not temp help that knew nothing these were professionals who knew not just everything but were truly looking out for me. Buckeye Video 632 subscribers 5.2K 1M views 7 years ago Oakland A's vs. Detroit Tigers 8/25/90. 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. As I approached the area I quickly realized I was in more an industrial & commercial area then retail. On August 16, 1927 Ruth hit his famous "roof topper" home run at Comiskey Park. Ruth hit 60 homers there, the most by any visiting ballplayer. Sweet Lou Whitaker, at just over 5 foot 10 and weighing a slim 160 pounds, was probably the least-likely prolific home run hitter at Tiger Stadium. While with the Red Sox he hit one home run to dead center at the 488 foot marker. Once or twice a year, an outfielder would have to go behind the pole to chase an errant hit. Due to the progression of the disease named after him, it was the final game of his career. The following inning, Dick Wakefield sent a Ferriss pitch over the wall for a solo home run, his third homer of the season. Purchased a New Era Gruff Michigan Syaye hat, and I absolutely love it. Its unique dimensions allowed fans to get closer than usual to the ballgame. (For one season 1954 the Tigers shortened right field to 302 feet. (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 April 15, 1999, Torii Hunter hit a home run off Brian Moehler at Tiger Stadium while playing for the Minnesota Twins. The ballpark was also the scene of one of the darkest days in NFL history. [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. Cash hit the ball over Tiger Stadiums right field roof four times in his career. Cash hit the ball over Tiger Stadiums right field roof four times in his career. . [31][32][33], Tiger Stadium featured an upper and lower deck bleacher section that was separated from the rest of the stadium. Many fans were saddened when the last game was played at "The Corner". Answerbag wants to provide a service to people looking for answers and a good conversation. I was there. [61], There were over 30 home runs hit onto the right field roof over the years. Fetzer sold the team to a pizza magnate, Tom Monaghan. About Us A World Series victory in 1984 didnt seem to help. Bud Metheny Ballpark renovations (Old Dominion University) (Oddly. For the second time in five days, Detroit's Mickey Tettleton hit a home run out of Tiger Stadium. [2] In 1961, new owner John Fetzer took control of the stadium and gave it its final and longest-lasting name: Tiger Stadium. 59,203 fans attended the game, the largest crowd ever to see a football game at the Corner. [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). New Salt Lake Bees ballpark [92] It was also seen in Renaissance Man and Hardball. I had a chance to see a few games at Fenway, and while it is great, Tiger Stadium was more historic. Some call this the longest home run ever hit. Center field was even farther 467 feet. There were many famous home runs hit there, such as Babe Ruths 700th, and the walkoff homer by Ted Williams in the 1941 All-Star Game. The bleachers had their own entrance, concession stands and restrooms. Our motto is simple: We enjoy doing cool things and are overjoyed we can make a living doing so. [70], In 2006, the feature-length documentary Stranded at the Corner: The Battle to Save Historic Tiger Stadium was released. The Lions abandoned it for the Pontiac Silverdome. LMCU Ballpark (West Michigan Whitecaps) upgrades Ilitch began to make plans for a new ballpark downtown, breaking ground during the 1997 season. 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. In fact, the Indians erected a 12-foot bronze statue in his honor in . Innovative Field (Rochester Red Wings) upgrades A year later, a Tiger Stadium-record 230 home runs were smashed130 of them surrendered by an atrocious Detroit pitching staff that produced a 6.38 ERA, the worst in AL history. Theme: Envo Blog. In the eighth inning of a game against the Rangers, Fielder turned on a Matt Whiteside offering, hitting it onto the roof of Tiger Stadium. 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. Cecil Fielder hits homerun over Tiger stadium roof. By making it possible for the upper deck to stand directly above the lower deck, the support columns allowed the average fan to sit closer to the field than at any other ballpark. [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. That stadium was called Bennett Park and featured a wooden grandstand with a wooden peaked roof in the outfield. Cash hit the ball over Tiger Stadium's right field roof four times in his career. In 1895, Detroit had a team in the Western League, an eight-team loop that eventually melded into the American League. In 1970, when ABC signed on to carry Monday Night Football on a weekly basis, the network came to Detroit to do a trial run at an exhibition game. Dismiss, Copyright 2022 Vintage Detroit Collection, Spinnaker Center, 44692 Helm St, Plymouth. I was a little concerned it would let look as good as I hoped, but when I put it on, I loved it. As i pulled in I quickly understood this was a warehouse & office thinking this is a internet retailer. In 1955, right field returned to its 325-foot status. [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 home run record was reset to 235 three years later, during the Tigers' final campaign at Tiger Stadium. Thats so true, every game can be legendary. To make the park appear like Yankee Stadium, the parks seats were painted green and a skyline of the Bronx was added. I ended up buy a very nice winter Tiger jacket and as I tried it on and decided on it they noticed a very minor blemish on the back and quickly informed me I had a hard time even seeing it & probably would have never noticed it. About Us Makes me even more envious of the fans in Boston whose ownership had the wisdom to preserve their historic ballpark. 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! On July 9, 1965, Stormin' Norman hit an inside-the-park home run against the A's at Municipal Stadium in Kansas City. All three games featured home runs. A dozen years later, after Navins death, Walter Briggs bought the club, adding an upper deck along the foul poles and seats in right field. Quick shipping as well. Field of Dreams ballpark (Dyersville, IA) [2] Spotlights were added above the warning track to illuminate the area beneath the overhang. Climb up to the roof and look around, Fenecksaid in 1999, the Tigers final summer at The Corner, and you wont believe how high and hard they have to hit the ball to do that.. Frank Navin, who bought the team in 1908, was a man with big ideas. The hit itself was a gunshot, echoing back from center. Returns & Exchanges 2023 Ballparks Yankee Stadium is listed in the credits at the end of the film as being played by Tiger Stadium. 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. Privacy Policy 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. [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. 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. It bounced twice before plopping over the edge and onto the street. Ironically, the visitors that day were the Minnesota Vikings, who rolled to an easy victory. Lou Gehrig said goodbye there. The latter once flipped off Sparky Anderson after hitting a home run into the right field upper deck in 1993. New Richmond Flying Squirrels ballpark A fire gutted the press box on the evening of February 1, 1977. [62][64][65] Following the game, an emotional ceremony with past and present Tigers greats was held to mark the occasion. South African leader Nelson Mandela spoke before 49,000 people. As we stood at the vendor the entire stadium erupted. For the film, computer-generated visual effects were used to make Tiger Stadium resemble Yankee Stadium in 1961. A short while later I left with a new cap and a custom Fidrych T-shirt. Doak Field at Dail Park upgrades (NC Wolfpack) When baseball's biggest stars need a haircut, they come to Jos 'Jordan' Lpez, By 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. Michael Clair As i pulled in I quickly understood this was a warehouse & office thinking this is a internet retailer. He grabbed his crotch and Sparky was not happy about it. The group reunited for their Alive/Worldwide tour. Thanks for reading. 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. Reggie Jackson's 1971 All-Star Game shot at Tiger Stadium would have travelled more than 600. [2] Some opposing players seemed to shine at Tiger Stadium. ", "Home run facts from The Corner in Detroit", "September 27, 1999: Tears and cheers: Tiger Stadium hosts final game", "Kansas City Royals at Detroit Tigers Box Score, September 27, 1999", "Closing ceremony brought a lineup of stars back to Tiger Stadium", "The Unknown Kid Who Hit the Real Last Home Run at Tiger Stadium", "Tiger Stadium rises from the ashes for Bud Bowl 2006", "A six-pack to go at Tiger Stadium's hallowed ground", "Detroit Should Sell Tiger Stadium As Is Summer of Privatization", "The Navin Field Grounds Crew: Detroit Diehards Stand on Sacred Grounds", "Detroit EDC OKs plan to tear down Tiger Stadium", "Council OKs Detroit ballpark's demolition", "NEW! Later measurement revealed the ball traveled close to 600 feet. By the time television and football began its long, happy marriage, Detroit was well established as the home field for the annual Thanksgiving Day game. And the fans got rewarded with unusual moments such as a 22-inning game decided by a player who hit the only home run of his career to decide the game. Dismiss, Copyright 2022 Vintage Detroit Collection, Spinnaker Center, 44692 Helm St, Plymouth. Such was life at The Corner.). None had occurred since 1955. (In those days, home games were blacked out 75 miles from the site of competition. In 1973, ground was broken for a stadium to exclusively house the Lions. In the decade after the Tigers vacated the stadium, several rejected redevelopment and preservation efforts finally gave way to demolition. Through 1990, only two players had cleared the roof in left. In 1964, NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle had an idea he wanted to try. [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. To Ilitchs credit, he paid for several renovations that kept the park looking reasonable in its final years. Progressive Field renovations [2] By 1938, the city had agreed to move Cherry Street, allowing the left-field seats to be double-decked, and the now-renamed Briggs Stadium had a capacity of 53,000. Canseco, McGuire and Trammell also hit homers that day as well as another blast by Fielder. Development deal to include houses, preservation of field", "DETROIT NEXT STOP FOR REEVES' BASEBALL MOVIE", "Billy Crystal directing HBO docudrama on Maris and Mantle", "HBO revisits Mantle, Maris home-run race of '61", "Film shoots at Tiger Stadium ahead of demolition", "Briggs Stadium cartoon, undated | Digital Collection", "Eminem shoots 'Beautiful' video in Detroit", "Eminem's 'Beautiful' video tells Detroit's story too", "Hung: "Fat Off My Love or I'm the Allergen", "Mickey Coachrane Fired As Manager of Detroit Tigers", Aerial Views, Demolition of Tiger Stadium 2008 2009, A documentary on the battle to save Tiger Stadium, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tiger_Stadium_(Detroit)&oldid=1137426409, Artist Gene Mack, who drew a series of pictures of several figures and ballparks, mentioned a bone that, This page was last edited on 4 February 2023, at 16:20. To the Sports Editor: The Times reported that Cecil Fielder became the first Detroit player to hit a home run over the left-field roof at Tiger Stadium (''Fielder Belts Two as Tigers Rout A's, 14 . [14], In 1895, Detroit Tigers owner George Vanderbeck had a new ballpark built at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull Avenues. I was there in the left field upper deck when it was first hit we thought it was coming right to us, but it just kept going over the roof. [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. Dont forget about Frank Howard. Briggs Stadium, as it was now known, held 53,000 seats. On June 11, 1961, Cash became the first Detroit Tiger to hit a home run ball out of Tiger Stadium. 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. The first home run in the history of the All-Star Game was hit by none other than Babe Ruth.