Tag: 1984

November 13, 2024

#13

In 124 seasons, only 15 players have worn number 13* for the Tigers. For me, it will always be Lance Parrish‘s number, which he wore for 10 seasons, 1977 through 1986.

Here’s something: Before The Big Wheel put on number 13 in 1977, the number sat unworn for 13 years after Bill Faul hung it up after two seasons, 1963 and ’64.

With the exception of Alex Avila, who first wore it in 2010, no player of consequence has worn it since Lance … with apologies to Rico Brogna (1992) and Mark Leiter (1993).

*Gio Urshela was the most recent player to wear it, in 2024.

Birthdays

Gerald Laird, Vic Darensbourg, Dan Petry, and the late Steve Bilko and Jim Delsing

Today’s Grid

⚾️ Immaculate Grid 591: 9/9 — Rarity: 17

And speaking of Lance ….

See you tomorrow.

November 12, 2024

According to Baseball Reference, 54 players have worn the number 12 in Tigers franchise history. Casey Mize currently wears it. Let’s look at a few Tigers that wore number 12 during the Fungo’s focus, 1977 through 1994:

Birthdays

Ryan Kreidler, Alex Faedo, Gary Thurman and the late Herm Merritt, Red McDermott and Ed Killian

Today’s Grid

⚾️ Immaculate Grid #590: 9/9 — Rarity: 55

See you tomorrow.

The Weekend Fungo: Nov. 2-3

The World Series Parade: Oct. 16, 1984

I asked my Dad if I could skip the afternoon portion of that junior-year school day. It was a hard no.

I was on the yearbook staff and we decided it the 1984-85 edition of Spectus would not be complete without some on-the-ground photos and coverage of the Tigers World Series Parade.

So, yeah, I went.

My Dad seemed to be — at best — okay with my going downtown during a school day in the service of my, ahem, studies.

It was a blast for me and about a half dozen of my friends, some of whom were on the school newspaper staff and, yes, they needed fresh copy too.

The only person I think that did not enjoy themselves was the poor soul who parked their brown Chevy Nova-like car on Michigan Avenue. So many people — maybe us too? — stood or sat on it that the roof was caved in.

Birthdays

Nov. 2: Parker Meadows, Melvin Mercedes, Wilson Betemit and the late Elon Hogsett

Nov: 3: Alex Wilson, Mike Christopher, Larry Herndon and the late Red Phillips and Jim Walkup

Today’s Grid

⚾️ Immaculate Grid #581 — Rarity: 18

See you tomorrow.

Oct. 14, 1984: World Series Champions

Game 5: Tigers 8 – Padres 4

W: Aurelio López – L: Andy Hawkins – S: Willie Hernández | Boxscore

Tigers win series, 4-1

Highlights

  • I was going to write about Game 5, but why waste your time when you can relive it down here 👇🏻. If you want the short version from Ernie, try this one.
  • Poor Dan Petry finished the postseason with a 0-1 record and an ERA of 6.00!

Miscellany

  • Venue: Tiger Stadium
  • Umpires: HP – Paul Runge, 1B – Mike Reilly, 2B – Doug Harvey, 3B – Larry Barnett, LF – Bruce Froemming, RF – Rich Garcia
  • Time of Game: 2:55
  • Attendance: 51,901

Postscript

Was there a downside to the Tigers winning this game? For me, yes.

Weeks before the postseason began, I was asked to be on clean-up duty at a small wedding reception for the aunt of my then-girlfriend. I didn’t even think to look at the postseason calendar — I was 16! As luck would have it, I missed the entire game.

Using a phone on the wall at the reception hall, I was left to listen to Ernie and Paul through a phone my sister placed next to the radio at home.

So, the next World Series the Tigers win, will be the first one I ever see.

Birthdays

Miguel Del Pozo, Erik Sabel and the late Vincent Maney

Today’s Grid

⚾️ Immaculate Grid 561 9/9 — Rarity: 16

See you tomorrow.

Oct. 13, 1984: World Series Game 4

Tigers 4 – Padres 2

W: Jack Morris – L: Eric Show | Boxscore

Tigers lead series, 3-1

Highlights

  • Alan Trammell all but sewed up his World Series MVP in this game, driving in all four runs with a pair of two-run homers — both off Padres starter Show. Tram finished the day three for four.
  • The Cat was superb: a complete-game five-hitter, striking out four. It was his second World Series win, and third in the postseason.
  • One more to go.

Miscellany

  • Venue: Tiger Stadium
  • Umpires: HP – Rich Garcia, 1B – Paul Runge, 2B – Mike Reilly, 3B – Doug Harvey, LF – Larry Barnett, RF – Bruce Froemming
  • Time of Game: 2:20
  • Attendance: 52,130

Birthdays

Ricky Vanasco and the late Jim Price, Jerry Robertson, Eddie Mathews, Eddie Yost, Fred McMullin, Jack Onslow and Bill Donovan

Today’s Grid

⚾️ Immaculate Grid 560 7/9 — Rarity: 219

See you tomorrow.

Oct. 12, 1984: World Series Game 3

Tigers 5 – Padres 2

W: Milt Wilcox – L: Tim Lollar – S: Willie Hernández | Boxscore

Tigers lead series, 2-1

Highlights

  • A week after I attended the ALCS-clinching game, I was able to attend this game — ticket price: $25 — it was a dream come true.
  • Three Padres pitchers allowed 11 walks but just seven hits.
  • Alan Trammell and Lemon both had two hits, and Tram had two walks.

Miscellany

  • Venue: Tiger Stadium
  • Umpires: HP – Bruce Froemming, 1B – Rich Garcia, 2B – Paul Runge, 3B – Mike Reilly, LF – Doug Harvey, RF – Larry Barnett
  • Time of Game: 3:11
  • Attendance: 51,970

Birthdays

José Ortega, Casey McGehee, Derrick White and the late Harold Daugherty, Bobo Osborne and Al Unser

Today’s Grid

⚾️ Immaculate Grid 559 6/9 — Rarity: 373

See you tomorrow.