Aug. 27, 1984: Heading to Seattle

After taking two of three from the Angels, the Tigers hit the road for three games in Seattle, looking to settle a score from May’s sweep at the hands of the Mariners.

Al Greene – OF #21

Detroit Cooley High grad Altar Alfonse “Al” Greene had one of the more brief Tigers careers: 29 games in 1979, which was a surprise given the power numbers he posted in the minors.

Here are a few things to know about the left-handed hitting outfielder:

  • Greene is the first player from Northwood Institute (now Northwood University) to appear in the majors. He signed with the Tigers as an amateur free agent on Nov. 10, 1976.
  • In 1978, he hit .263 with 32 homers, 84 RBI and an .885 OPS with Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Evansville.
  • In 70 plate appearances, he had eight hits — three of them solo homers — six RBI and a .136 average. His final appearance came on Sept. 30, 1979 at Tiger Stadium against the Red Sox. He batted seventh as the Tigers’ DH and went 0 for 4.
  • On June 2, 1980, the Tigers traded him and John Martin to the Cardinals for Jim Lentine. He passed away in Detroit on Feb. 18, 2014 at 59.

Birthdays

Jordy Mercer, Buddy Bell and the late Em Lindbeck, Bob “Bun” Troy and William “Baldy” Louden

Today’s Grid

⚾️ Immaculate Grid 513 9/9 — Rarity: 14

See you tomorrow.

The Thursday Fungo: April 11

April 11, 1984: Off Day in Detroit

Note: I had mistakenly posted today a game recap for April 12 — forgetting that the Tigers had an off day on April 11 for the usual Opening Day rainout makeup date. Check back tomorrow for that recap.

5 Things to Know About Sid Monge #42

The Tigers purchased his contract from the Padres on June 10, 1984.

He debuted with the Tigers on June 11 against the Blue Jays. He faced one batter, Willie Upshaw, who singled to center.

Monge’s longest outing with the Tigers came on Aug. 7 against the Red Sox, in the first game of a doubleheader. Boston chased Jack Morris after an inning and a third, surrendering nine runs. Sid came in for four and two thirds, allowing six hits and three earned runs.

His final appearance with the Tigers came on the last day of the season: a one-inning stint against the Yankees: one inning, two hits, two earned runs.

Sid wasn’t on the Tigers postseason roster. His final line: 19 appearances, 1-0 and a 4.25 ERA.

Birthdays

Pete Kozma, Charlie Furbush, Sean Bergman, John Martin, Sid Monge and Mike Kilkenny and the late Barney McCosky

Today’s Grid

⚾️ Immaculate Grid 375 8/9 — Rarity: 161

See you tomorrow.