Top Ten Detroit Tigers of All Time: Cobb, Kaline, Cabrera, who is the Greatest?

The Detroit Tigers are one of Major League Baseball’s most storied franchises, with a history dating back to 1901. Over the years, they have produced some of the game’s greatest players, many of whom have left an indelible mark on baseball history. Here’s a look at the top ten Detroit Tigers of all time.

10. Mickey Lolich (1963-1975)

Mickey Lolich was a left-handed pitcher best known for his heroic performance in the 1968 World Series, where he won three complete games, including Game 7. Lolich remains the franchise leader in strikeouts (2,679) and was a three-time All-Star.

Mickey Lolich and Bob Gibson October 10, 1968 Game 7 World Series St. Louis vs Detroit Ernie Harwell

9. Charlie Gehringer (1924-1942)

Nicknamed “The Mechanical Man” for his steady play, Gehringer was a six-time All-Star and the 1937 AL MVP. A career .320 hitter, he was instrumental in the Tigers’ 1935 World Series championship.

Charlie Gehringer (1903-1993)

8. Hal Newhouser (1939-1953)

The only pitcher to win back-to-back MVP awards (1944, 1945), Newhouser was a dominant left-hander during his era. He led the Tigers to a World Series title in 1945 and finished his career with over 200 wins.

Michigan Baseball Hall of Famer: Hal Newhouser

7. Jack Morris (1977-1990)

One of the greatest Tigers pitcher of all time, Morris was the ace of the 1984 World Series-winning team. He led the league in wins twice while with Detroit and threw the unforgettable 10-inning shutout in Game 7 of the 1991 World Series (with the Twins). His fierce competitiveness and dominance on the mound made him a franchise icon.

Jack Morris 1984 World Series highlights

6. Alan Trammell (1977-1996)

One of the greatest shortstops in MLB history, Alan Trammell spent his entire 20-year career with the Tigers. A six-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove winner, and 1984 World Series MVP, Trammell was known for his elite defense and clutch hitting. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.

Alan Trammell gets his final hit in the Majors

5. Miguel Cabrera (2008-2023)

One of the most dominant hitters of the 21st century, Miguel Cabrera won two MVP awards (2012, 2013) and became the first player in 45 years to win the Triple Crown in 2012. Cabrera ranks among the franchise leaders in home runs, RBIs, and batting average.

TRIPLE CROWN! The BEST from Miguel Cabrera’s historic 2012 season!

4. Justin Verlander (2005-2017)

A modern-day Tigers legend, Verlander won the AL MVP and Cy Young Award in 2011 and was a key part of the team’s success in the 2000s and early 2010s. He ranks among the franchise leaders in strikeouts and wins.

Justin Verlander 2011 Cy Young & MVP Highlights

3. Hank Greenberg (1930, 1933-1941, 1945-1946)

A two-time MVP and one of the most feared sluggers of his era, Greenberg helped lead the Tigers to two World Series championships (1935, 1945). His 58 home runs in 1938 were one of the highest single-season totals in baseball history at the time.

Hank Greenberg Highlights

2. Al Kaline (1953-1974)

Known as “Mr. Tiger,” Al Kaline was a model of consistency throughout his 22-year career. A 15-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner, Kaline finished his career with 3,007 hits and was a key player in the Tigers’ 1968 World Series victory. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980.

Al Kaline Highlights

1. Ty Cobb (1905-1926)

Considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time, Cobb owns the highest career batting average (.366) in MLB history. He won 12 batting titles and was known for his aggressive playing style. Cobb was one of the inaugural inductees into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.

The Unstoppable Ty Cobb

Honorable Mentions:

• Lou Whitaker (1977-1995) – One of the best second basemen in MLB history.
• Norm Cash (1960-1974) – A key power hitter for the Tigers.
• Bill Freehan (1961-1976) – A defensive standout at catcher.

These players have shaped the rich history of the Detroit Tigers and left a lasting legacy in Major League Baseball. Their achievements and contributions will always be remembered by Tigers fans and baseball enthusiasts alike.