Target Field renovations, 2024 Ballparks Tiger Stadium saw exactly 11,111 home runs, the last a right field, rooftop grand slam by Detroits Robert Fick as the last hit in the last game played there. [49][50] On July 13, 1934 at the stadium, Ruth hit his 700th career home run off Tigers' pitcher Tommy Bridges. Several years later, the country watched another memorable Thanksgiving Day game played in a blizzard that covered the field by halftime. Why Ill never sell my Mark Fidrych rookie card, Ken Holloway: Detroits other Yankee Killer, These batters hit the most home runs at Tiger Stadium, #TBT: Tigers power hitting catcher Mickey Tettleton. Babe Ruth (60), Ted Williams (55), Jimmie Foxx (52), Mickey Mantle (42), Yogi Berra (37), Yaz (36). [81], After a hiatus wherein various plans to preserve portions of the stadium were considered,[82][83][84][85] demolition was completed on September 21, 2009. [3], For a time after it was constructed, the right field upper deck had a "315" marker at the foul pole (later painted over), with a "325" marker below it on the lower deck fence (which was retained). Myshak Metro Ballpark (Edmonton Prospects) Id have a chance to send my family to Paris on that one.. If you have been the the field since they tore down the stadium just stand at home plate and imagine hitting it over the 90 foot high roof to where brooks lumber still stands. Obviously those CF home runs had to be close to 500 feet to clear the wall at that point. Minnesotas Harmon Killebrew had been the first in 1962, followed six years later by Washingtons Frank Howard. The right-field fence sat just 325 feet from home plate, and Jackson wasn't the only man to leave the stadium entirely.But Mr. October's blast -- off then-Pirates ace Dock Ellis, no less -- was gargantuan by any measure: According to Home Run Tracker's estimate, the ball traveled 532 feet or at least it would have, had the base of the light tower on the right-field roof not gotten in its way. Its unique dimensions allowed fans to get closer than usual to the ballgame. Hence, for many years, everybody but the citizens of Detroit watched the annual Thanksgiving Day game.) In left field, outfielders were known to jump up on the auxiliary scoreboard, grab the screen and reach several feet over the fence. Bill Freehan deserves special mention in that he hit exactly 100 home runs at Tiger Stadium and also 100 on the road. Reggie Jackson's 1971 All-Star Game shot at Tiger Stadium would have travelled more than 600. I was there with my dad. The last Tigers game at the stadium was held on September 27, 1999. Tiger Stadium | MLB Wiki | Fandom Stopped by Wed morning 7/6 and had the pleasure of dealing directly with Lynne. It was the last hit and the last run in the stadium. (AP Photo) AP Before Mr. October was Mr. October, he was Mr. July. And on September 27, 1999, with flashbulbs popping, Robert Fick hit the final home run at The Corner, a grand slam in the last game at Tiger Stadium. Tiger Stadium was declared a State of Michigan Historic Site in 1975 and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1989. 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. [73], There were many proposals to redevelop the site. As i pulled in I quickly understood this was a warehouse & office thinking this is a internet retailer. Excited to work with Vintage Detroit on future orders. Please seek professional guidance. Historian Mark Gallagher estimated that the home run Mantle hit in September of 1960 at Tiger Stadium traveled a whopping 643 feet. Tiger Stadium was designed by the father and son team of Frank C. Osborn and Kenneth H. Osborn. It was the first Notre Dame football game to be played at night. [74][75] By 2006, however, demolition appeared inevitable when then-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick announced the stadium would be razed. I placed an order and received a follow up call within 24 hrs due to item was not available. [88][89][90] Construction of the project began in June 2016. The Home Run Encyclopedia gives an account of one of Ruth's longest drives and one of the longest hit ever. In 1984, Kirk Gibson launched a home run into the upper deck in right field in the 8th inning of Game Five of the World Series, sealing the title for the Tigers. But there was nothing anybody could do. New Richmond Flying Squirrels ballpark On August 16, 1927 Ruth hit his famous "roof topper" home run at Comiskey Park. I was there. As we stood at the vendor the entire stadium erupted. He ordered a steel-and-concrete 23,000-seat ballpark that was built in an astonishing period of seven months after the end of the 1911 season. My sons were small and I was trying to teach them the strategy of the game (since I was also their coach). When Tiger Stadium closed, Detroit lost a piece of its soul AL West: Houston Astros, Los Angeles Angels, Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers. There were over 30 home runs hit onto the right field roof over the years. /news/1567868500869-kirk-gibson-hits-home-run-clear-over-tiger-stadium-roof-video Tiger Stadium - Ballparks Tiger Stadium saw gigantic home runs, like the one Babe Ruth hit that witnesses swore traveled 600 feet as it soared over the right field grandstands. The NFL Lions left University of Detroit Stadium to move downtown. Saturday, again on a national television hookup, Jackson cleared the roof with his 485th career homer to help the California Angels top the Tigers, 4-2. Paul was great to work with and offered to delay shipping when I told him I would be on vacation on the original delivery date. Order Tracking In the 1970s, Ken Berry, an excellent flychaser, forgot about this one day and ran flush into the pole while chasing a shot by Detroit OF Willie Horton. Ruth hit 60 homers there, the most by any visiting ballplayer. The Fighting Irish won, 406. The ballpark was also the scene of one of the darkest days in NFL history. 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. Remembering the Red Wings gritty Martin Lapointe. Whitaker hit 146 homers at the old ballpark, most of them after he matured into a better power hitter in his late 20s. A+! The final act came on September 27, 1999. 23, hit a 435-foot blast into the lower deck in right field to lead off the . On June 27, 1963, he played an entire game at first base without a chance, as the Minnesota Twins won 10-6. He did it on national television in a mid-September game against Oakland that was won with a dramatic two-run rally in the last of the ninth inning. Longest Home Runs Ever by Ballpark - Baseball Fever Initially, a dual stadium complex was planned that included a moving roof that was later scrapped due to high costs and the lack of a commitment from the Tigers. Although few improvements were made to the ballpark over the years, it was still considered a showcase of baseball with a flair for memorable games. 1965 2017: History of Inception and Planning", "The Detroit Lions' Last Game at Tiger Stadium", "Louis Proved to Be Clever Ring Master in Victory over Bob Pastor", "Remembering when the Titans played Notre Dame at Briggs Stadium", "DCFC-Glentoran match marks 50th anniversary of Detroit Cougars", "DCFC to host MSU at old Tiger Stadium site", "Babe Ruth birthday: He owned the Detroit Tigers", "July 18, 1921: Babe Ruth's 560-foot blast against Tigers sets career home run record", "This Day in Baseball: Lou Gehrig's historic run ended in Detroit", "Reggie Jackson's All-Star Game homer off the Tiger Stadium roof is still jaw-dropping", "Detroit Lions Player Dies After Collapsing on Field", "Football Thursday: Legacy of Chuck Hughes goes deeper than being only NFL player to die on field during a game", "Boston Red Sox at Detroit Tigers Box Score, April 7, 1986", "Detroit Tigers vs. Boston Red Sox Opening Day: Remember What Happened in 1986? The ball was hit over the roof in right field and accross Wentworth avenue. To Ilitchs credit, he paid for several renovations that kept the park looking reasonable in its final years. briggs stadium, detroit, detroit tigers, michigan, mlb, national league, navin field, tiger stadium. That ball is measured at 634 . Another outfield oddity was a ledge that fielders used to jump onto to try to snare balls headed for the seats. There were moments of joy to behold down the stretch. If in doubt, leave it out. I,my son and two friends were sitting on the first base side in the upper deck when he hit that one, it went up so high I thought it wasnt coming down until it disappeared over the edge of the roof, Jose Cansenco hit on into center field at the flag pole that game too. It is believed to be the only time in the sports history this has occurred. *(previously Briggs Stadium & Navin Field), Most Homers hit by opposing players [24] The same flag pole was to be brought to Comerica Park, but this never happened. [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. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Cecil was on 49, and I veered my car onto the exit to downtown Detroit and snatched up a ticket. About Us It was out of the park in a split second. When Ford Field hosted the 2006 Super Bowl, a tent on Tiger Stadiums field played host to the Bud Bowl, an event that featured (among other things), a performance by Snoop Dogg. Shipping Service As part of this transfer, the green wooden seats were replaced with blue and orange plastic ones and the stadium's interior, which was green, was painted blue to match. Team owner George Vanderbeck constructed a 5,000-seat wooden facility, called Bennett Park, on the corner of Michigan and Trumbull Avenues. [62][64][65] Following the game, an emotional ceremony with past and present Tigers greats was held to mark the occasion. FAQ. Tiger Stadium blast part of legacy that leads Jason LeCronier - mlive [5], During the summer of 2010, a group calling itself "The Navin Field Grounds Crew" began maintaining the playing field and hosting vintage baseball, youth baseball, and softball games at the site. The stadiums demolition was completed on September 21, 2009, though the stadiums actual playing field remains at the corner where the stadium stood. Rogers Centre renovations June 9, 1946: Ted Williams hits 502-foot 'red seat' home run at Fenway The Tigers will move to Comerica Park next year. New St. Croix River Hounds ballpark, 2025 Ballparks It would be 16 innings before either team scored again. On July 19, 1968, the Tigers trailed Baltimore 4-3 with one runner on and two out in the bottom of the ninth inning when Matchick, a .226 hitter, lofted a fly ball to right. Cabrera Six years later, Cecil Fielder hit a moonshot over the left field roof on his way to 51 homers that season. Hank Greenberg and Willie Horton might also qualify as long time Tigers. The league scheduled eight more games in the next five years. I was there the day Fielder hit the over-the-roof shot. Lynn worked with me to swap out to something similar excellent customer service. Along Trumbull Avenue, 24 town homes were planned for sale. Detroit hit 40 more home runs than the year before, helped in part by a 20-year old rookie who hit 27 himself and posted a .340 BA to win the AL batting crown. Enter your email address to subscribe to Ballpark Digest and receive notifications of new posts by email immediately when a new story is posted. A few players, very few, hit home runs into the bleachers in straightaway center field, an incredible 440 feet away. Cecil Fielder was the third player,. The only major changes during the latter decades were the closure of the "skybox" suites that perched on the front edge of the roof, and (in 1978) the replacement of the old dark green . 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. [25] A new flagpole in the spirit of Tiger Stadium's pole was positioned in fair play at Comerica Park until the left field fence was moved in closer prior to the 2003 season. These batters hit the most home runs at Tiger Stadium I know Alan Trammell hit a lot of homeruns on the road while playing for Detroit, and as a total for his career, he hit 185 HRs total both on the road and at home. Frank Robinson appeared poised to make the catch only to see the ball drop in the first row of the overhang for a game winning home run, one of just four Matchick hit in six big league seasons. Chain link and at one time, a barbed wire fence, separated the bleachers from the reserved sections and was the only section of seating not covered by at least part of the roof. A post-game ceremony brought back just about famous ex-Tiger who was still alive for one last salute. The Ballparks: Tiger StadiumThis Great Game [7][2] Taking predecessor Bennett Park into account, Tiger Stadium was the oldest Major League Baseball site in use in 1999. Some opposing players seemed to shine at Tiger Stadium. On November 28, 1974, the Lions played their last game at Tiger Stadium. Reggie Jackson's All-Star Game homer off the Tiger Stadium roof is - Advertisement - Check it out. On September 28, 1964, the league scheduled Detroit to host Green Bay on a Monday night. (Rumor was this came at the behest of the teams first star, Ty Cobb.) Development plans included a four-story building along Michigan Avenue with about 30,000 square feet (2,800m2) of retail space and 102 residential property rental units, each averaging 800 square feet (74m2). Observers Recall Longest Homers - UPI Archives 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. The HBO movie 61* was filmed there. [7] The stadium hosted two NFL Championship Games in 1953 and 1957. Historians generally agree the longest home run hit in the ballpark was probably achieved by Detroit 1B Norm Cash, who ripped a shot over the center field scoreboard in a 1962 game that landed on the roof of a parked taxicab. . What a game. New Tennessee Smokies ballpark. It seemed like Rusty Staub hit more than his fair share of those, and Dave Bergman too. A fire gutted the press box on the evening of February 1, 1977. 10 Longest Home Runs in MLB History - Largest.org tiger stadium home runs over roof - sportauto.se My whole family was there. In 1961, John Fetzer bought the team and renamed its home Tiger Stadium. Yankee Stadium is listed in the credits at the end of the film as being played by Tiger Stadium. The seven-hour game is the second longest game in American League history. She is very accommodating and made me feel at home, especially since I was unaware they don't operate a standard retail shop. Mickey Mantle, 1960, 643 Feet. Distance: 511 Feet. By the early 1990s the owner of the Tigers wanted a new luxurious ballpark for team. Along the way it served as scenes for movies as well as a plethora of public events ranging from a KISS concert to a speech by Nelson Mandela. 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. [62], On September 27, 1999, the final Tigers game was held at Tiger Stadium; an 82 victory over the Kansas City Royals, capped by a late grand slam by Robert Fick, which hit the right field roof. The people there are awesome and they clearly don't get much walk in business however they know their product while intending in only buying one jersey I walked out with much more! Harmon Killebrew had 2,086 hits over his career. One of those occurred on June 24, 1962. By the way, where did TRAM rank for the amount of HRs he hit during his career with the Tigers when they played at Tigers Stadium for going yard? Lynne asked what I was interested in and presented me with a great selection of Tigers caps and T-shirts. Cecil Fielder takes a gingerly stroll on the roof of Tiger Stadium in 1993. The right field overhang frustrated many outfielders who were camped under a routine flyball only to see it land in the first row upstairs. Purchased a New Era Gruff Michigan Syaye hat, and I absolutely love it. [4] A week into demolition, it was announced that the field, foul poles, and flagpole would be preserved. Mantle Clubbed Baseball's Longest Homer - UPI Archives By the time Detroit's Tiger Stadium bade farewell 87 years, it had witnessed 11,111 home runs, six World Series, three memorable All-Star games, NFL Championship games and championship boxing. Although they only won six pennants during their tenure there, the hometown Tigers were often an interesting team with individual stars. (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.). A record that cant be broken, You are correct he hit 4 out of the Stadium. Why a 1969 Frank Howard home run in Seattle still sticks with a #TBT: Cecil Fielder blasts a homer onto the roof of Tiger Stadium The group reunited for their Alive/Worldwide tour. He hit some long HRs at 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. Eric Chesterton In the 22nd inning, Jack Reed hit the only home run of his 129-at bat career off Phil Regan for a 9-7 win. I put the location into google maps off I went. In the first game Cash hit the shot over the roof and another home run off McClain. Unlike some teams that played in baseball parks, the Lions made no attempt to cover the infield. Harmon Killebrew had 573 home runs over his career. 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.. Detroit responded quickly, trailing 7-6 after just three innings. Left Field and Right Field hitting averages: Data displaying the left and right field averages for each statistic, with 1.00 being the average. Outsiders began to look at Tiger Stadium and the neighborhood it was located in a different light. In the Lions glory years of the 1950s, Detroit was considered one of the toughest venues in the league to play. Fick's Home Run Sails Into History With Tiger Stadium [80] Demolition began on June 30, 2008. Depending who you talk to, the upper deck in right field was built to hang 5-10 feet over the warning track. The ballparks history actually dated back to 17 years before its generally accepted debut. PNC Park In 2018, the site was redeveloped for youth sports. Cecil Fielder hits homerun over Tiger Stadium roof - YouTube Junior was upset that Sparky had intentionally walked him so often. [87], On December 16, 2014, a $33million project by Larson Realty Group to redevelop the old Tiger Stadium site was approved by Detroit's Economic Development Corporation. These were not temp help that knew nothing these were professionals who knew not just everything but were truly looking out for me. A short while later I left with a new cap and a custom Fidrych T-shirt. Or the blast off Gibsons bat that landed on the roof of the lumber yard across Trumbull Avenue. Tiger Stadium (Detroit) | American Football Database | Fandom Football at Tiger Stadium was an adventure. In the fourth inning, with Alan Trammell on first base and two out, Fielder powered a 3-1 fastball from righthander Dave Stewart toward the roof in left. Date: 1999. That year, Big Daddy captured the countrys attention with an eye-popping 51 home runs and 132 RBI, both best in the majors. MLB Park Factors & Stats | Swish Analytics [57][58], On April 7, 1986, Dwight Evans hit a home run on the first pitch of Opening Day. For the film, computer-generated visual effects were used to make Tiger Stadium resemble Yankee Stadium in 1961. One of his home runs in Yankee Stadium landed a dozen rows of seats from the scoreboard in right center field. Some managers felt a line should be drawn on the pole and that any ball hit above the line would be a home run. 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. Hammerin Hank Greenberg probably hit more home runs to deep left-center field at Navin Field/Briggs Stadium than any other player. [28][29] The Texas Rangers claimed that the design of the right field section was copied and used in the construction of what is now Choctaw Stadium, but in fact the upper deck did not actually extend over the right field fence, but was set back by several feet. The 1999 Tigers finished with a 69-92 record, but it felt like the stands were always full. On May 2, 1939, Lou Gehrigs streak of 2,130 consecutive games ended when he asked out of the Yankees lineup complaining of a headache. Cecil Fielder was only Tiger to clear Tiger Stadiums left-field roof. Recently got a blank jersey stitched at Vintage Detroit and the finished product looks awesome! The latter once flipped off Sparky Anderson after hitting a home run into the right field upper deck in 1993. 1. However, in just about every case, it had been occurred due to a stadium conflict or for a special reason. Among the performers that day: Erma Franklin, older sister of Aretha Franklin. The green box was considered a home-run haven. I highly recommend if you live within a 30 minute drive of this place and you are looking for authentic NBA NFL and MB items stop in and see them they also have a lot of very rare items which will make you stand out. Carl Yastrzemski 3 Home Runs At Tiger Stadium! - YouTube 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. 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. Cecil Fielder watches his home run out of Tiger Stadium - YouTube We sat down with Cecil Fielder and had him take us through his iconic roof-clearing home run vs. the A's in 1991.. Two years earlier, he stunned the attendees at the MLB All-Star Game in Detroit's Tiger Stadium by hitting a home run more than 400 feet; the ball hit the base of the light tower at the park. the Nearest to me was Vintage. [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). In 1923, Navin increased capacity to 30,000. Such was life at The Corner.). [2] Spotlights were added above the warning track to illuminate the area beneath the overhang. Although it was the park where he was booed regularly, Tiger Stadium played a huge role in Maris career. Its first day was overshadowed by the news the Titanic hit an iceberg and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean. From the original Briggs/Tiger Stadium configuration from 1938 until the park closed in 1999, 36 home runs were hit over the roof of the ballpark. Fielder, 56, lives in Tampa, Florida, with his wife, Diana, and their son, Maksim. It was my 1st game and we sat in the upper deck in left field. The score was now 8-4. Privacy Policy How many home runs did Harmon Killebrew have? Al Kaline takes aim at the seats in Tiger Stadium in the late 1950s.