The Detroit Tigers, one of Major League Baseball’s most storied franchises, have had a rich history that spans over a century. From thrilling pennant races to legendary individual performances, the Tigers have been home to many of the game’s greats. Over the years, the team has produced Hall of Famers, MVPs, Cy Young winners, and some of the most memorable players the sport has ever seen. As we look back at the history of the Detroit Tigers, we will highlight 31 of the best players to ever don the team’s uniform—each contributing their unique talents to solidify the Tigers as one of baseball’s proudest organizations.
1. Ty Cobb
Arguably the greatest Tiger of all time, Ty Cobb is not only the franchise’s most iconic player but also one of the best players in baseball history. Cobb played for the Tigers from 1905 to 1926 and set records that stand to this day, including his career batting average of .366—still the highest in MLB history. He was a 12-time batting champion, an MVP, and a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 1936.
2. Al Kaline
Known as “Mr. Tiger,” Al Kaline was the face of the franchise for more than 20 years. Playing his entire career (1953–1974) in Detroit, Kaline was a 18-time All-Star, a Gold Glove winner (10 times), and finished with over 3,000 hits. Kaline was an integral part of the Tigers’ 1968 World Series championship team, offering a mix of bat control, power, and leadership that made him one of the most respected players in the league.
3. Hank Greenberg
Hank Greenberg was one of the most feared power hitters of the 1930s and 1940s. The Tigers’ first baseman was a two-time MVP (1935 and 1940), and he played a major role in leading Detroit to the 1935 World Series championship. Greenberg’s ability to hit for power was ahead of its time, and he finished his career with 331 home runs, despite missing time due to World War II service.
4. Mickey Mantle
While Mickey Mantle was never a Tiger (and played for the Yankees), it is important to note that Mickey Mantle grew up in the Detroit area. His legendary career often had Detroit fans watching his rise to fame, which influenced local sports culture.
5. Miguel Cabrera
Miguel Cabrera is the most accomplished player in recent Tigers history, capturing the Triple Crown in 2012 and winning two MVP awards (2012, 2013). Over his time with the Tigers (2008–present), Cabrera has become the franchise’s leader in hits, home runs, and RBIs and is a surefire future Hall of Famer.
6. Jack Morris
Jack Morris was the ace of the Tigers’ pitching staff during their 1984 World Series-winning team. His dominance on the mound, including a no-hitter in 1984, and his legendary performance in Game 7 of the World Series, where he pitched 10 shutout innings, cemented his place as one of the greatest Tigers pitchers ever.
7. Justin Verlander
A key figure in the Tigers’ resurgence during the 2000s, Justin Verlander won the 2011 MVP award and the Cy Young in the same year. Over his career with Detroit (2005–2017), Verlander became the franchise’s all-time strikeouts leader and one of the top pitchers in baseball, taking the team to the 2006 and 2012 ALCS.
8. Willie Horton
Willie Horton was one of the most powerful hitters of the 1960s and 1970s. A member of the 1968 World Series champion Tigers, Horton was a fan favorite in Detroit for his ability to hit home runs and drive in runs, becoming a key figure on the Tigers for over a decade.
9. Alan Trammell
A Hall of Fame shortstop, Alan Trammell spent his entire career (1977–1996) with the Tigers and was an integral part of the 1984 World Series-winning team. Trammell was a six-time All-Star, a four-time Gold Glove winner, and a key part of the Tigers’ success throughout his career.
10. Lou Whitaker
Often overshadowed by Trammell, Lou Whitaker was just as vital to the Tigers’ success in the 1980s. A five-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner, Whitaker was a dynamic force at second base, and his pairing with Trammell created one of the most potent double-play combinations in MLB history.
11. Norm Cash
A cornerstone of the Tigers’ lineup during the 1960s, Norm Cash was known for his power, hitting over 30 home runs in six seasons with the Tigers. Cash was a consistent presence in the middle of the lineup, helping the Tigers win the American League pennant in 1968.
12. Denny McLain
The only pitcher in modern baseball history to win 30 games in a season, Denny McLain was the ace of the 1968 World Series-winning Tigers. McLain captured the Cy Young award in both 1968 and 1969, making him one of the most dominant pitchers of the era.
13. Ivan Rodriguez
Though his time with the Tigers was relatively short (2004–2008), Ivan Rodriguez’s impact was immediate. A 14-time Gold Glove catcher, Pudge provided veteran leadership behind the plate and helped the Tigers to the 2006 World Series. His defensive skills were unmatched, and he brought a wealth of experience to the team.
14. Earl Averill
A star in the 1930s, Earl Averill was one of the most consistent outfielders in Tigers history. Averill was a six-time All-Star and played a key role in the Tigers’ success during his time in Detroit (1934–1939).
15. Miguel Cabrera
Miguel Cabrera is a testament to skill and dedication. As one of the most dominant hitters in MLB history, Cabrera’s accomplishments include a Triple Crown and two MVPs for Detroit, making him a legacy player for the franchise.
16. Jim Bunning
Though better known for his time with the Phillies, Jim Bunning made an impact with the Tigers in his early years (1955–1963). A seven-time All-Star, Bunning was one of the best pitchers in the 1960s.
17. Max Scherzer
Max Scherzer made his mark with the Tigers from 2010–2014, where he developed into one of the league’s top pitchers. A three-time Cy Young winner, Scherzer’s career exploded after leaving Detroit, but his time with the Tigers helped solidify his reputation as one of the game’s best.
18. Dave Rozema
A stalwart on the Tigers’ pitching staff during the late 1970s and early 1980s, Dave Rozema was part of the 1984 World Series team and enjoyed a solid career as a reliable starter for Detroit.
19. Frank Lary
Pitching from the late 1950s into the early 1960s, Frank Lary was a key part of the Tigers’ rotation. He made multiple All-Star teams and was known for his consistent and durable performances on the mound.
20. Harry Heilmann
One of the best hitters in Tigers history, Harry Heilmann played from 1914 to 1932. Heilmann, a member of the Hall of Fame, was a two-time batting champion and posted a career average of .342.
21. Virgil Trucks
A key pitcher for the Tigers in the 1940s and 1950s, Virgil Trucks pitched two no-hitters in 1952 and was known for his ability to deliver in big moments.
22. Tony Phillips
Known for his versatility and speed, Tony Phillips played for the Tigers from 1989 to 1994 and was one of the top leadoff hitters of his era. Phillips’ ability to play multiple positions and get on base was invaluable to Detroit.
23. Aurelio Rodriguez
A stellar defensive third baseman, Aurelio Rodriguez played for the Tigers from 1967 to 1977 and was known for his outstanding glove work.
24. Willie Hernandez
The standout closer for the Tigers in the 1980s, Willie Hernandez won the Cy Young and MVP in 1984, helping the Tigers secure the World Series championship that year.
25. Rocky Colavito
A power hitter in the 1960s, Rocky Colavito hit 37 home runs in his first season with the Tigers and played an important role in their offense.
26. Jim Northrup
A key member of the Tigers’ 1968 World Series team, Jim Northrup had a solid career with Detroit, hitting clutch home runs and being a key part of the team’s offensive attack.
27. Lou Boudreau
Though his time with the Tigers was brief, Lou Boudreau is an important figure in the history of baseball, known for both his time with the Tigers and his managerial success.
28. Steve Avery
A key pitcher for the Tigers in the 1980s, Steve Avery helped the team contend in the early years of the decade and became a steady presence on the mound.
29. Mark Fidrych
Mark Fidrych’s brief but electrifying career with the Tigers in the 1970s captured the imagination of fans. Known as “The Bird,” Fidrych became an instant sensation, earning an All-Star selection and a Rookie of the Year honor in 1976.
30. Jason Thompson
Jason Thompson was a key first baseman and a solid hitter for the Tigers in the late 1970s and 1980s, contributing to the team’s offense during his years with Detroit.
31. Bucky Harris
While his tenure with the Tigers was not long, Bucky Harris was known as one of the best managers during his time, leading the Tigers in the early 1930s.