The Milwaukee Brewers have one of the most unusual histories in Major League Baseball. The franchise began not in Milwaukee, but in Seattle as the Seattle Pilots in 1969. After only one season, the financially troubled Pilots were purchased by a Milwaukee-based group led by Allan H. “Bud” Selig and moved to Milwaukee for the 1970 season. Since then, the Brewers have played in both the American League and National League, won an American League pennant, captured multiple division championships and produced some of baseball’s greatest players. There is, however, one major championship still missing from the franchise history: the Brewers have never won a World Series. The Beginning: The Seattle Pilots Major League Baseball expanded in 1969, creating four new franchises. One of those teams was the Seattle Pilots, who played in the American League West. The Pilots played their home games at Sick’s Stadium, which was not considered adequate for a modern Major League team. The franchise struggled financially and finished its only season with a 64–98 record. After the 1969 season, the franchise went bankrupt. Milwaukee businessman Bud Selig led a group that purchased the Pilots out of bankruptcy on March 31, 1970. Seven days later, the newly relocated Milwaukee Brewers began the 1970 season. The Brewers therefore have a unique distinction: their franchise history includes both the 1969 Seattle Pilots and the Milwaukee Brewers beginning in 1970. Milwaukee Brewers Owners The Brewers have had four principal ownership eras. William R. Daley and Dewey & Max Soriano 1969. The original ownership group controlled the Seattle Pilots during their one season. The Pilots were owned by a group headed by William R. Daley, with Dewey and Max Soriano among the principal owners. The franchise was in severe financial trouble by the end of the 1969 season. Bud Selig 1970–1997 Allan H. “Bud” Selig led the group that purchased the bankrupt Seattle Pilots and moved them to Milwaukee. Selig became the defining owner of the early Brewers. Under his ownership, Milwaukee eventually became one of the American League’s strongest teams. The 1982 Brewers won the American League pennant and reached the World Series. The team featured future Hall of Famers including: Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, Rollie Fingers, Ted Simmons, Don Sutton. Selig later became Commissioner of Major League Baseball. The Baseball Hall of Fame elected Selig in 2017. Wendy Selig-Prieb 1998–2004 When Bud Selig became commissioner, his ownership interest was transferred to a blind trust and ultimately to his daughter Wendy Selig-Prieb. She became the Brewers’ principal owner and president/CEO. The team struggled during much of this period, including a long stretch of losing seasons. The Selig family eventually agreed to sell the franchise. Mark Attanasio 2005–Present Mark Attanasio became principal owner after MLB approved the sale in January 2005. Attanasio purchased the club for approximately $223 million. His ownership group has included investors such as John Canning Jr., David Uihlein, Harris Turer and Stephen Marcus, among others. Under Attanasio, Milwaukee ended its long run of losing seasons and returned to postseason baseball. The Brewers reached the postseason in 2008, the NLCS in 2011, the NLCS again in 2018, and established themselves as one of the National League’s most consistently competitive clubs. Brewers Home Ballparks Sick’s Stadium Seattle Pilots — 1969 The franchise’s original home was Sick’s Stadium in Seattle. The Pilots played there for only one season. Milwaukee County Stadium 1970–2000 When the franchise moved to Milwaukee, the Brewers played at Milwaukee County Stadium. The stadium had originally been built for the Milwaukee Braves and became the home of the Brewers beginning in 1970. It hosted some of the greatest moments of the early Brewers era, including the 1982 American League pennant-winning season. County Stadium also hosted the 1975 All-Star Game. The Brewers remained there through the 2000 season. Miller Park 2001–2020 The Brewers moved into the new Miller Park in 2001. The stadium featured a retractable roof, allowing games to be played despite Milwaukee’s unpredictable weather. Miller Park became famous for its retractable roof, Bernie Brewer, the sausage races and the distinctive fan atmosphere. American Family Field 2021–Present Miller Park was renamed American Family Field beginning in 2021. It remains the home of the Milwaukee Brewers. The ballpark has continued the tradition of the famous retractable roof and has become one of the most recognizable stadiums in Major League Baseball. The Brewers Change Leagues The Brewers spent most of their history in the American League. They moved from the AL West to the AL East in 1972. In 1994, MLB realigned the divisions, placing Milwaukee in the new American League Central. Then came one of the biggest changes in franchise history. In 1998, the Brewers moved from the American League to the National League Central. Milwaukee therefore became only the second modern MLB franchise, along with Houston, to play in both leagues. The 1982 Milwaukee Brewers The greatest team of the early Brewers era was the 1982 club. Known for their powerful offense, the Brewers became known as “Harvey’s Wallbangers”, named after manager Harvey Kuenn. The lineup included: Paul Molitor, Robin Yount, Cecil Cooper, Ben Oglivie, Gorman, Thomas, Ted Simmons, Jim Gantner, Charlie Moore, The pitching staff included: Don Sutton, Pete Vuckovich, Rollie Fingers, Moose Haas The Brewers finished the regular season 95–67 and won the American League East. They defeated the California Angels in the AL Championship Series. Milwaukee then faced the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. 1982 World Series The Brewers lost the World Series to St. Louis. St. Louis Cardinals 4 Milwaukee Brewers 3 The Series became famous for its dramatic back-and-forth nature. Milwaukee won three games, but St. Louis captured the championship in seven games. The 1982 World Series remains the only World Series appearance in Brewers franchise history. Have the Brewers Ever Won the World Series? No. … Continue reading Milwaukee Brewers Complete History
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Detroit Tigers History: Baseball’s MotorCity Team
The Detroit Tigers are one of Major League Baseball’s oldest and most historic franchises. The Tigers were one of the original American League franchises when the league became a major league in 1901. Over more than a century, Detroit has produced some of baseball’s greatest players, including Ty Cobb, Hank Greenberg, Charlie Gehringer, Al Kaline, Hal Newhouser, Alan Trammell and Jack Morris. The Tigers have won four World Series championships, in 1935, 1945, 1968 and 1984, and have won 11 American League pennants. The Beginning of the Detroit Tigers Professional baseball in Detroit actually predates the modern Tigers. Detroit had professional clubs in the 19th century, including the Detroit Wolverines, who won the National League championship and World Series in 1887. The franchise that became the modern Detroit Tigers traces its immediate roots to the Western League’s Detroit club. When the American League declared itself a major league in 1901, Detroit became one of its charter franchises. The Tigers have remained in Detroit ever since. That makes Detroit one of the rare MLB cities where a franchise has spent its entire American League existence in the same city. Detroit Tigers Ownership History The Tigers have had a relatively small number of ownership groups compared with many other major-league franchises. According to the Tigers’ official ownership history, the ownership sequence is: Years Owner 1901 James D. Burns 1902–1903 Samuel F. Angus 1904–1907 William H. Yawkey 1908–1935 Frank J. Navin 1935–1952 Walter O. Briggs Sr. 1952–1956 Walter O. Briggs Jr. 1956–1960 Fred Knorr & John Fetzer 1960–1983 John Fetzer 1983–1992 Tom Monaghan 1992–2017 Michael Ilitch 2017–present Christopher Ilitch The early years included several ownership changes. In 1902 the club switched from James Burns and George Stallings to a stock company headed by Samuel F. Angus. The Navin Years Frank Navin became one of the most important early owners. He purchased control in 1908 and remained involved until his death in 1935. The Tigers reached three consecutive World Series during the early Navin years, from 1907 through 1909, although they lost all three to the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates. Walter Briggs Walter O. Briggs Sr. took control in 1935, the same year Detroit won its first World Series. The Briggs family owned the Tigers through the great teams of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. John Fetzer John Fetzer became the dominant owner in 1960. Under Fetzer, the Tigers won the spectacular 1968 World Series, one of the most memorable championships in franchise history. Tom Monaghan The founder of Domino’s Pizza, Tom Monaghan, purchased the Tigers in 1983. One year later, the Tigers won the 1984 World Series. Mike Ilitch Mike Ilitch, founder of Little Caesars Pizza, purchased the Tigers in 1992. Ilitch remained owner until his death in 2017. His ownership eventually produced the powerful Tigers teams of the 2000s and early 2010s, including the 2006 and 2012 American League pennants. Christopher Ilitch Christopher Ilitch became owner in 2017 and remains chairman and CEO of the Tigers. Every Tigers Home Ballpark The Tigers have had a fascinating ballpark history. Recreation Park 1894–1895 Recreation Park was home to the Detroit club that preceded the modern American League Tigers. It is therefore part of Detroit’s professional baseball history but predates the 1901 Tigers. Bennett Park 1896–1911 Bennett Park was the Tigers’ principal home during their first decade as an American League franchise. The park was located in Detroit and became the scene of some of the earliest great Tigers teams. Burns Park 1901–1902 For a short period, the Tigers also used Burns Park. Other Temporary Parks in 1903 During 1903, the Tigers played games at several temporary locations, including: Ramona Park — Grand Rapids, Michigan Armory Park — Toledo, Ohio Neil Park II — Columbus, Ohio These were unusual temporary arrangements and are sometimes overlooked in lists of Tigers ballparks. Navin Field 1912–1934 The Tigers moved into a new ballpark in 1912. It was originally known as Navin Field, named for owner Frank Navin. This became the home of Ty Cobb’s final Tigers seasons and the great Tigers teams of the 1930s. Briggs Stadium 1935–1960 After Walter Briggs gained control of the team, the stadium was renamed Briggs Stadium. The Tigers won their first two World Series championships while playing there: 1935 1945 Tiger Stadium 1961–1999 The ballpark became known as Tiger Stadium in 1961. For generations of Detroit fans, Tiger Stadium was simply “The Corner.” It was home to: Al Kaline, Willie Horton, Denny McLain, Mickey Lolich, Alan Trammell, Lou Whitaker, Jack Morris The Tigers won the 1968 and 1984 World Series at Tiger Stadium. Comerica Park 2000–present The Tigers moved downtown to Comerica Park in 2000. The new stadium gave Detroit a modern baseball facility while maintaining strong connections to Tigers history. Detroit Tigers Hall of Famers The Tigers’ Hall of Fame history is enormous. The Tigers’ official list includes players who played for Detroit as well as Hall of Fame managers who managed the club. Below are the Hall of Famers associated with Detroit, with their birthplace or hometown. Hall of Famer Position/Role Tigers Years Hometown/Birthplace Ty Cobb OF/Manager 1905–1926 Royston, Georgia Hughie Jennings Manager/Player 1907–1920 Pittston, Pennsylvania Sam Crawford OF 1903–1917 Wahoo, Nebraska Harry Heilmann OF/1B 1914–1930 San Francisco, California Heinie Manush OF 1923–1927 Tuscumbia, Alabama Charlie Gehringer 2B 1924–1942 Fowlerville, Michigan Mickey Cochrane C/Manager 1934–1938 Bridgewater, Massachusetts Hank Greenberg 1B 1930–1946 New York, New York Goose Goslin OF 1934–1937 Salem, New Jersey Earl Averill OF 1939–1940 Snohomish, Washington Hal Newhouser P 1939–1953 Detroit, Michigan George Kell 3B 1946–1952 Swifton, Arkansas Al Kaline OF 1953–1974 Baltimore, Maryland Jim Bunning P 1955–1963 Southgate, Kentucky Larry Doby OF 1959 Camden, South Carolina Eddie Mathews 3B 1967–1968 Texarkana, Texas Jack Morris P 1977–1990 St. Paul, Minnesota Alan Trammell SS 1977–1996 Garden Grove, California Iván Rodríguez C 2004–2008 Manatí, Puerto Rico Sparky Anderson Manager 1979–1995 Bridgewater, South Dakota Jim Leyland Manager 2006–2013 Toledo, Ohio Bucky Harris Manager/Player 1929–1933, 1955–1956 Port Jervis, Illinois Waite Hoyt P 1930–1931 Brooklyn, New York Al Simmons OF 1936… Continue reading Detroit Tigers History: Baseball’s MotorCity Team
The History of the Cleveland Guardians:
[custom_countdown width=”125px”] The History of the Cleveland Guardians: From the Blues to the Guardians The Cleveland Guardians are one of Major League Baseball’s oldest franchises. The organization that is now known as the Guardians began American League play in 1901, making Cleveland one of the original American League cities. Over more than 125 years, the franchise has been known by several names, including the Cleveland Blues, Cleveland Bronchos, Cleveland Naps, Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Guardians. The team has won six American League pennants and two World Series championships. The Guardians’ history includes legendary players such as Cy Young, Nap Lajoie, Tris Speaker, Bob Feller, Lou Boudreau, Larry Doby, Frank Robinson, Jim Thome and CC Sabathia. It is also a franchise with a fascinating history of ballparks, ownership changes, blockbuster trades and players who became stars after leaving Cleveland. The Beginning: Cleveland Baseball Before the Guardians Cleveland had Major League baseball before the current franchise. The Cleveland Blues played in the National League beginning in 1879. Later, Cleveland became home to the Cleveland Spiders, who played in the National League from 1887 through 1899. The Spiders produced several future Hall of Famers, including Cy Young, Jesse Burkett, Buck Ewing, Bobby Wallace, John Clarkson and George Davis. However, the Spiders disappeared after the disastrous 1899 season. The Spiders finished that season 20-134, still one of the worst records in professional sports history. Owner Frank Robison also owned the St. Louis Browns and transferred Cleveland’s best players to St. Louis, leaving Cleveland with a depleted roster. The Spiders were dropped from the National League after the season. The modern Cleveland franchise began in the American League in 1901. The Cleveland Blues and Bronchos The new American League Cleveland franchise initially went through several nicknames. The team was called the Cleveland Blues in 1901 and later became known as the Bronchos. In 1903, the team acquired one of baseball’s greatest early stars, Nap Lajoie, and soon became known as the Cleveland Naps. Lajoie was more than just a star player. He became the face of the franchise and one of the greatest hitters of the dead-ball era. The Cleveland Naps Nap Lajoie was one of baseball’s first true superstars. He won batting titles, accumulated thousands of hits and became so closely associated with Cleveland that the club eventually adopted the name Naps in his honor. The team also developed one of the game’s great pitchers during this period: Addie Joss. Joss threw a 74-pitch perfect game for Cleveland at League Park on October 2, 1908. His career ended tragically when he died of tubercular meningitis in 1911. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1978. The 1920 World Championship The franchise’s first World Series championship came in 1920. The team was led by players including: Tris Speaker, Stan Coveleski, Joe Sewell, Ray Chapman, Jim Bagby Sr. Cleveland defeated the Brooklyn Robins in the World Series. The 1920 championship was especially significant because it came during a tragic period for the franchise. Shortstop Ray Chapman was killed after being struck in the head by a pitch during the season. The team rallied and eventually won the World Series. Tris Speaker had become a Cleveland star after the team acquired him from Boston in 1916. He remained with Cleveland for 11 seasons and became one of the greatest players in franchise history. From Naps to Indians After the 1914 season, the team dropped the Naps nickname and became known as the Cleveland Indians. The Indians name remained for more than a century. In 2021, the organization officially changed its name to the Cleveland Guardians. The new name came from the six Art Deco Guardians of Traffic statues on Cleveland’s Hope Memorial Bridge. The name change created a new chapter while preserving the statistical and historical records of the same franchise. Every Home Ballpark The Guardians have played their home games in only four primary Major League ballparks since the franchise began in 1901. Ballpark Years Location League Park 1901-1931 East 66th Street and Lexington Avenue Cleveland Stadium 1932-1993 Lake Erie waterfront Jacobs Field 1994-2007 Downtown Cleveland Progressive Field 2008-present* Downtown Cleveland *The stadium was renamed Progressive Field in 2008 after originally being known as Jacobs Field. The Guardians’ official history lists League Park as the home from 1890-1931, although the current American League franchise began playing there in 1901. Cleveland Stadium then served as the club’s home from 1932 through 1993. Jacobs Field opened in 1994, and the stadium became Progressive Field in 2008. League Park League Park was one of baseball’s historic early parks. The original wooden structure was replaced by a concrete-and-steel facility in 1910. It held approximately 21,000 fans and remained Cleveland’s home until 1931. Cleveland Stadium Cleveland Stadium opened in 1932 and became the team’s home for 62 seasons. It hosted five World Series and four All-Star Games. It was also the setting for several historic Cleveland pitching performances, including Len Barker’s perfect game in 1981. Jacobs Field The opening of Jacobs Field in 1994 helped transform Cleveland baseball. The downtown ballpark replaced Cleveland Stadium and became one of the symbols of the franchise’s remarkable resurgence during the 1990s. Progressive Field The ballpark remains the Guardians’ home today. Located in downtown Cleveland, Progressive Field sits beside Rocket Mortgage Field House and has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. All Guardians Owners The Cleveland organization has had a remarkably long list of owners and controlling ownership groups. The Guardians’ official ownership history lists the following: Owner / Ownership Years Charles W. Somers 1900-1916 Jim Dunn 1916-1922 Estate of Jim Dunn 1922-1927 Alva Bradley 1927-1946 Bill Veeck 1946-1949 Ellis Ryan 1949-1952 Myron H. Wilson 1953-1956 William R. Daley 1956-1962 Gabe Paul 1963-1966 Vernon Stouffer 1967-1972 Nick Mileti 1972-1976 Ted Bonda 1977-1978 F.J. “Steve” O’Neill 1978-1983 Estate of F.J. “Steve” O’Neill 1983-1986 Richard E. Jacobs 1986-2000 Larry Dolan and family trusts 2000-present The Dolan family purchased the franchise in 2000 and remains the ownership… Continue reading The History of the Cleveland Guardians:
