Kaline's Corner: All Detroit Tigers, All The Time - Kaline's Corner

Kirk Gibson & Gossage: Game 5 1984 World Series

3/18/2014

1984 World Series Game 5 Ticket Stub; Autographed

Sunday, October 14, 1984: one of the greatest days in Detroit Tigers history. Kirk Gibson's homerun in the 1988 World Series when he was with the Dodgers is known as one of the greatest homeruns in MLB history, but this homer from Gibby is much more meaningful to Tiger fans.
The Tigers were already ahead in the game, and on their way to winning the World Series in five games, but this upperdeck bullet put an explanation point on an amazing season. It's a classic confrontation; the cocky kid Gibson, and the confident veteran and future HOFer, Goose Gossage. This time, Gibby won. The build up to the home is seen in the footage below. It's classic Sparky Anderson.

Kirk Gibson vs. Goose Gossage: Game Five 1984 World Series

Need to see more? Watch the Entire Game 5 Here:

Doug Baker

3/17/2014

1985 Topps # 269 Doug Baker

Doug Baker made his major league debut on July 2nd, 1984, with what would eventually become the World Champion Detroit Tigers. Shortstop Alan Trammell was having soreness in his throwing arm, and Baker was called up from Triple-A to fill in. Baker went on to play in 43 games in 1984, and to play in a few scattered games with Detroit from 1985-1987. He arrived too late in the season for a 1984 card, so his first major league card was this one from 1985.

Mickey Cochrane & Schoolboy Rowe: 1936

3/16/2014

Hall of Famer and Tigers manager Mickey Cochrane signs an autograpgh for a fan while pitcher Schollboy Rowe watches. Just an amazing photo...

Mickey Cochrane and Schoolboy Rowe, 1936

Justin Thompson

3/15/2014

1997 Stadium Club # 160 Justin Thompson Autographed

Justin Thompson was a pitcher with the Tigers from 1996-1999, compiling a 36-43 record. He was an All Star in 1997, pitching one perfect inning. Justin went on to win 15 games in 97, but could reproduce those results in later years. He then made a brief comeback with the Rangers in 2005, making two appearances in relief.

1979 Topps # 706 Dave Stegman, Dave Tobik, & Kip Young Autographed

3/14/2014

1979 Topps # 706 Stegman, Tobik & Young Autographed

Dave Stegman appeared in 80 games as an outfielder with Detroit from 1978-1980. Dave Tobik was a pitcher with Detroit from 1978-1982. Kip Young's career covered two years in the majors, both with Detroit. While all three players are autograph fan friendly, it's still an accomplishment to get all three on one card.

Ken Holloway

3/13/2014

Ken Holloway 1925

Ken Holloway played with the Tigers from 1922-1928 and also spent time with Cleveland and New York. He did not appear again in the major leagues after the 1930 season. As a pitcher he compiled a lifetime 64-52 record.
I love this photo - the different style English "D" on the hat, the pinstriped and heavy flannel jersey, and the look on his face.

Don Wert

3/12/2014

1965 Topps # 271 Don Wert Autographed

Don Wert was the classic "no bat, great glove" third baseman for the Tigers. With a lifetime batting average .242, his defensive skills allowed him to spend nine years in the majors; eight of those with Detroit. Despite his hitting, he was selected as Tiger of the Year in 1965, and was selected to the A.L. All Star team in 1968. Wert is a long-time friend of the autograph collector. This member of the 1968 world championship team has always been a willing signer through the mail, making him a fan favorite.

Dick McAuliffe

3/11/2014

1963 Topps # 64 Dick McAuliffe Autographed

Dick McAuliffe spent most of career with the Tigers; from 1960-1973. He finished up with two years in Boston. Mostly a second and third baseman, McAuliffe was known for his good hands and defense. A three time All star, McAuliffe played a key role in the 1968 world champion Tigers team.

Autographed 1954 Al Kaline Rookie

3/10/2014

1954 Topps # 201 Al Kaline Autographed

To a Tiger fan, what could be better than this?
Kaline has been with the Tigers organization since 1953. He is the symbol of everything that is great about the Tigers. George Kell and Al Kaline broadcasts in the 1970's and 80's were a big part of my childhood.
To see more autographed Kaline cards click here.

Steve Kemp Signing Autographs

3/9/2014

Steve Kemp Tiger Stadium 1981

I love photos of players signing autographs. The look on the fans faces, especially the kids, is so cool. Steve Kemp played with the Tigers from 1977-1981. He was traded to the White Sox in the winter of 81 for Chet Lemon, who went on to become a key part of the 1984 World Series team.

Dick Wakefield

3/8/2014

Dick Wakefield Autographed

Dick Wakefield was with the Tigers for most of the 1940's their left fielder. He was an all star in 1943. Wakefield is best known as baseball's first bonus baby; signing with the Tigers in 1941 for the unheard of sum of $52,000 and a car.
The hype never really materialized. He played in the majors for nine years, compiling a .293 average.

Pitching Coach Chuck Hernandez

3/7/2014

2008 Topps # 41 Chuck Hernandez

Chuck Hernandez was the Tigers pitching coach from 2006-2008, including the Tigers 2006 World Series appearance and Justin Verlander's rookie year. He is currently the pitching coach for the Miami Marlins, and he signed this card TTM via the Marlins spring training facility.
This card is from the 2008 Tigers Team set.

Hall Of Famer Earl Averill

3/6/2014

Earl Averill Postcard Autographed

Earl Averill played with the Tigers towards the end of Hall of Fame career; including their World Series appearance in 1940. Averill was traded from the Indians to the Tigers in June of 1939 and stayed through the 1940 season. While Averill autographs are not rare, signed Detroit Tigers material is somewhat more difficult to find.

1980 Topps # 666 Future Stars Tigers Autographed

3/5/2014

1980 Topps # 666 Tigers Future Stars Autographed

Oh, the risk and reward of mailing out a card that has already been signed by someone else! The card may never come back... or it may turn out like this beauty! All three autograpghs of Mike Chris, Al Greene, and Bruce Robbins were obtained through the mail (TTM). Greene is a more difficult TTM auto to receive. The final signer, Mr Robbins, returned the card signed to me in less than two weeks.

Tony Clark

3/4/2014

1998 Donruss Signature Series Tony Clark Autographed

Tony Clark played for the Tigers from 1995-2001 and was an All Star for the Tigers in 2001. Tony was often the lone bright spot on some very poor Detroit Tiger teams in the 90's. He was an extremely difficult signature to get through the mail. Here is signed 1998 Donruss Signature Series card.