Mike Clinton
Introduction: The Mystery of Number 44 for the Tigers
For many years, the number 44 has been one of the most iconic numbers for the Detroit Tigers. This number has been used by many legendary players, who have left an indelible mark on the team’s history. From the early 1900s to the present day, the number 44 has been worn by some of the team’s most talented players. In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of the number 44 for the Tigers, from the first players to wear it to the current holder of the number.
Early History: The First Players to Wear Number 44
In the earliest days of the Detroit Tigers, players didn’t have permanent numbers on their jerseys. It wasn’t until the 1930s that numbers were first used on a regular basis. The first player to wear the number 44 for the Tigers is unknown, but it is known that it was first used in the 1940s. It’s possible that it was first worn by a minor league player who was called up to the majors for a short time. Unfortunately, there is no record of who this player was.
1960s-70s: From Cash to Hiller to Coleman
In the 1960s and 70s, the number 44 was worn by some of the Tigers’ greatest players. Norm Cash, who played for the Tigers from 1960 to 1974, wore the number 44 for most of his career. Cash was a fan favorite and one of the team’s best hitters. Another notable player to wear the number 44 during this time was reliever John Hiller, who played for the Tigers from 1967 to 1980. Hiller was one of the best relievers in the game and had one of the best comeback stories in baseball history, after he suffered a heart attack in 1971 and had to sit out a season. Later in the decade, the number 44 was also worn by outfielder Joe Coleman, who played for the Tigers from 1971 to 1976. Coleman was a solid contributor to the team and won 20 games in 1973.
1980s-90s: Parrish, Tettleton, and More
In the 1980s and 90s, the number 44 continued to be worn by some of the Tigers’ best players. Catcher Lance Parrish, who played for the Tigers from 1977 to 1986, wore the number 44 for most of his career. Parrish was a six-time All-Star and one of the best catchers in the game. Another notable player to wear the number 44 during this time was catcher Mickey Tettleton, who played for the Tigers from 1991 to 1994. Tettleton was a fan favorite and had some of the best seasons of his career with the Tigers.
The 2000s: The Era of Dmitri Young
In the early 2000s, the number 44 was worn by outfielder Dmitri Young, who played for the Tigers from 2002 to 2006. Young was one of the team’s best hitters during his time with the Tigers and was a two-time All-Star. He also won the American League Comeback Player of the Year award in 2003.
2010s: Cabrera Takes Over Number 44
Since 2008, the number 44 has been worn by one of the best players in baseball, Miguel Cabrera. Cabrera has been with the Tigers for over a decade and has won two MVP awards, four batting titles, and a Triple Crown. He is one of the best hitters in the game and has helped lead the Tigers to two World Series appearances.
Notable Performances: Tigers’ Best Number 44 Moments
Over the years, the number 44 has been associated with some of the Tigers’ best moments. Some of the most notable performances by players wearing the number 44 include Norm Cash’s 1961 season, when he hit .361 and won the batting title, and Mickey Tettleton’s 1993 season, when he hit 32 home runs and drove in 110 runs. John Hiller’s comeback from a heart attack in 1971 is also a memorable moment in Tigers history.
Off the Field: Charity Work and Personal Lives of Number 44
Many players who have worn the number 44 for the Tigers have been involved in charity work and have had interesting personal lives. Lance Parrish, for example, is a minister and has been involved in several charitable organizations. Dmitri Young has struggled with addiction and has used his experience to help others. Miguel Cabrera has his own charity, the Miguel Cabrera Foundation, which helps children in Detroit.
Conclusion: Who Will Be the Next Tiger to Wear 44?
As of 2021, Miguel Cabrera is still wearing the number 44 for the Tigers. It’s unclear who will wear the number after him, but whoever does will have big shoes to fill. The number 44 has a rich history with the Tigers, and it will be interesting to see who will carry on that tradition.
Bonus: Number 44 Retired or Honored by Tigers?
As of 2021, the number 44 has not been retired or officially honored by the Tigers. However, it is a number that holds a special place in the team’s history and may be considered for retirement in the future.