Andy Dirks

15th, as in, out of 15 American League teams. That's where the Detroit Tigers stand in the stolen base category. The rival Indians are 1st.

In today’s game, however, with an increased emphasis on knocking the ball out of the park, this is really more of an innocuous figure.  Andy Dirks “leads” the squad with seven swipes, but fear not; low SB totals has led to magical Tigers’ seasons in the past.  

In 1972, when Billy Martin’s Bengals captured the AL East, 2nd sacker Tony Taylor paced the field with literally a handful of steals (five). The team nabbed an almost inconceivable total of 17.  The champions in ’68 were also a fairly stationary bunch, with no player reaching double digits.  

This franchise has had its share of burners over time, though, from Cobb to LeFlore to Pettis.  Brian Hunter, who racked up 74 thefts in 1997, may have set the all-time mark if not for the stubborn rule set forth by Major League Baseball requiring that the batter safely reach first before taking second.  Never seemed fair to me. 

Fun with Names

The Tigers have been playing sizzling baseball since the All-Star break. They are getting superb starting pitching and clutch hitting throughout the lineup. One thing this roster does not have, however, is the most interesting slate of first names.  

On the hill are guys like Max, Doug, and Justin. At bat are guys like Don, Matt, and Victor. Even the unique ones are just classics disguised with some rearranged letters (Jhonny, Brayan).  The team has also suited up five different gentlemen named Jose this year, which stands as a highly unconfirmed league record.  

It really makes you long for the days of that legendary 1901 Tigers crew.  Take a look at their infield (by first name).

C - Fritz

1B - Pop

2B - Kid

SS - Kid

3rd - Doc

Heck, I’d give up salami for a month in exchange for just one afternoon of infield chatter with that group.

Captaining the outfield for the 1901‘ers was a fellow named Ducky.  Next to him was yet another Kid.  The utility man was known as Sport, and just to tie a bow around this gem, the backup 1st baseman was a rookie from Virginia named Davey Crockett.  Times have certainly changed. 

Fun with Everything Else

  • Drew Smyly has pitched to 94 left-handed hitters this year.  He has not allowed an extra-base hit to a single one of them.
  • Jose Iglesias has come to the plate 90 times since he last earned a base on balls.  Like I tell my less adept teammates during Sunday morning softball, “Take a pitch when you get up there, Jose!”
  • Doug Fister has sent his share of opposing batters grimacing to 1st base this year via the hit by pitch.  He’s amassed 14 of them; no other Tiger hurler has more than two.
  • He could be a Tiger for the next dozen years, and you still wouldn’t know how to spell Alburquerque.

Joey Yashinsky, a freelance writer, contributes regularly to Deadline Detroit.