Detroit Tigers Explained: Traditions, Logo & History

Facts verified July 2026.

What does the Old English 'D' on the Tigers cap mean?

The Old English 'D' is one of the oldest continuously used logos in American sports, worn on the Tigers' home caps for over a century.

It represents Detroit and has become inseparable from the franchise's identity. There is a subtle detail longtime fans know: the 'D' on the cap and the 'D' on the home jersey have historically differed slightly in their font, a quirk the team has carried through various uniform eras.

Why did the Tigers leave Tiger Stadium for Comerica Park?

The Tigers played at Tiger Stadium (originally Navin Field) at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull from 1912 until 1999, one of the most historic addresses in baseball.

The team moved to Comerica Park in downtown Detroit in 2000, seeking a modern ballpark with more revenue-generating amenities. Comerica is known for its spacious outfield — originally so deep in left-center that it was nicknamed 'Comerica National Park' — and the fences were later moved in to help the offense.

What made the 1984 Tigers so special?

The 1984 Tigers won their first nine games and started the season 35-5, the best 40-game start in modern MLB history.

They led the AL East from the first day of the season to the last — a true wire-to-wire championship — and finished 104-58 before winning the World Series over the Padres. The core of Alan Trammell, Lou Whitaker, Jack Morris, Kirk Gibson, and closer Willie Hernandez (who won both the AL MVP and Cy Young that year) made them one of the most complete teams of the 1980s.

Why is Al Kaline called 'Mr. Tiger'?

Al Kaline earned the nickname 'Mr. Tiger' by spending his entire 22-year career (1953–1974) with Detroit and embodying the franchise.

He won the batting title at age 20 — still the youngest ever to do so — collected 3,000 hits, won 10 Gold Gloves, and later served the club as a broadcaster and executive for decades. His lifelong loyalty and quiet excellence made him the enduring face of the Tigers.

How is Comerica Park different from old Tiger Stadium?

Tiger Stadium, at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull, was a beloved, intimate, double-decked ballpark that hosted the Tigers from 1912 to 1999.

Comerica Park, opened in 2000 downtown, is a modern, open ballpark with a spacious outfield — originally so deep it was nicknamed 'Comerica National Park' before the fences were moved in. The move traded historic charm for modern amenities and a downtown location.

What made the 1968 World Series special for Detroit?

The 1968 Tigers won the World Series in seven games over the St. Louis Cardinals, with Mickey Lolich winning three games including the decisive Game 7 against Bob Gibson.

The title is often credited with helping heal a city still recovering from the 1967 civil unrest, giving Detroit a unifying moment of celebration. Denny McLain also won 31 games that season — the last pitcher to reach 30 wins.

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