Team owner George Vanderbeck constructed a 5,000-seat wooden facility, called Bennett Park, on the corner of Michigan and Trumbull Avenues. Left field was 345 feet away while right field was a monstrous 370 feet down the line. Jim Thome has to be in there for homeruns to it seemed like every time I was at a game he hit one to right field. New Hagerstown Atlantic League ballpark Team: Cleveland Indians. In addition to the movie 61*, two other films Tiger Town and Hardball had scenes filmed there. Dan: Great column. At the end of its life, it had the shortest right-field and longest center-field distance in major-league baseball. Big Frank Howard loved to hit there, as did Killebrew and Reggie and Ken Griffey Jr. Kirk Gibson famously hit a ball over the right field roof that landed in the lumber yard across the street, traveling a distance of more than 500 feet. Some of Gibson's home runs were pretty darn big (including a couple in the World Series) but one of Gibson's most memorable home runs came in June of 1983 when he hit a moon shot that cleared the roof of Tiger Stadium. On June 27, 1963, he played an entire game at first base without a chance, as the Minnesota Twins won 106. He was the only man to hit 4 home runs in one day in the history of Brigs/Tiger Stadium or Navin Field for that matter. On June 27, 1963, he played an entire game at first base without a chance, as the Minnesota Twins won 10-6. (Rumor was this came at the behest of the teams first star, Ty Cobb.) If you have been the the field since they tore down the stadium just stand at home plate and imagine hitting it over the 90 foot high roof to where brooks lumber still stands. [2] In 1961, new owner John Fetzer took control of the stadium and gave it its final and longest-lasting name: Tiger Stadium. Al Kaline used to scale the fences in right field to take away home runs, and he played that area so well that it became known as Kalines Corner.. The last night at Tiger Stadium - The Athletic Obviously those CF home runs had to be close to 500 feet to clear the wall at that point. [7][17] While constructed on the same site as Bennett Park, the diamond at Navin Field was rotated 90, with home plate located in what had been left field at Bennett Park. My whole family was there. Stopped by Wed morning 7/6 and had the pleasure of dealing directly with Lynne. Reggie Jackson became a national figure due to a famous home run in an All-Star Game. The crazy thing is we missed the home run for a hot pretzel. Detroit Tigers - Stadium Although never as well known as Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park or Wrigley Field, Tiger Stadium held an unique place in the hearts of Detroiters, who have now seemed to come to terms with the fact it will be torn down, probably in September 2008. Monaghan had to get a helicopter to fly in pizzas to writers working inside the old ballpark while overzealous fans partied too hard directly outside Tiger Stadium. Robinson flung his glove into the stands in disgust. [74][75] By 2006, however, demolition appeared inevitable when then-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick announced the stadium would be razed. [53][54][55] Ted Williams won the 1941 game with a walk-off three-run home run. (Oddly. Jackson blasts one to the roof at Tiger Stadium - SFGATE ORDER YOURS NOW! wow! It was the type of park that inspired such feats. Paul was great to work with and offered to delay shipping when I told him I would be on vacation on the original delivery date. Many seats were replaced. All rights reserved. On September 27, 1999, the final Tigers game was held at Tiger Stadium; an 8-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals, capped by a late grand slam by Robert Fick, which hit the right field roof. New St. Croix River Hounds ballpark, 2025 Ballparks He was also adept at hitting the ball out down the left field line, a trait later adopted by Willie Horton and Lance Parrish. Detroit's (really) starry night: 50 years ago, 22 Hall of Famers came That year, Big Daddy captured the countrys attention with an eye-popping 51 home runs and 132 RBI, both best in the majors. No one hit more homers in Tiger Stadium than Al Kaline, who belted 212 there, while hitting 187 on the road. I found it refreshing to be served by people who truly knew everything and who came across as glad i stopped in and only care about me getting the service beyond what i deserved. I,my son and two friends were sitting on the first base side in the upper deck when he hit that one, it went up so high I thought it wasnt coming down until it disappeared over the edge of the roof, Jose Cansenco hit on into center field at the flag pole that game too. Six years later, Cecil Fielder hit a moonshot over the left field roof on his way to 51 homers that season. Among major league parks whose construction predated the advent of night games, only Wrigley Field went longer without lights (1988). The city received a $5 million federal grant and issued $8.5 million in bonds to pay for renovations, including replacement of the old green wooden seats with blue plastic seats. A post-game ceremony brought back just about famous ex-Tiger who was still alive for one last salute. The overhang would occasionally turn some extremely high arced fly balls into home runs. [30], Due to then-owner Walter Briggs's dislike of night baseball, lights were not installed at the stadium until 1948. This is a true story and has been recorded in a magazine of tape measure home runs. Its unique dimensions allowed fans to get closer than usual to the ballgame. called the stadium home in the late 1960s. Distance: 511 Feet. Climb up to the roof and look around, Fenecksaid in 1999, the Tigers final summer at The Corner, and you wont believe how high and hard they have to hit the ball to do that.. [93][94], In the summer of 2000, the HBO movie 61* was filmed at Tiger Stadium. Returns & Exchanges Four were over the longer left field roof, (Harmon Killebrew, Frank Howard, Cecil Fielder, Mark McGuire) and the rest were over the right field roof.) New Marshall University ballpark Tiger Stadium (formerly known as Navin Field and Briggs Stadium) was a stadium located in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan. Some managers felt a line should be drawn on the pole and that any ball hit above the line would be a home run. In fact, the Indians erected a 12-foot bronze statue in his honor in . [17], Over the years, expansion continued to accommodate more spectators. 2 others that hit the light towers. In the Lions glory years of the 1950s, Detroit was considered one of the toughest venues in the league to play. George Brett loved the park, and in his final game at Tiger Stadium in an afternoon tilt in 1993, he hit two homers, one to right and one to left (I was there!). [2] I know Alan Trammell hit a lot of homeruns on the road while playing for Detroit, and as a total for his career, he hit 185 HRs total both on the road and at home. Today's Posts; Member List; Calendar; Forum; American League; Chicago White Sox; If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. That ball is measured at 634 . With regular first baseman Dan Meyer batting .192 with only two RBIs, the Tigers gave the job to Thompson early into the 1976 season. [5], During the summer of 2010, a group calling itself "The Navin Field Grounds Crew" began maintaining the playing field and hosting vintage baseball, youth baseball, and softball games at the site. [14], In 1895, Detroit Tigers owner George Vanderbeck had a new ballpark built at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull Avenues. When Ted Williams cleared the roof at Briggs Stadium [49][50] On July 13, 1934 at the stadium, Ruth hit his 700th career home run off Tigers' pitcher Tommy Bridges. Source: wikimedia.org. [61], There were over 30 home runs hit onto the right field roof over the years. However, in just about every case, it had been occurred due to a stadium conflict or for a special reason. With the OPEN sign light I though well came all this way just aswell give it a try and am I glad I did. On May 2, 1939, Lou Gehrigs streak of 2,130 consecutive games ended when he asked out of the Yankees lineup complaining of a headache. The only major changes during the latter decades were the closure of the "skybox" suites that perched on the front edge of the roof, and (in 1978) the replacement of the old dark green . Considered one of the longest home runs ever hit in major league history. Everyone has their own opinion. The city used the proceeds to defray the demolition costs. The old ballpark at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull in Detroits Corktown district was one of the games most unusual ballparks. But on August 25, 1990, during a Saturday game against Oakland, Tigers first baseman Cecil Fielder joined the exclusive circle of sluggers. Like other home runs mentioned on this list, Thome's blast bounced through the streets after leaving the stadium by flying over the center field fence. Along Trumbull Avenue, 24 town homes were planned for sale. By the early 1990s the owner of the Tigers wanted a new luxurious ballpark for team. The longest home runs hit at Tiger Stadium in Detroit - Vintage Detroit Navin bought up the rest of the city block of Michigan and Trumbull, stationed a flagpole inside the field of play, moved home plate in a different direction (so that the batter would not be looking into the sun) and opened for business on April 20, 1912, the same day Fenway Park in Boston debuted. Recently got a blank jersey stitched at Vintage Detroit and the finished product looks awesome! By Rhiannon Walker @InstantRHIplay. In 1968, his last at-bat came there when he struck out in Game 5 of the World Series. I remember he stepped out of the box several times because someone in the bleacher seats was shinning a mirror into his eyes.He made the Tigers fans pay for that ! Willie Horton hit a home run at Tiger Stadium when he was 16 years old during an all-city high school game. The hit itself was a gunshot, echoing back from center. Although it was the park where he was booed regularly, Tiger Stadium played a huge role in Maris career. Mickey Mantle, 1960, 643 Feet. A fire gutted the press box on the evening of February 1, 1977. To make the park appear like Yankee Stadium, the parks seats were painted green and a skyline of the Bronx was added. Returns & Exchanges [92] It was also seen in Renaissance Man and Hardball. 50 years ago today, Harmon Killebrew hit his longest home run [57][58], On April 7, 1986, Dwight Evans hit a home run on the first pitch of Opening Day. SCOUTING; Jackson's 485th Is Over the Roof - The New York Times Cecil Fielder was the third player,. Talk about luck, but wow were they wrong. (When the credits rolled at the end of the movie, it is duly listed that the role of Yankee Stadium was played by Tiger Stadium.). [98], Tiger Stadium showing signs of neglect in 2006, Tiger Stadium with facade lettering removed in November 2007, The visitors' bullpen and right field from lower deck in November 2007, Tiger Stadium with seats removed in November 2007, Abandoned in April 2008; Tigers now play in Comerica Park, Demonstration against a School Amendment at Navin Field in 1920, This article is about the Detroit Tigers' former stadium. I was in desperate need because of a upcoming event to make purchase I could get same day while searching for the item I quickly realized there wasn't just limited availability of the item but very limited locations in Metro Detroit i could purchase the item. Thank you so much, I can't wait to wear my jersey to a Wings game! But there was nothing anybody could do. It hosted the Detroit Tigers Major League Baseball team from 1912 to 1999, as well as the National Football League's Detroit Lions from 1938 to 1974. Cecil Fielder hits homerun over Tiger Stadium roof - YouTube 5 Reasons to Update Your Business Operations, Get the Best Sleep Ever in 5 Simple Steps, How to Pack for Your Next Trip Somewhere Cold, Manage Your Money More Efficiently in 5 Steps, Ranking the 5 Most Spectacular NFL Stadiums in 2023. A new ballpark for the Tigers was built in downtown Detroit, and the club moved to Comerica Park after the 1999 season. The ball actually sailed right over the right field roof of the ballpark, which is mind-boggling to contemplate. Norm Cash hit the most Homeruns over the Stadium. [62], On September 27, 1999, the final Tigers game was held at Tiger Stadium; an 82 victory over the Kansas City Royals, capped by a late grand slam by Robert Fick, which hit the right field roof. Lynn worked with me to swap out to something similar excellent customer service. In 1935, following Navin's death, new owner Walter Briggs oversaw the expansion of Navin Field to a capacity of 36,000 by extending the upper deck to the foul poles and across right field. [7] The stadium hosted two NFL Championship Games in 1953 and 1957. /news/1567868500869-kirk-gibson-hits-home-run-clear-over-tiger-stadium-roof-video Location: Heritage Park. Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium (Wisconsin Timber Rattlers) updates I was there with my dad. It would be 16 innings before either team scored again. She is very accommodating and made me feel at home, especially since I was unaware they don't operate a standard retail shop. I was there for Gibsons shot over the roof onto brooks lumber. Another outfield oddity was a ledge that fielders used to jump onto to try to snare balls headed for the seats. Tiger Stadium - history, photos and more of the Detroit Tigers former Although only three strongmen (Frank Howard, Harmon Killebrew, Cecil Fielder) hit balls that went over the roof in left field, several folks shot the ball over the right-field roof. Cash hit the ball over Tiger Stadiums right field roof four times in his career. Some call this the longest home run ever hit. Although few improvements were made to the ballpark over the years, it was still considered a showcase of baseball with a flair for memorable games. I placed an order and received a follow up call within 24 hrs due to item was not available. A dozen years later, after Navins death, Walter Briggs bought the club, adding an upper deck along the foul poles and seats in right field. 59,203 fans attended the game, the largest crowd ever to see a football game at the Corner. Cecil Fielder hits homerun over Tiger stadium roof.. They checked it over and off I went. Due to the progression of the disease named after him, it was the final game of his career. [7][2] Cleveland Naps player "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, later banned from baseball for life following the Black Sox Scandal, scored the first run at Navin Field. New Tennessee Smokies ballpark. Fifty years ago Tuesday, July 13, 1971, a sellout crowd of 53,559 watched from Tiger Stadium's then-green seats and another 60-million plus watched and listened from around the world as. Frank Lary, who had made a career out of beating the Yankees (he was 29-6 lifetime against them from 1955-63), was the Detroit starter. Michael Clair This never happened. The Lions last title came in 1957. I was in desperate need because of a upcoming event to make purchase I could get same day while searching for the item I quickly realized there wasn't just limited availability of the item but very limited locations in Metro Detroit i could purchase the item. & quot;According to the Detroit Free Press book "The Corner", the following have hit HR's out of Tiger Stadium: Norm Cash (did it 4 times) Mickey Mantle (did it 3 times) Kirk Gibson (did it 3 times) Jason Thompson (did it twice) Mickey Tettlton (did it twice) Tony Clark . There were unlikely homers: little Freddie Patek, a 5 foot 5 imp who hit only a handful of homers in his career, hit two at Tiger Stadium; and 19-year old pitcher Denny McLain hit a home run on September 21, 1963, in his first big league game, and never hit another. And on September 27, 1999, with flashbulbs popping, Robert Fick hit the final home run at The Corner, a grand slam in the last game at Tiger Stadium. As we stood at the vendor the entire stadium erupted. I will never forget it. Center field was even farther 467 feet. I had a chance to see a few games at Fenway, and while it is great, Tiger Stadium was more historic. It is the home stadium of the LSU Tigers football team . Cecil was on 49, and I veered my car onto the exit to downtown Detroit and snatched up a ticket. The Amercan League won the game 6-4, with two run homers by Jackson, Frank Robinson, and Harmon Killebrew. With the OPEN sign light I though well came all this way just aswell give it a try and am I glad I did. [62][64][65] Following the game, an emotional ceremony with past and present Tigers greats was held to mark the occasion. Tiger Stadium (formerly known as Navin Field and Briggs Stadium) was a stadium located in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan. According to former Tiger Stadium groundskeeper Frank Feneckit, it took almost a howitzer to send a ball over the left-field grandstand at The Corner. ), But the biggest move came in 1938. A year later, Tiger Stadium was in the national spotlight when Denny McLain became the first pitcher in 31 years to win 30 games. Thats the longest home run Ive had hit off me, said Stewart, who had surrendered an upper-deck shot to Fielder in the first inning. Nomar Mazara (505 Feet) The longest home runs in Royals history - Royals Review, a Kansas City The company pioneered in the use of reinforced concrete and built municipal and industrial facilities throughout the country. Only one current Tiger ever hit a home run at Tiger Stadium, and it was a memorable occasion. highlights - the Tigers 1984 miracle season, and the stadium's most famous home run: a mammoth home run by Reggie Jackson off a light tower atop the right-field roof during the 1971 All-Star Game - and lowlights, such as October 9, 1934, when in the sixth inning of Game Seven of the World (The next year, a screen was placed on top of the fence. PNC Park (Pirates) That pocket is the deepest part of the park at 410 feet, 11 feet farther than dead center. [49], On May 2, 1939, ailing New York Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig voluntarily benched himself at Briggs Stadium, ending his streak of consecutive games at 2,130. He hit some long HRs at Tiger Stadium. The right field overhang frustrated many outfielders who were camped under a routine flyball only to see it land in the first row upstairs. [2], By the early 1990s, both the city and Tigers ownership wanted a new park, but many campaigned to save the old stadium. The last game at Tiger Stadium was on September 27, 1999. On September 28, 1964, the league scheduled Detroit to host Green Bay on a Monday night. He installed an area in the lower deck (between first and third base) that had padded seats and added waitservice. Matt Monagan Proudly powered by WordPress | Watched Harmons HR shot go over the left field stands-right over the top of me-I was working as a stand-boy out in left field and got a break to go out and and watch part of the gamemy only comment was WOW! 10 Longest Home Runs in MLB History - Largest.org Jim Thome. Tiger Stadium was sold to the city of Detroit on January 1, 1978 for $1.00 and leased back for 30 years. As I mentioned above, a list that includes significant home runs at Tiger Stadium has to include Charlie Maxwell hitting 4 HRS in 4 consecutive at bats on May 3, 1959 in a double header against the Yankees. Prince Fielder hit a home run there during batting practice when he was a 12-year old and his dad was playing for the Tigers. [2] Spotlights were added above the warning track to illuminate the area beneath the overhang. [91], It was depicted in Disney's award-winning Tiger Town, a 1983 made-for-television baseball film written and directed by Detroit native, Alan Shapiro, starring Roy Scheider, Sparky Anderson, Ernie Harwell and Mary Wilson. Posted on 10/1/19 at 7:27 am to chimesstreet. Berry lay injured while Horton, who was hardly fleet afoot, circled the bases for an inside-the-park home run. What a game. Longest Home Runs Ever by Ballpark - Baseball Fever This would be hard to believe but I actually called the shot. Excited to work with Vintage Detroit on future orders. New Richmond Flying Squirrels ballpark Fick's Home Run Sails Into History With Tiger Stadium Cabrera 8/25/90: Cecil Fielder's home run bounces over the roof in left field at Tiger StadiumCheck out http://MLB.com/video for more!About MLB.com: About MLB.com: B. AboutPressCopyrightContact. In 1934, the Tigers won the AL pennant but lost the World Series to the Cardinals. Non-Baseball Events Held at Tiger Stadium The year 1938 was significant in the ballparks history. Reggie Jackson's 1971 All-Star Game shot at Tiger Stadium would have travelled more than 600. As part of this transfer, the green wooden seats were replaced with blue and orange plastic ones and the stadium's interior, which was green, was painted blue to match.