Tigers Brain Twisters Trivia Quiz

Answer: Mickey Cochrane

Mickey Cochrane, aka Black Mike, was obtained from the Philadelphia Athletics to lead the Tigers. Through his intense drive to win, he inspired his teammates to greatness, when the city of Detroit desperately needed a source of joy.

Answer: Elden Auker

Auker, a submariner for the great Tigers of the 1930's, wrote a book called "Sleeper Cars" and "Flannel Uniforms", in which he gave a moving account of this moment.

Answer: Brad Ausmus

Brad Ausmus received the flag from Elden Auker. Brad, later an all-star catcher with the Houston Astros, is one of the most articulate, courteous, and intelligent players in the game today. He is universally adored by pitchers for his unparalleled catching abilities, and won the Gold Glove in 2001 and 2002.

Answer: Ray Oyler

This was a highly controversial move for manager Mayo Smith, but in the end it worked out for the best.

Answer: 42

Jones was later traded for the very good lefty Mark Redman, who was a great help to the Tigers as they struggled in 2002. However, like most talented Tigers, he was traded over the offseason to the Marlins.

Answer: 1961

Parks occupying the corner of Michigan and Trumbull were: Bennett Park, Navin Field, Briggs Stadium, and of course, Tiger Stadium. The field originally opened in 1912.

Answer: California Angels

Detroit's near miss in 1967 caused them to come hungry to spring training. They went on to have a magical season in 1968, when they won the the World Series.

Answer: John Smoltz

At the time, this trade seemed like a good idea. In hindsight, obviously it was pretty stupid. Smoltz, who grew up a Tigers fan, was devastated when he learned he'd been traded, but soon learned that his move was the better.

Answer: For Love of the Game

The movie was overly mushy, but it was great to see a Tiger in a movie.

Answer: The Bird

Mark Fidrych, known as The Bird, would talk to the ball and groom the mound on his hands and knees. He was also an incredible pitcher. Though he soon blew out his arm and had to quit baseball, no one has forgotten him. He won the AL Rookie of the Year with his 19-9 record.

Answer: Robert Fick

Fick hit his grand slam in the very last game at Tiger Stadium in 1999. The Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals, 8-2.

Answer: Brian Moehler

Brian Moehler was the workhorse of the Tigers rotation for many years, and developed a strong connection to the city. He and his wife organized a Tigers Pet Calendar for three years. When he was traded, he said he had never cried so much since his children were born. He later became an Astro.

Answer: Hank Greenberg

Greenberg empathized with Jackie, having endured the same type of abuse for being a Jew. Jackie, after meeting Greenberg, held him in the highest regard.

Answer: Jeff Weaver

Jeff Weaver was the ace of the Tigers in his time in Detroit. However, after going to the Yankees, he had struggled. Many believe this was because he was far less free to be spirited in New York.

Answer: Bill Freehan

Freehan wore the "D" from 1961 to 1976 for 16 seasons. This catcher was on the receiving end of Denny McLain's great season of 31-6 in 1968. This 11 time all-star, and 5 time Gold Glove, was the runner-up season MVP in 1968 behind McLain.

Answer: Steve Sparks

Sparks, affectionately known as "Sparky", baffled hitters with his floating knuckleball all season. He led the Majors with eight complete games, one of them an 85-pitch victory over the Yankees.

Answer: No one

Rather than attempt to replace aruguably the greatest broadcaster of all time, Tigers management merely left his two partners, Jim Price and Dan Dickerson, to carry on.

Answer: 0

Though Ty Cobb led the Tigers to pennants in 1907, 1908, and 1909, they were never able to win it all. In 1908, the Cubs beat the Tigers. Along with the Red Sox, the Cubs have become well-known for their World Championship drought.

Answer: Bob Gibson

Throughout the Series, Gibson had handcuffed the Tigers. However, in Game 7, Lolich finally emerged from Denny McLain's shadow and became the hero of Detroit, and the World Series MVP.

Answer: Brad Ausmus

Surely Brad does not see these games as highlights in his career, but he must feel lucky to have witnessed history twice.

Answer: Bobby Higginson

Fick converted from a first baseman/catcher to rightfielder in the 2002 season, and many runners unwisely tested his arm. They already knew better than to test Higgy's devastatingly accurate cannon arm. The competition provided one of the few bright spots to an otherwise glum season.

Answer: 104-58

The Tigers never spent a day out of first place that season, and went on to demolish the Padres in the World Series. Tigers manager Alan Trammell, bench coach Kirk Gibson, and bullpen coach Lance Parrish all played on that team. 104 wins in 1984 set a team record.

Answer: It came from the way he said his home state: Jo-ja (Georgia)

Joyner Clifford White was part of the 1935 champion Detroit Tigers. His ten pinch hits in 1933 were the AL high.

Answer: True

Though the fight to keep Old Tiger as the home of the Tigers ultimately failed, people in Detroit still battled to keep the historic landmark from being demolished.

Answer: Toledo Mud Hens

The well-loved Hens made it to the International League playoffs in 2002 despite being frequently raided by the big club for hitters and pitchers. Most Tigers prospects are, at some point in their career, Mud Hens, and it tends to be quite a positive experience as the Hens do more winning than the Tigers. Tigers hitting coach Bruce Fields managed the Mud Hens in 2002.