He was a huge star who would have given an upstart league its biggest drawing card. Ty Cobb had to have been tempted but in the weeks leading up to spring training in 1914, he did what Detroit Tigers owner Frank Navin was hoping he would: sign a new contract with the team, not just for one year but making a commitment for two. Now, that historic pact between Cobb … [Read more...]
Chris Sabo Q&A: Practicing His Signature, Motor City Sports Fandom and Listening to Eminem
Whether it was on the diamond, on the ice or even on the links, Chris Sabo has always embodied the blue collar and workmanlike approach of his hometown of Detroit. As a high school senior, Sabo had to make the decision to pursue a future in baseball or hockey. He chose to attend the University of Michigan on a baseball scholarship. While in Ann Arbor, the third baseman led the … [Read more...]
1907-09 Dietsche Postcards Featured the Tigers and Cubs
Many pre-war baseball (and all sports, for that matter) postcards featured generic subjects instead of specific players. Because of that, many of them can be found inexpensively. Even postcards from the early 1900s can be found for as little as $5-$10. That makes them a great target for collectors looking for cheap pre-war stuff. The postcards that do show real players, of … [Read more...]
Denny McLain Holding Estate Sale
The last pitcher to win 30 games in a season is having an estate sale. Former Detroit Tigers ace Denny McLain is 76 now and preparing to downsize. This Friday through Sunday, he’s offering up bits and pieces of his life and career from his home in Wixom, MI. McLain is working with Aaron’s Estate Sales for the event. The 1968 Cy Young Award winner and American … [Read more...]
Hot Dog Heaven: 1953 Glendale Tigers a Tough Regional
As families pulled the baseball cards from the packages of hot dogs in the southeast Michigan summer of 1953, they had to be hoping that maybe it was the start of some telepathic connection that would turn the team's fortunes around. It wasn't exactly turning into a banner year. The Tigers never did right the ship, finishing in sixth place, a whopping … [Read more...]
1940 Michigan Sportservice Detroit Tigers Photos Ushered in Championship Season
The 1939 Detroit Tigers were a mostly forgettable team. After winning the 1935 World Series and recording back-to-back second place American League finishes, the Tigers quickly began to slip into mediocrity. The 1938 team stumbled to a fourth-place finish, replacing Hall of Famer Mickey Cochrane, who was the team's manager. In 1939, things were even worse. Even though the team … [Read more...]
1935 Detroit Free Press Supplements Put the Detroit Tigers in the News
In the mid 1930s, the Detroit Tigers rode a wave of success in the American League. From 1934 through 1937, the team never finished below second place in the American League and was one of the best teams in all of baseball. That four-year stretch was culminated with successful back to back trips to the World series in 1934 and 1935. In 1934, the Tigers narrowly lost the … [Read more...]
Ty Cobb Highlights 1908 Brush Automobile Postcard Set
While much of the focus in early 20th century card collecting is often on tobacco and caramel cards, another type of card was all the rage at the same time -- postcards. Many postcard sets (as well as a slew of individual postcards) were produced in the early 1900s. Even though many of those are generic issues not featuring actual players, a good many did include pictures of … [Read more...]
Notes: Zion Zooming; Cardinals Collecting; Comer’s Career
He hasn't played an NBA game yet but one year of college basketball is all it took for hoop heads to go all in on Zion Williamson. The 19-year-old has the body and skill set of an NBA veteran and his powerful dunks were must see TV last season. A pair of his game-worn shoes from last November's Maui Invitational sold for nearly $20,000 last week. His first … [Read more...]
Popular ‘Play Ball!’ Exhibit Returning To Detroit Institute Of Art
Baseball players have been known to take curtain calls. The Detroit Institute of Art is doing the same thing, reprising its popular “Play Ball” series. “Play Ball! Transforming the Game, 1876-2019” is the sequel to the successful exhibit held last year at Detroit’s venerable art museum, which was founded in 1885. This year’s exhibit, which begins Saturday and runs … [Read more...]