Tiger Stadium Photos

[BashBrother]

I'm looking for a photo of Tiger Stadium from the 1980 till the last year the Tigers played there. I would like to find one that has a view from behind the plate where you can see both foul poles or at least close to it. Here's the best one i could find so far which is a hard thing I've found.

[POLO GROUNDS 1957]

I'm looking for a photo of Tiger Stadium from the 1980 till the last year the Tigers played there. I would like to find one that has a view from behind the plate where you can see both foul poles or at least close to it. Here's the best one i could find so far which is a hard thing I've found.

That is a nice photo

[Mario Mendoza...HOF Lock]

I've got some old Tiger/Briggs Stadium pics I need to upload here soon. In the meantime, here's a '95 ESPN Baseball Tonight highlight clip of a game at Tiger Stadium vs the Red Sox.

Titled "Nothing" to throw off the MLB goons

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_cEfr-jFIM

I HATED those Tiger home uniforms

[bnbusser]

I'm looking for a photo of Tiger Stadium from the 1980 till the last year the Tigers played there. I would like to find one that has a view from behind the plate where you can see both foul poles or at least close to it. Here's the best one i could find so far which is a hard thing I've found.



Go here to my website www.ballparks.phanfare.com I have 3 sets of Tiger stadium photos From 76 - 97, 2003, and 2007 over 300 photos

[History Of Baseball Fan]

Can anyone show some Tiger Stadium photos through the years from when it was first built until they left it ?

[btown12]

I've got some old Tiger/Briggs Stadium pics I need to upload here soon. In the meantime, here's a '95 ESPN Baseball Tonight highlight clip of a game at Tiger Stadium vs the Red Sox.

Titled "Nothing" to throw off the MLB goons

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_cEfr-jFIM

I HATED those Tiger home uniforms

Forget the uniforms, how about that dead center home run from Cecil.......YIKES! That was a bomb!

[DaBigMotor]

I HATED those Tiger home uniforms

The prowling tiger alternates.

Funny...I remember them having those. I just don't remember them wearing them.

They may have worn them once or twice, and they did away with alternates. Thank goodness.

I wish the Mets would do the same. I HATE all their alternates. I wish they would just stick with the pinstripes and blue hats. Their traditional look is still best.

[Mario Mendoza...HOF Lock]

Can anyone show some Tiger Stadium photos through the years from when it was first built until they left it ?

Other than bnbusser's fine site, here are some others. Most of the 7.5 X 9" are Corbis images.

Originally known as Navin Field
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2281/2509429681_8c54a77983_o.jpg

1929
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3163/2509430393_5ac5bdcd28_o.jpg

1929
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3286/2509430477_90ddd05fa2_o.jpg

1930's
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2189/2509429825_c6d39bc9b6_o.jpg

1935 Bleacher seats under construction
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2249/2510263444_3119e52cbd_o.jpg



1935 Bleachers done
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2330/2509430591_048da3eb02_o.jpg

1940 Hank Greenberg crosses home
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/2509430315_409d704371_o.jpg

1941
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3033/2509430109_1c239c4cf5_o.jpg

1941
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2287/2510262636_25924a92ab_o.jpg

1946 DiMaggio slides
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3092/2509429961_d83e874004_o.jpg

[Mario Mendoza...HOF Lock]

1948 postcard. The stadium is now completely enclosed.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2070/2509429585_e8f5c5d274_o.jpg

1950's
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2420/2510262214_dc5194bec3_o.jpg

1951
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2256/2510262138_070877a573_o.jpg

1951 aerial with great view of skyline. Detroit at it's heydey before it's decline.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2269/2509430053_e208421a16_o.jpg

1958 Mantle HR
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2149/2509430241_abdccdc2c6_o.jpg

1961
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2214/2509431581_85fc6a10f6_o.jpg

1961 Maris connects for #57
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3250/2510265184_7aec0e52a3_o.jpg

1961 Bunning pitches to Mantle
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2154/2509432243_a7212cd213_o.jpg

1967
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3043/2509431725_9e8ee1b0d3_o.jpg

1968 World Series
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/2510264728_ce00a0a5f7_o.jpg

[Mario Mendoza...HOF Lock]

Some color shots-various years

1990's
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2411/2510264554_c121d3527f_o.jpg

1988
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/2509431895_de071241ac_o.jpg

1988
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2385/2510264886_09b6d040e7_o.jpg

Famous overhang
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2295/2510265302_15242f29b5_o.gif

1997
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2173/2509431427_ff039bc5b0_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2217/2510264234_dfabea356e_o.jpg

September 1999. The end is near for the grand old lady
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3234/2510264972_6a0a0085a0_o.jpg

From 1967 Camera Day by bungan8r at Webshots. Link originally appeared in the Tigers section last year.

Denny McLain warming up
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2276/2510516876_4311322c5c_o.jpg

Al Kaline batting
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3211/2509683621_03ed7a2867_o.jpg

Jim Northrup
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2411/2509683303_dd71f12424_o.jpg

[Mario Mendoza...HOF Lock]

Earl Wilson
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2399/2510516938_b6cee8578e_o.jpg

Dick McAuliffe
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2076/2509683403_830842a451_o.jpg

1999 Last game (Jason McKean-Flickr)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2165/1548919483_791c3d603d_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2297/1549724610_e45c73cc14_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2083/1548678657_4635fa46ef_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2067/1548672297_1950243556_b.jpg

Last opening day
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2270/1548435075_ea9bcddd3e_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2413/1548430699_3b3a6dc22a_b.jpg

Proof that the current crop of Detroit leaders are dysfunctional (Stadlerhotel-Flickr)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2077/2235175817_42501a4e4d_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/2399542649_6415295ec1_o.jpg

[DaBigMotor]

Sigh.

The ballpark of my youth.

GREAT photos. Wish I'd seen her when she was all green, and wish I could have seen at least one Lions game there in person. Painting her blue was the worst mistake that John Fetzer/Jim Campbell ever made.

But her time came.

[DaBigMotor]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/2509430315_409d704371_o.jpg

Greenberg crossing home...in a ROAD jersey??

That ain't Tiger Stadium...


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2256/2510262138_070877a573_o.jpg
1951 with NO light towers??

The lights were added in 1938.....

[alpineinc]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/2509430315_409d704371_o.jpg

Greenberg crossing home...in a ROAD jersey??

That ain't Tiger Stadium...


That's Shibe Park/Connie Mack.

[alpineinc]

GREAT Tiger Stadium photos - love the 1967 color shots...

[stlfan]

I actually like the blue and orange seats.

[ZeoBandit]

Those are all some great pictures!

[Armando Criscione]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/2612174262_ef4fe89865_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3150/2611339459_c1af0f76b1_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/2612174074_dfeb77dbff_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3177/2612173926_357e91ea0c_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3091/2612173838_3f69b3e72b_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3049/2612173138_f71020bba8_o.jpg

[mrakbaseball]

Tiger/Briggs Stadium's first night game was June 15, 1948. Not 1938.

[penncentralpete]

Go here to my website www.ballparks.phanfare.com I have 3 sets of Tiger stadium photos From 76 - 97, 2003, and 2007 over 300 photos

Hey Busser: SUPER website! Very well done. I saved it to "my favorites" and will enjoy going through all those photos...........thanks!

[penncentralpete]

Mario Mendoza: Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your pictures. Very nice, indeed!

[Sean O]

Other than bnbusser's fine site, here are some others. Most of the 7.5 X 9" are Corbis images.

Originally known as Navin Field
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2281/2509429681_8c54a77983_o.jpg


That is eerily close to Braves Field:

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/9397/1930kq5.jpg

[bnbusser]

Hey Busser: SUPER website! Very well done. I saved it to "my favorites" and will enjoy going through all those photos...........thanks!

Thank you! Glad you like the site....

[Williamsburg2599]

That is eerily close to Braves Field:

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/9397/1930kq5.jpg

Wow, it is.

Empty seats and all. :(

[DiggerODell]

I read or heard once that there was a sign outside of the visitor's locker room door at Tiger Stadium which read "No Visitor's Allowed." Am I correct and if so, does anyone have a photo to post here? Perhaps somebody already has in another thread, but I've yet to come across it. Thanks.

[bnbusser]

I read or heard once that there was a sign outside of the visitor's locker room door at Tiger Stadium which read "No Visitor's Allowed." Am I correct and if so, does anyone have a photo to post here? Perhaps somebody already has in another thread, but I've yet to come across it. Thanks.

It is true .. the sign said " visitors clubhouse, NO visitors allowed" I was in Tiger stadium in 2003, and that sign was gone from the door...

[tmorss9]

yep- completely true. I'm hoping someone has a picture of it somewhere- I'm putting a few lockers in my basement rec room, and I think that would be a great addition to the "clubhouse". If anyone even has a description, I'd love to know. That was one of those things that I saw so many times but the memory has faded, and I need a memory jogger.

Thanks for the thread, Busser. I spent half of my summers in that building. I loved the place, and always will. The memories were so thick, as Terrance Mann said in Field of Dreams, that I had to wipe them away from my face. Literally the first memory of my life is being 3 years old, rapped up in a blanket in Dad's arms on a tremendously cold day. Also, note that I'm typing this while sitting in one of those old green lower deck box seat folding chairs- easily my most prized possession.

[bnbusser]

yep- completely true. I'm hoping someone has a picture of it somewhere- I'm putting a few lockers in my basement rec room, and I think that would be a great addition to the "clubhouse". If anyone even has a description, I'd love to know. That was one of those things that I saw so many times but the memory has faded, and I need a memory jogger.

Thanks for the thread, Busser. I spent half of my summers in that building. I loved the place, and always will. The memories were so thick, as Terrance Mann said in Field of Dreams, that I had to wipe them away from my face. Literally the first memory of my life is being 3 years old, rapped up in a blanket in Dad's arms on a tremendously cold day. Also, note that I'm typing this while sitting in one of those old green lower deck box seat folding chairs- easily my most prized possession.

In my office is an old red seat AND folding chair from the Olympia.....

[tmorss9]

I spent a lot of time in the memorabilia shows and shops in Detroit, but I have NEVER seen an Olympia seat. If you can, please post pics of that. Those must be an absolute treasure.

[POLO GROUNDS 1957]

Here is a photo of Mickey Lolich and his family at Tiger Stadium.
PHOTO BY BOB WIMMER
DEARBORN MICHIGAN

[POLO GROUNDS 1957]

I spent a lot of time in the memorabilia shows and shops in Detroit, but I have NEVER seen an Olympia seat. If you can, please post pics of that. Those must be an absolute treasure.

Here you go these are from the Olympia in Detroit, they belong to a friend.
PHOTO BY JEFF FELDMEIER
ALLEN PARK MICHIGAN

[POLO GROUNDS 1957]

I spent a lot of time in the memorabilia shows and shops in Detroit, but I have NEVER seen an Olympia seat. If you can, please post pics of that. Those must be an absolute treasure.

This is my Olympia Stadium seat.

[POLO GROUNDS 1957]

I spent a lot of time in the memorabilia shows and shops in Detroit, but I have NEVER seen an Olympia seat. If you can, please post pics of that. Those must be an absolute treasure.

These are my seats also. you can see the Tan seat next to the theater type seat. the theater type seat was located in Olympia in the old press box on Mcgraw side of the arena.it was called THE EXECUTIVE LOUNGE.

[POLO GROUNDS 1957]

This photo from 1978 is from a reunion of the 1968 Tigers team at Tiger Stadium.
PHOTO BY BOB WIMMER
DEARBORN MICHIGAN

[POLO GROUNDS 1957]

Here is another photo of the 1968 reunion that was taken in 1978.
PHOTO BY BOB WIMMER
DEARBORN MICHIGAN
Thanks Bob

[POLO GROUNDS 1957]

Here is Larry Haney at Tiger Stadium. look at the scoreboard with the STROH's Beer sign.

[cgcoyne2]

Look how close the right field bleachers were to the street before they put in the upper deck. When they added the upper deck they must have shortened the distance to the seats in right field by a big distance.

[POLO GROUNDS 1957]

This is from a Baseball Dope book.

[cgcoyne2]

Look how close the right field bleachers were to the street before they put in the upper deck. When they added the upper deck they must have shortened the distance to the seats in right field by a big distance.

Then again, I could be wrong!!!

[Tony19]

Where abouts do you live, Polo Grounds?

[POLO GROUNDS 1957]

Where abouts do you live, Polo Grounds?

I live in southwest Detroit not far from Tiger Stadium.

[Tony19]

Oh cool, do you know where Trenton or Wyandotte is?

[POLO GROUNDS 1957]

Oh cool, do you know where Trenton or Wyandotte is?

Yes i do know where down river is.

[POLO GROUNDS 1957]

Here is a ticket from the 1971 Allstar game at Tiger Stadium.

[POLO GROUNDS 1957]

Here are stubs from Tiger Stadium 5-9-1942

[POLO GROUNDS 1957]

Here is stub from 9-14-1968

[POLO GROUNDS 1957]

Here are tickets from Tiger Stadiums last season.

[POLO GROUNDS 1957]

Here is the cover of the program from the 1971 Allstar Game at Tiger Stadium.

[POLO GROUNDS 1957]

Here is a photo from the old timmers game at Tiger Stadium from 8-30-1992. you can see actor Tom Selleck with Tigers great Jim Northrup.

PHOTO BY BOB WIMMER
DEARBORN MICHIGAN

Thanks Bob

[alpineinc]

Great Briggs Stadium video from 8/4/56 vs the Yanks -

http://ashowoftheirown.mlblogs.com/archives/2008/04/the_dan_capurso_video.html

[maxcarey]

Can anyone provide a quick ID of these players? I can spot Kaline, Horton, Freehan, Gates and Mathews.

[Armando Criscione]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/2734209986_c5139f218b.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3161/2733380679_6a493f0b05.jpg?v=0
A group of extras outside Tiger Stadium prior to the filming of Billy Crystal's 61*.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/2734208050_e87d5e363c_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/2733378699_d673a8266a_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/2733378549_262f5213e9_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3012/2733378003_cfb9ef7da3.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/2734206638_99341feba2.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3036/2734206436_c1f5c0eb0b_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3243/2733377457_0726ba9ed9.jpg
Notice the construction of I-75 to the right of the stadium. The interstate would put and end to Tiger Stadium being a neighborhood ballpark much like Wrigley Field still is today.

[Armando Criscione]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2733376647_4b3fee214b_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/2733373225_17ce19d5fe_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/2733376529_0e5f7113df_o.jpg
A photo I found taken atop the Michigan Central train depot.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3087/2733374047_2dc1fa8352_o.jpg
A Detroit Lions game.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/2733374001_af18930cda_o.jpg
Another picture I found from the corner of Michigan and Trumbull in the 1980's. Notice the are behind the man that used to be the players parking lot.

http://detroityes.com/news/070308/601pics/19826-TigerStadium.jpg
In the early 90's the parking lot was converted into the Tiger Plaza, an area that offered concession stands and a gathering place for fans.

[Chevy114]

Its so weird to me to see a fully enclosed tiger stadium with no lights yet.

[alpineinc]

Here's three of the best Briggs/Tiger shots out there - two were posted to the demo thread but really belong here -

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj90/alpineinc/getimage-idx-1.jpg?t=1222153178

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj90/alpineinc/getimage-idx.jpg?t=1222153207

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj90/alpineinc/tigerstad68.jpg?t=1222153248

[alpineinc]

Anyway, reviving this thread with some new found pics -

Richard Bartell, coach, 1940's
52238

52240

52242


William Sweeney, coach, 1940's (?)
52239

52241

[alpineinc]

Some of these were already posted in other Tiger threads, but here they are...


Gehrig, 1920's

52248


Ruth, 1920's

52244


DiMaggio, 1930's

52245


Williams

52247

Paige (1940's?)

52246

[doctor_gogol]

This photo from 1978 is from a reunion of the 1968 Tigers team at Tiger Stadium.
PHOTO BY BOB WIMMER
DEARBORN MICHIGAN

I was at that game. I was 11. We sat in the upper deck right field in the just fair section near the foul pole.

I always thought that I never saw the stadium in green. This photo proves that I at least saw half of it in green. They must have finished the renovation in the 78-79 off-season, eh?

VERY COOL!

[Beech Cricker]

[QUOTE=doctor_gogol;1319942]I always thought that I never saw the stadium in green. This photo proves that I at least saw half of it in green. They must have finished the renovation in the 78-79 off-season, eh?
[QUOTE]

Doc, you are correct. The color change from green to disco blue took place over at least two off seasons. The lower deck conversion took place during the 1977-78 off season and the upper in 1978-79.

[windsordetroittigersfan1984]

:cap:All I can say is WOW! Thank you to all for posting your pictures. I loved viewing everything. Talk about a blast from the past.

[Lpeters199]

............

[alpineinc]

Sporting News, 1937. One of the best parks in the majors, except for the press! Oh, and they're 1 of only 2 parks with broiled hot dogs.

This is now the 10th article I've posted in this fun series - I've posted the others in their respective threads, so check 'em out - trying to keep these near the top, but the tide of the NYC threads keep pushing them further back...

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj90/alpineinc/navinsn37.jpg?t=1225639874

[alpineinc]

1946 Sporting News, from Gene Mack of the Boston Globe.

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj90/alpineinc/sn4603mackbriggs.jpg?t=1226249056

[alpineinc]

'35 WS.

http://72.37.159.45/App_Themes/Images/Auctions_Images/605/popups/42498a.jpg

[Paul W]

the pix of the left field bleachers during the '35 series reminded me of charlie finley's "pennant porch" at kc muni. stadium in '62. with the foul pole tucked in an alley behind the bleachers there are many similarities...
can u imagine the way a ball would bounce around in there?

[cgcoyne2]

the pix of the left field bleachers during the '35 series reminded me of charlie finley's "pennant porch" at kc muni. stadium in '62. with the foul pole tucked in an alley behind the bleachers there are many similarities...
can u imagine the way a ball would bounce around in there?

I've heard about the pennant porch Finley put up to counter Yankee Stadium's short porch in right. I didn't know that he didn't move the foul pole up also. Pretty strange.

[DrBear]

My understanding was that Finley started the fence at 296 feet to match Yankee Stadium, but after the commissioner reminded him that the rule said it had to be at least 325 feet, he moved the fence at the line back to 325 and then ran it out to 296 about a foot off the line.

[scribe114]

[QUOTE=alpineinc;1319376]Here's three of the best Briggs/Tiger shots out there - two were posted to the demo thread but really belong here -

Looks like Vic Wertz at bat. The on deck hitter is Hoot Evers.

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj90/alpineinc/getimage-idx-1.jpg?t=1222153178

[locke40]

Here are some amazing photographs from the Life collection.

http://tbn0.google.com/hosted/images/c?q=0441f834d82e347d_large

http://tbn0.google.com/hosted/images/c?q=6fa334ccb0632431_large

http://tbn0.google.com/hosted/images/c?q=f674688db11dfa1c_large

http://tbn0.google.com/hosted/images/c?q=6398f6622b64ec80_large

http://tbn0.google.com/hosted/images/c?q=1f44b71a8dfacd01_large

[soup]

wow

breathtaking

[stlfan]

Are those ones from the Life collection of a Tigers game? Doesn't look like many in the stands. BTW, I saw a new Kid Rock video and in a part of it he is in front of Tiger Stadium while it was being partially demolished. So sad.

[DMR67442]

A FEW PICS BACK LOOKS LIKE I 75 IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
I WAS ONLY EVER IN DETROIT THIS PAST JULY&AUGUST SO ALL I HAVE TO SHOW IS THIS TIME FRAME. I WOULD HAVE LOVED TO AHVE GOTTEN TO SEE A GAME THERE, I HAVE LOTS OF PICS BUT THEY ARE ALL DEMO PICS. I UPLOADED ONES THAT REALLY ARE NOT SHOWING DEMO

DAVE:banghead:

[doctor_gogol]

I took these in 1983. It was Yastrezemki's last game in Detroit. I had some great pics of Yaz too. But I mailed them to him to autograph and he never sent them back. I have the negatives somewhere.

Can anyone tell me when the aluminum siding was complete? I thought it was done in 78-79. These shots form 83 show the siding only partial.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f177/detoth67/TS-10.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f177/detoth67/TS1.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f177/detoth67/TS2.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f177/detoth67/TS3.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f177/detoth67/TS4.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f177/detoth67/TS5.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f177/detoth67/TS6.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f177/detoth67/TS7.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f177/detoth67/TS8.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f177/detoth67/TS9.jpg

[Beech Cricker]

Doc,

Great shots--thanks for sharing these!

I especially like the view of the siding work in process. As for your question about the siding, Michael Betzold and Ethan Casey, in their book Queen of Diamonds write (p. 110):

"In the second phase of the renovation, completed in time for the 1984 season, the old painted brick [sic-concrete] walls of the stadium, which for years had been left to peel and chip, were covered with beige [sic--white or off white] metal siding and graffiti-proof blue-glazed masonry at ground level. The stadium's forty-eight rolling gates were repaired or replaced. Team clubhouses were modernized, and two new bathrooms were built."

I never cared for the siding as it covered up a lot of the exterior details-- architectural features, louvers, etc. But as you can see by the condition of the unsided walls (clearly deferred maintenance), something had to be done and I'm sure siding the walls was a cheaper alternative.

[doctor_gogol]

What I don't get it is how great the stadium looked in 83, all the work they did on the inside in 78-79, and the continued renovations though 84... somehow the stadium as such a "dump" by 1997 that a new stadium was "necessary"?

The only thing this leads me to believe is that it was gross negligence by the city of Detroit, Illytch and greed on the part of everyone involved why Tiger stadium went to seed and eventually torn down.

[tugger]

What I don't get it is how great the stadium looked in 83, all the work they did on the inside in 78-79, and the continued renovations though 84... somehow the stadium as such a "dump" by 1997 that a new stadium was "necessary"?

The only thing this leads me to believe is that it was gross negligence by the city of Detroit, Illytch and greed on the part of everyone involved why Tiger stadium went to seed and eventually torn down.
Not that it was a "dump." It was just outmoded. It was build at a time when Americans were smaller, so there was insufficient leg room for today (I know, I was there). Also it was built at a time before TV, so if you wanted to actually see a game, you had to go to the game. Now, the casual fan can sit at home and watch; therefore stadiums have to provided more amenities, more bells and whistles (and fewer poles and letterbox views) than in the past to get Joe Average and family out to the park. Plus the big name free agents (or current Tigers who are future free agents) are looking for more amenities.

True, if everybody was like us, they'd overlook the deficiencies. But in a competitive business with millions at stalk, history will only go so far.

[doctor_gogol]

It was just outmoded. It was build at a time when Americans were smaller, so there was insufficient leg room for today (I know, I was there).

and thinner.

Although, I'm 6'7 & 250. I never had a problem fitting in the Tiger Stadium seats.

The only amenity I needed was the Tiger Stadium giant Ball Park dinner franks that Comerica doesn't have. Damn I miss those hot dogs!

[cgcoyne2]

and thinner.

Although, I'm 6'7 & 250. I never had a problem fitting in the Tiger Stadium seats.

The only amenity I needed was the Tiger Stadium giant Ball Park dinner franks that Comerica doesn't have. Damn I miss those hot dogs!

Doc, with that bald head you must really stand out!!!!

Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

[YieldtoTwins]

See attached photos. Disregard the date on the pics, I changed the batteries on the camera and didn't fix the date. Was late July 1995 as I was in town for the Drum Corps regional show in Ypsilanti.

[tugger]

Did anyone ever think having the date on top of the photo was ever a good idea?

[Gary Dunaier]

As long as you make sure the date is correct, yes, it's a great idea.

[Lpeters199]

Green seats in 1974.

http://public.fotki.com/Kos/baseball_photos/1974_detroit_tigers/

[dcb56]

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee274/dhcb33/IMG_0003-1.jpg

[Lpeters199]

Terry Barr at Briggs Stadium, then Lew Carpenter, Joe Schmidt, and Howard Cassady.

[Lpeters199]

Gail Cogdill of the Lions and Gary Collins of the Browns. No sterile, Silverdome-like football was played here.

[bandit12]

This photo from 1978 is from a reunion of the 1968 Tigers team at Tiger Stadium.
PHOTO BY BOB WIMMER
DEARBORN MICHIGAN

I notice that even in 1978, the third deck boxes are empty in right field. What year did they stop letting fans sit there? Also, why?

[Lpeters199]

I notice that even in 1978, the third deck boxes are empty in right field. What year did they stop letting fans sit there? Also, why?

After the fire, fans were no longer allowed in the third deck--probably the Fire Marshal's decision. In the 50s, third deck seats were only sold after all box and reserved seats were sold out, so the third deck was empty for most games.

[Lpeters199]

Most extra points at Briggs Stadium either hit the facing of the upper deck or landed in the first row of seats. It wasn't unusual to see a ball hit the end zone TV camera in left field.

[bandit12]

After the fire, fans were no longer allowed in the third deck--probably the Fire Marshal's decision. In the 50s, third deck seats were only sold after all box and reserved seats were sold out, so the third deck was empty for most games.

Thanks....does anyone have any photos of people in those boxes...specifically right field...that would have been a cool place to have seen a game.

[Lpeters199]

I posted this picture on Donald's Tiger Stadium site--check it out.

http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/tigerstadium1912/

This shows the third deck filled with fans in 1976 or 1977, with Mark Fidrych on the mound. Look closely--The Bird even managed to fill all the obstructed view seats behind posts. No seats were empty in this picture. You're very correct about third deck seats. My dad and I sat there for a game in the late 50s, and no seats in the house compared to the view from up there.

[Lpeters199]

Search this site for many old pics.

http://dlxs.lib.wayne.edu/cgi/i/image/image-idx?page=index;c=vmc;g=photojournalism

[YankeeFanBx]

I love looking at and reading about the ballparks of my youth. The Yankees were a terrible team when I started to watch baseball on TV, after 1963.
I remember Tiger stadium for the sluggers on the team, Kaline , Horton, Cash, Frehan, Gates Brown and so on.
Great memories of great old stadiums.

[penncentralpete]

The ol' girl looking wonderful.................................

[Beech Cricker]

After the fire, fans were no longer allowed in the third deck--probably the Fire Marshal's decision. In the 50s, third deck seats were only sold after all box and reserved seats were sold out, so the third deck was empty for most games.

Larry, I remember this night well...it was a breaking news story during one of my prime time shows. I was stunned/concerned--"our" Stadium on fire!

[Beech Cricker]

The ol' girl looking wonderful.................................

PC Pete, you bet! What a great photo--it has instantly become my desktop pic. Thank you.

[Lpeters199]

This angle makes foul territory look wider than it really is/was:

[SultanOfWhat]

Regarding that picture of Mantle supposedly hitting one over the roof, I think that might be the actual swing. There are almost zero fans visible in that picture, and attendance for 9-17-58 turns out to be a measly 2,973.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=195809170DET

[penncentralpete]

PC Pete, you bet! What a great photo--it has instantly become my desktop pic. Thank you.

You're welcome Jeff. Great photo. Enjoy.

[doctor_gogol]

From Wikipedia

Constructed in 1896, Bennett Park was located at Michigan and Trumbull in Detroit's predominantly Irish Sixth Ward, an area known as "Corkstown". Built where Tiger Stadium stands today, the park was named after catcher Charlie Bennett of the National League's Detroit Wolverines, who lost both legs after being run over by a train in 1894, and who threw out the ceremonial first pitch of the season for the Tigers every year through 1926. The park was located on the site of Woodbridge Grove, the farm of Michigan Governor and United States Senator William Woodbridge, and Detroit's old Haymarket, where farmers weighed and sold their hay. The field was quite hastily constructed by covering cobblestones of the market with topsoil. Thus, the infield was very rocky, and the outfield also turned marshy with any rain. In addition, the sun shone directly into the eyes of the batter in late afternoons. The park was built of wood and was surrounded by "wildcat bleachers", seats on rooftops just outside the park.

Shallow bleachers were constructed for the 1901 season, but overflow crowds were often forced to sit in the deep outfield. In their first game here, on April 25, 1901, the Detroit Tigers pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in baseball history. They were down thirteen to four to Milwaukee going into the bottom of the ninth inning but rallied to score ten runs in the inning and beat the Brewers 14 to 13. Sunday games were not permitted here during the Tigers' first two seasons in the park, so they had to play in Burns Park on Sundays. By the mid-1900s, the Tigers had become a very competitive team, led by Ty Cobb, and the World Series was played in Bennett Park for three straight seasons, 1907 through 1909. During this time, the area around home plate, nicknamed "Cobb's Lake", was kept soaked by groundskeepers to help keep Ty Cobb's bunts fair. By 1911, Bennett Park was the smallest ballpark in the majors, and after the season the park was demolished to make way for Tiger Stadium, which still stands on the same spot.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/bpv/images/1/14/BennettPark.jpg

The position of the photographer would have been behind the plate in classic Tiger Stadium

[doctor_gogol]

I found this on hellodetroit.com by accident this morning looking for photos of the Chrysler Highland Park complex.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f177/detoth67/662006Charles-Schmidt-1907.jpg

Catcher Charles Schmidt
1907. Image of catcher Charles Schmidt, American League's Detroit Tigers baseball player, and umpire Sheridan standing at home plate looking up at the ball hit by National League's Chicago Cubs baseball player Slagel during a World Series game played at Bennett Park in Detroit, Michigan. Spectators sitting in the stands and on the roof of the stands are visible in the background. Chicago Daily News

[doctor_gogol]

Opening day 1911 at Bennett Park

http://info.detnews.com/photostore/openingday/openingday1911.jpg

[kingcohn]

http://cache.interscope.com/images/local/500/abbc99d4-9cdf-4a31-8175-3c9a1791ac70.jpg

[TIGER STADIUM 1912]

Here is a nice photo of Tiger Stadium

[TIGER STADIUM 1912]

Here is another photo.

[TIGER STADIUM 1912]

Here is a night photo.

[TIGER STADIUM 1912]

Here is another night photo

[TIGER STADIUM 1912]

Here is a nice photo of Tiger Stadium.

[TIGER STADIUM 1912]

Here is Tiger Stadium in the winter.

[TIGER STADIUM 1912]

Here is a photo of one of Tiger Stadiums light towers.

[TIGER STADIUM 1912]

Here is a photo showing the Tiger Stadium concourse.

[Lpeters199]

This picture dates back to the early 80s, before the padded dark blue Tigers Den seats were installed (and their prices doubled). All the lower deck seats were blue plastic, and all the upper deck box seats were orange plastic--now officially named Disco Blue and Orange, in honor of Jeff's efforts to save them.

Were the Tigers Den seats new seats or just padded over plastic seats?

[Lpeters199]

As they say, right on top of the field--even the 10th row of the upper deck. Comerica should never have been built.

[Lpeters199]

The screens atop the outfield walls were removed for football season.

[brooklyndodger14]

These are pictures I purchased from eBay a couple of years ago and I don't have any further sourcing information. They were part of a dozen or so pictures inside and outside the Stadium on what looks like a sunny summer day at The Corner.

Dennis
BrooklynDodger14

[PurpleMustReign]

Tiger Stadium 1912:

Awesome pics! Those parking lots close to the stadium are funny. Must be those deals where the attendants park the car for you and then have to go get it for you.

[Gylmar]

Tiger Stadium 1912:

Awesome pics! Those parking lots close to the stadium are funny. Must be those deals where the attendants park the car for you and then have to go get it for you.

There was no leaving early from those lots if you were boxed in. You had to wait your turn to leave after the people around the edges left. :hissyfit:

[PurpleMustReign]

There was no leaving early from those lots if you were boxed in. You had to wait your turn to leave after the people around the edges left. :hissyfit:


That sucks. They used to have a lot by the Metrodome like that, but there were people working there and would get your car when you handed them your ticket number.

[Captain Cold Nose]

There was no leaving early from those lots if you were boxed in. You had to wait your turn to leave after the people around the edges left. :hissyfit:

That was fun, wasn't it? It seemed almost every time I went to a game we were stuck because of one or two cars. The boos would come louder than anything at the stadium that day when the people would finally appear.

The funny thing was, you could ask them not to park the cars around you like that, and they would sometimes say they would not, easy-out, they would say.

I guess that was part of the charm, the risk you would take from parking in those lots. Best not try to leave early.

[Lpeters199]

George "Papa Bear" Halas

[J.E.Fullerton]

Apologies if something similar has been posted before, but the main entrance of Navin Field, with it's tiger head capitals on the columns:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b189/jefullerton/Navinticket.jpg
This image was used in the Ty Cobb cover version of the final game program, but they corrected the date on it. I worked at the printing company that made them at the time, and made a print of it as soon as I saw it.

[RationalNYYfan]

These stadiums seem to have been built with so much more character than the ones of today. There's just something magical about Tiger Stadium - gotta love baseball-fever for showing me these pics.

[nyce475]

How was the neighborhood around the stadium, I couldnt help but notice the houses all around and wondering how awesome it would have been as a kid to grow up in the shadow of a major league park. Of course that is probably making that much more painful now for those folks.

[soup]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2256/2233497658_2ab08df590_o.jpg

[scooterfan]

Great pictures folks!! I drove by Tiger Stadium at night in 2005 and driving around the stadium made me feel like I was going back in time. Too bad it had to go, too bad they built a new stadium where the seats are so far from the field.

[doctor_gogol]

Tiger Stadium 1912:

Awesome pics! Those parking lots close to the stadium are funny. Must be those deals where the attendants park the car for you and then have to go get it for you.

That was the player's/staff lot.

[Sean O]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2256/2233497658_2ab08df590_o.jpg

Best picture I've seen. You can see both the disrepair of Tiger Stadium in its final years, along with the tremendous potential for rebirth.

[soup]

Best picture I've seen. You can see both the disrepair of Tiger Stadium in its final years, along with the tremendous potential for rebirth.

it really makes me sad....even more sad than the demolition pictures