Detroit Tigers Captains Year Over Year

The Detroit Tigers are a professional baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. They are a member of the American League (AL) Central Division in Major League Baseball (MLB). After spending nearly a century at Tiger Stadium, they have been playing at Comerica Park since 2000. Their mascot is Paws, and their colors are navy blue, white, and orange.

The Tigers have a long and rich history, established in 1894. They are one of the oldest franchises in the league. The Tigers have won four World Series championships in 1935, 1945, 1968, and 1984. They have also earned 11 AL pennants and four AL Central Division championships. One of the most famous players in Tigers' history is Ty Cobb, a center fielder who played for the team from 1905 onwards. Cobb was the first Tiger inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936. The Detroit Tigers are currently owned by Ilitch Holdings, with Mike and Marian Ilitch serving as the owners of the company. Since 2021, A. J. Hinch has been the manager of the team.

Detroit Tigers Captain History

Since its inception, the Detroit Tigers have had six captains. Bill Coughlin a third baseman for Detroit Tigers became the first captain in 1907. As of 2024, the Detroit Tigers do not have any current captain.

Bill Coughlin (1907–1908)

Bill Coughlin served as a captain for the Detroit Tigers from 1907 to 1908. Primarily a third baseman, Coughlin was known for his defensive and leadership skills, having played for the Detroit Tigers from 1904 to 1908. He played an integral role in the Tigers' pennant-winning seasons in 1907 and 1908, guiding the team to two consecutive World Series appearances. After retiring, Coughlin transitioned into coaching and later managed at the minor league level.

Germany Schaefer (1907–1909)

Germany Schaefer was a versatile infielder for the Detroit Tigers from 1905 to 1909 and served as a captain for the team from 1907 to 1909. Known for his personality and base-stealing prowess, Schaefer added energy to the Tigers' lineup. He helped the team reach the World Series in 1907, 1908, and 1909. Schaefer's creative play on the field made him a fan favorite, and he is remembered for inventing the "stolen base reversal" in a game to confuse opponents. He has played 15 seasons in MLB for different teams.

George Moriarty (1911–1916)

George Moriarty served as the Tigers' team captain from 1911 to 1916. An aggressive and fiery competitor, Moriarty was also noted for his sportsmanship and dedication to the game. Following his playing days, Moriarty became an MLB manager for the Detroit Tigers from 1927 to 1928. His time as a player and later as an umpire made him a prominent figure in early baseball history.

Brad Ausmus (1999)

Brad Ausmus played for the Detroit Tigers during the 1999 to 2000 season as a catcher and became the captain in 1999. Known for his defensive prowess and ability to manage a pitching staff, Ausmus later became a manager for the Tigers from 2014 to 2017. His career as a player and manager showcased his leadership skills and deep understanding of the game. Ausmus also played for several other MLB teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros, and San Diego Padres.

Doug Brocail (1999)

Doug Brocail was a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers from 1997 to 2000 and served as captain in 1999. Known for his competitiveness and resilience, Brocail overcame several injuries throughout his career to remain an effective pitcher. After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, serving as a pitching coach for various MLB teams, including the Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles.

Dean Palmer (1999)

Dean Palmer was a power-hitting third baseman for the Detroit Tigers and also served as captain in 1999. Known for his ability to drive in runs and hit home runs, Palmer, with the 22 home runs, won the American Association home run title and played 60 games throughout the matchups. In 1998 and 1999, he earned a Silver Slugger Award for his offensive contributions.