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The 1999 Detroit Tigers season was the team's 99th season and—after nearly a century of baseball at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull Avenues—its 88th and final season at Tiger Stadium. The team had a record of 69–92 and finished in third place of the American League Central, 27+1⁄2 games behind the Cleveland Indians. On September 27, 1999, Robert Fick had the final hit of the final game at Tiger Stadium, a rooftop grand slam, which was the stadium's 11,111th home run.[1] In the 2000 season, the Tigers moved to Comerica Park.
| 1999 Detroit Tigers | ||
|---|---|---|
 | ||
| League | American League | |
| Division | Central | |
| Ballpark | Tiger Stadium | |
| City | Detroit, Michigan | |
| Record | 69–92 (.429) | |
| Divisional place | 3rd | |
| Owners | Mike Ilitch | |
| General managers | Randy Smith | |
| Managers | Larry Parrish | |
| Television | WKBD (Frank Beckmann, Al Kaline) FSN Detroit (Kirk Gibson, Josh Lewin) | |
| Radio | WJR (Ernie Harwell, Jim Price) | |
| ||
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Highlights
- April 12: The Final Opening Day in Tiger Stadium history. Willie Blair and Eric Milton of the Minnesota Twins engaged in a scoreless battle through several innings. The Twins finally won the game in the twelfth inning by a score of 1–0.[5]
- April 22: Tood Jones gets career save number 100.[6]
- May 6: Gabe Kapler hits his first home run in Tiger Stadium.[7]
- May 7–9: The Tigers played the Baltimore Orioles. Shortstop Cal Ripken, Jr. does not appear in one game for the Orioles.[8]
- May 15: Alice Cooper tosses out the ceremonial first pitch.[9]
- May 16: Tony Clark hits career home run number 100.[10]
- May 28: Karim García becomes the 34th player in the history of Major League Baseball to hit a home run over the Tiger Stadium roof in right field.[11]
- June 4–6: The Tigers played the St. Louis Cardinals. First baseman Mark McGwire does not hit a home run in the series.[8]
Season standings
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB | Home | Road |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Indians | 97 | 65 | .599 | — | 47–34 | 50–31 |
| Chicago White Sox | 75 | 86 | .466 | 21½ | 38–42 | 37–44 |
| Detroit Tigers | 69 | 92 | .429 | 27½ | 38–43 | 31–49 |
| Kansas City Royals | 64 | 97 | .398 | 32½ | 33–47 | 31–50 |
| Minnesota Twins | 63 | 97 | .394 | 33 | 31–50 | 32–47 |
Record vs. opponents
Sources: | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team | ANA | BAL | BOS | CWS | CLE | DET | KC | MIN | NYY | OAK | SEA | TB | TEX | TOR | NL |
| Anaheim | — | 3–9 | 1–9 | 5–5 | 1–9 | 5–5 | 7–5 | 6–4 | 6–4 | 8–4 | 6–6 | 7–5 | 6–6 | 3–9 | 6–12 |
| Baltimore | 9–3 | — | 5–7 | 7–3 | 1–9 | 5–5 | 6–4 | 8–1 | 4–9 | 5–7 | 5–5 | 5–7 | 6–6 | 1–11 | 11–7 |
| Boston | 9–1 | 7–5 | — | 7–5 | 8–4 | 7–5 | 8–2 | 6–4 | 8–4 | 4–6 | 7–3 | 4–9 | 4–5 | 9–3 | 6–12 |
| Chicago | 5–5 | 3–7 | 5–7 | — | 3–9 | 7–5 | 6–6 | 8–3–1 | 5–7 | 3–7 | 4–8 | 6–4 | 5–5 | 6–4 | 9–9 |
| Cleveland | 9–1 | 9–1 | 4–8 | 9–3 | — | 8–5 | 7–5 | 9–3 | 3–7 | 10–2 | 7–3 | 5–4 | 3–7 | 5–7 | 9–9 |
| Detroit | 5–5 | 5–5 | 5–7 | 5–7 | 5–8 | — | 7–4 | 6–6 | 5–7 | 4–6 | 3–7 | 4–5 | 5–5 | 2–10 | 8–10 |
| Kansas City | 5–7 | 4–6 | 2–8 | 6–6 | 5–7 | 4–7 | — | 5–8 | 5–4 | 6–6 | 7–5 | 2–8 | 4–6 | 3–7 | 6–12 |
| Minnesota | 4–6 | 1–8 | 4–6 | 3–8–1 | 3–9 | 6–6 | 8–5 | — | 4–6 | 7–5 | 4–8 | 5–5 | 0–12 | 4–6 | 10–7 |
| New York | 4–6 | 9–4 | 4–8 | 7–5 | 7–3 | 7–5 | 4–5 | 6–4 | — | 6–4 | 9–1 | 8–4 | 8–4 | 10–2 | 9–9 |
| Oakland | 4–8 | 7–5 | 6–4 | 7–3 | 2–10 | 6–4 | 6–6 | 5–7 | 4–6 | — | 6–6 | 9–1 | 5–7 | 8–2 | 12–6 |
| Seattle | 6–6 | 5–5 | 3–7 | 8–4 | 3–7 | 7–3 | 5–7 | 8–4 | 1–9 | 6–6 | — | 8–4 | 5–8 | 7–2 | 7–11 |
| Tampa Bay | 5–7 | 7–5 | 9–4 | 4–6 | 4–5 | 5–4 | 8–2 | 5–5 | 4–8 | 1–9 | 4–8 | — | 4–8 | 5–8 | 4–14 |
| Texas | 6–6 | 6–6 | 5–4 | 5–5 | 7–3 | 5–5 | 6–4 | 12–0 | 4–8 | 7–5 | 8–5 | 8–4 | — | 6–4 | 10–8 |
| Toronto | 9–3 | 11–1 | 3–9 | 4–6 | 7–5 | 10–2 | 7–3 | 6–4 | 2–10 | 2–8 | 2–7 | 8–5 | 4–6 | — | 9–9 |
Transactions
Roster
| 1999 Detroit Tigers | |||||||||
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| Roster | |||||||||
Pitchers
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Catchers
Infielders
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Outfielders
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Manager
Coaches
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The final game at Tiger Stadium was played on September 27, 1999, between the Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals. The Tigers were victorious 8–2. The winning pitcher was Detroit starter Brian Moehler. The losing pitcher was Jeff Suppan.
The pregame ceremony
Prior to the final game at Tiger Stadium, a ceremony was held. It was emceed by then current Tiger broadcaster and Ford C. Frick Award recipient Ernie Harwell. The National Anthem was performed by The Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit Singers. At the ceremony, owner Mike Ilitch spoke along with then Michigan governor John Engler, then Detroit mayor Dennis Archer and Commissioner of Baseball Bud Selig. Also featured at the ceremony was longtime Tiger right fielder and Hall of Famer Al Kaline.
Instead of both managers exchanging lineups before the game, both clubs appointed honorary captains. Representing the Tigers was Kaline and representing the Royals was former MVP and Hall of Fame third baseman George Brett.
Well, here's Robert Fick. Another man who's counted on in the future, wearing Norm Cash's number 25..remember, Al told him he'd hit a home run today. AND HE DID! There she goes! And it is...on the roof! Robert Fick, a grand slam that hits the roof and comes back! Kaline called it! How do you like that? Look at these flashbulbs! What a moment! – Frank Beckmann on WKBD television, calling Fick's eighth inning grand slam off Jeff Montgomery, the final home run hit at Tiger Stadium.
Tigers lead it 8–2. Two down in the ninth inning. Jones is ready. He delivers. Here's a swing and a miss. The game is over, and Tiger Stadium is no more. – Ernie Harwell, calling Carlos Beltrán's strikeout to end the game on WJR radio.
The postgame ceremony
The game ended at 7:07 pm. The grounds crew then surrounded home plate. Groundskeeper Charlie McGee, using a pick axe, dug up home plate at 7:13. It would then be transported by Tiger pitchers Matt Anderson, Jeff Weaver, and Francisco Cordero, with police escort, to Comerica Park.
Ernie Harwell then read a history of Tiger Stadium accompanied by music from the movie Field of Dreams. He introduced a film containing images of such Tiger legends as Ty Cobb, Sam Crawford, Hughie Jennings and Harry Heilmann. In addition, the Tigers Hall of Famers were honored: Heinie Manush, Mickey Cochrane, Charlie Gehringer, Hank Greenberg, Hal Newhouser, George Kell, and Harwell.
Following remarks from Willie Horton and former manager Sparky Anderson, there emerged from the center field gate players from times past, including Mark Fidrych, Bill Freehan, Dick McAuliffe, Dave Bergman, Mickey Stanley, Willie Horton, Kirk Gibson, Cecil Fielder, Al Kaline, the combination of Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker, and Elden Auker. A line was formed from the center field flagpole to home plate, along which was passed the flag that had flown from the pole in dead center over the finale.
After Auker passed the flag to catcher Brad Ausmus, players threw souvenirs into the stands as some reached over and put dirt from the warning track into plastic bags. It was at this time that Harwell gave his final goodbye: "Tonight, we say good-bye. ... Farewell, old friend Tiger Stadium. We will remember."
At 8:19, the scoreboard was shut off. At quarter to nine, a final team picture was taken, and by 9 the stands were empty. As the last of the fans left, a sign was hung on the famous right-center field overhang which read: "Today, there is crying in baseball. So long, old friend."
Ernie Harwell's farewell
"Ladies and gentlemen, less than six months ago, we began a warm season of farewells, and with each passing day we came a little bit closer to this historic occasion.
"The Lions, Joe Louis and Nelson Mandela. 6,873 regular-season games, 35 postseason contests and a trio of spectacular All-Star Games, Tiger Stadium has been home to this great game of baseball. But more than anything, it has been a cherished home to our memories.
"Will you remember that last base hit? The last out? How about that last pitch? Or maybe it's the first time as a child when you saw that green, green grass that will forever be etched into your mind and soul.
"Tonight, we say good-bye. But we will not forget. Open your eyes, look around and take a mental picture. Moments like this shall live on forever.
"It's been 88 moving years at Michigan and Trumbull. The tradition built here shall endure along with the permanence of the Olde English D. But tonight we must say good-bye.
"Farewell, old friend Tiger Stadium. We will remember."
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Batting
Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in
| Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dean Palmer | 150 | 560 | 147 | .263 | 38 | 100 |
| Damion Easley | 151 | 549 | 146 | .266 | 20 | 65 |
| Tony Clark | 143 | 536 | 150 | .280 | 31 | 99 |
| Deivi Cruz | 155 | 518 | 147 | .284 | 13 | 58 |
| Juan Encarnación | 132 | 509 | 130 | .255 | 19 | 74 |
| Brad Ausmus | 127 | 458 | 126 | .275 | 9 | 54 |
| Gabe Kapler | 130 | 416 | 102 | .245 | 18 | 49 |
| Bobby Higginson | 107 | 377 | 90 | .239 | 12 | 46 |
| Luis Polonia | 87 | 333 | 108 | .324 | 10 | 32 |
| Karim García | 96 | 288 | 69 | .240 | 14 | 35 |
| Frank Catalanotto | 100 | 286 | 79 | .276 | 11 | 18 |
| Gregg Jefferies | 70 | 205 | 41 | .200 | 6 | 14 |
| Bill Haselman | 48 | 143 | 39 | .273 | 4 | 3 |
| Kimera Bartee | 41 | 77 | 15 | .195 | 0 | 0 |
| Brian Hunter | 18 | 55 | 13 | .236 | 0 | 4 |
| Gabe Alvarez | 22 | 53 | 11 | .208 | 2 | 8 |
| Jason Wood | 27 | 44 | 7 | .159 | 1 | 1 |
| Robert Fick | 15 | 41 | 9 | .220 | 3 | 3 |
| Luis García | 8 | 9 | 1 | .111 | 0 | 0 |
| José Macías | 5 | 4 | 1 | .250 | 1 | 1 |
| Pitcher Totals | 161 | 20 | 2 | .100 | 0 | 1 |
| Team Totals | 161 | 5481 | 1433 | .261 | 212 | 704 |
Note: Individual pitchers' batting statistics not included
Pitching
Starting pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts
| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Moehler | 32 | 196.1 | 10 | 16 | 5.04 | 106 |
| Dave Mlicki | 31 | 191.2 | 14 | 12 | 4.60 | 119 |
| Jeff Weaver | 30 | 163.2 | 9 | 12 | 5.55 | 114 |
| Justin Thompson | 24 | 142.2 | 9 | 11 | 5.11 | 83 |
Relief and other pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts
| Player | G | IP | W | L | SV | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willie Blair | 39 | 134.0 | 3 | 11 | 0 | 6.85 | 82 |
| Doug Brocail | 70 | 82.0 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2.52 | 78 |
| C. J. Nitkowski | 68 | 81.2 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 4.30 | 66 |
| Dave Borkowski | 17 | 76.2 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 6.10 | 50 |
| Nelson Cruz | 29 | 66.2 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 5.67 | 46 |
| Todd Jones | 65 | 66.1 | 4 | 4 | 30 | 3.80 | 106 |
| Masao Kida | 49 | 64.2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6.26 | 50 |
| Bryce Florie | 27 | 51.1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4.56 | 40 |
| Matt Anderson | 37 | 38.0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5.68 | 32 |
| Francisco Cordero | 20 | 19.0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3.32 | 19 |
| Will Brunson | 17 | 12.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6.00 | 9 |
| Sean Runyan | 12 | 10.2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3.38 | 6 |
| Erik Hiljus | 6 | 8.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4.15 | 1 |
| Mel Rojas | 5 | 6.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 22.74 | 6 |
| Beiker Graterol | 1 | 4.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 15.75 | 2 |
| Felipe Lira | 2 | 3.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10.80 | 3 |
| Willis Roberts | 1 | 1.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13.50 | 0 |
| Team Pitching Totals | 161 | 1421.0 | 69 | 92 | 33 | 5.17 | 976 |
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| Level | Team | League | Manager |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAA | Toledo Mud Hens | International League | Gene Roof |
| AA | Jacksonville Suns | Southern League | Dave Anderson |
| A | Lakeland Tigers | Florida State League | Mark Meleski |
| A | West Michigan Whitecaps | Midwest League | Bruce Fields |
| A-Short Season | Oneonta Tigers | New York–Penn League | Kevin Bradshaw |
| Rookie | GCL Tigers | Gulf Coast League | Gary Green |
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