Video of Sparky Anderson's number being retired by the Tigers

Video of yesterday's ceremony for Sparky Anderson's Number 11 being retired by the Detroit Tigers.

October 14th - A Memorable Day in Detroit Tigers History

Today, October 14th, is a date which lives in Detroit Tigers infamy. Three significant events occurred on this date for the Detroit Tigers. October 14, 1908

The Detroit Tigers lost to the Chicago Cubs 2-0 in the deciding game five of the 1908 World Series. This would be the last time that the Cubs would win the World Series (as of 2010, anyway). The game attendance of 6,210 at Bennett Park ranks as the lowest ever for a World Series game. With the Cubs' 1907-08 World Series championships, they became baseball's first dynasty.

October 14, 1984

The Tigers were leading the 1984 World Series 3 games to 1 over the San Diego Padres. Interestingly enough, the Cubs could have had a World Series rematch against the Tigers, but they collapsed after a 2-0 NLCS lead over the Padres.

The Tigers held a 5-4 lead going into the bottom of the 8th in Game Five of the World Series. Kirk Gibson came to the plate with runners on second and third and Goose Gossage on the mound - an intentional walk would have been in order. After all, Gibson had already belted a home run in the first inning to give the Tigers the early 3-0 lead.

However, Gibson was 1 for 10 against Gossage during his career up to that point and Gossage told his manager, Dick Williams, that he could strike out Gibson. The count was 1-0 and Tigers manager, Sparky Anderson, yelled from the dugout, "He don't want to walk you!" and gave the motion for swing away. Gibson ripped a 1-0 fastball into the upper deck in right field for a three run home run and pretty much assured the Tigers faithful that the Detroit Tigers would be the 1984 World Series Champions.

October 14, 2006

The Detroit Tigers were one win away from sweeping the Oakland A's and going on to the World Series. Game four of the 2006 ALCS was a back and forth affair and the Tigers had to claw their way back from a 3-0 deficit. In the bottom of the 9th the score was tied 3-3.

With two outs in the bottom of the 9th, Craig Monroe and Placido Polanco each hit singles. Magglio Ordonez came up to the plate with two on and two outs. On a 1-0 count Magglio absolutely crushed Huston Street's fastball into the left field stands for a three run walk off home run to send the Tigers to the 2006 World Series.

I just about cried watching Magglio circle the bases with his fist in the air, the pure joy of Craig Monroe waving both arms over his head, and Placido Polanco happily skipping all the way to home plate. Man, what a moment. Even today I get goosebumps just watching the replay.

Detroit Tigers 1984 World Series Champs are being honored tonight

I simply cannot believe it has been 25 years since the Tigers last World Series Championship. In some ways (with all those horrible years) it feels much longer than 25 years and in many others - it just doesn't seem possible. It was an exciting summer back in 1984. The Detroit Tigers roared out of the gate to a record 35-5 record after 40 games on their way to their first title since 1968. There will be a special ceremony before tonight's game honoring the World Series Champs. Gates will open early at 5pm with special photo opportunities from 5:10pm to 6:10pm. Some of the 1984 Tigers to appear at the game are: Sparky Anderson, Alan Trammell, Guillermo Hernandez, Kirk Gibson, Darrell Evans, Jack Morris and Lance Parrish and many others. You can watch highlights from that magical season at MLB.com.

They were in first place all year, or Wire to Wire as they like to say. Wire To Wire is also the title of a decent (it's not real in-depth, but it brings back a lot of fond memories) book on the 1984 club written by George Cantor. If you want an in-depth look into that magical 1984 season, read "Bless You Boys: Diary of the Detroit Tigers' 1984 Season" by Sparky Anderson.

Speaking of the Bless You Boys (the moniker bestowed upon them by former Detroit sportscaster Al Ackerman) here's the classic 'Bless You Boys' video montage from WDIV:

The 1984 Detroit Tigers Roster: Pitchers: Glenn Abbot Doug Bair Juan Berenguer Willie Hernandez Aurelio Lopez Roger Mason Sid Monge Jack Morris Randy O'Neal Dan Petry Dave Rozema Bill Sherrer Milt Wilcox Carl Willis

Catchers: Marty Castillo Dwight Lowry Lance Parrish

Infielders: Doug Baker Dave Bergman Tom Brookens Scott Earl Barbaro Garbey Howard Johnson Mike Laga Alan Trammell Lou Whitaker

Outfielders: Kirk Gibson Johnny Grubb Larry Herndon Ruppert Jones Rusty Kuntz Chet Lemon Nelson Simmons

Other: Rod Allen Darrell Evans

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Grab your ticket for tonight at StubHub.com and celebrate the 1984 World Series Champion Detroit Tigers.