The Athletic released the honorees in their MLB All-Quarter Century team as voted on by fans, and five former Detroit Tigers made the cut on the 40-man roster.
Leading the way is Tigers’ legend Miguel Cabrera, who was selected as one of the two first basemen on the roster. Cabrera signed with the Tigers in 2008 and called Detroit home for 15 years. His illustrious career included two MVPs, seven Silver Sluggers, 13 All-Star selections, and in 2012, he was the first batter to win the Triple Crown since 1967.
MLB journeyman Matt Stairs was selected as the team’s pinch hitter, a niche position that goes along with his brief stint in Detroit. Stairs only played 14 for the Tigers but was known for his clutch pinch hitting, particularly with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008.
Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer were both named as two of the team’s seven starting pitchers. This should come as no surprise as the duo was one of the most feared while together in Detroit, and both pitchers went on to win World Series championships. Verlander won three Cy Youngs as well as an AL MVP and ROY. Scherzer also won three Cy Youngs.
Lastly, former Tiger Andrew Miller made it as the team’s relief ace. Miller’s career in Detroit was much maligned, and it wasn’t until the Boston Red Sox converted him into a reliever in 2012 that his career took off. From there, he was one of the most dominant relievers in baseball.
