The 1972 Detroit Tigers: Billy Martin and the Half-Game Champs

After winning the 1968 World Series, the Detroit Tigers looked to be sliding their way into obscurity. Though they still had some marquee players, including Kaline, Cash, Lolich and Freehan, the dynastic Baltimore Orioles seemed to have passed them by. But then in a move that stoked the competitive fires of the team, Detroit hired manager Billy Martin, the star second baseman on Yankees teams that won five World Series and whose managerial debut in 1969 ended in the league championship series. Told against the backdrop of a momentous summer in American history, this is the story of a great team’s last hurrah.

SABR member Todd Masters has followed the Detroit Tigers for more than 40 years. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan.