| 2020 Detroit Tigers | ||
|---|---|---|
 | ||
| League | American League | |
| Division | Central | |
| Ballpark | Comerica Park | |
| City | Detroit, Michigan | |
| Record | 23–35 (.397) | |
| Divisional place | 5th | |
| Owners | Christopher Ilitch; Ilitch family trust | |
| General managers | Al Avila | |
| Managers | Ron Gardenhire (until September 19) Lloyd McClendon (as of September 19) | |
| Television | Fox Sports Detroit (Matt Shepard, Kirk Gibson, Jack Morris) | |
| Radio | Detroit Tigers Radio Network (Dan Dickerson, Jim Price) | |
| Stats | ESPN.com Baseball Reference | |
| ||
The 2020 Detroit Tigers season was the team's 120th season. This was the team's third and final year under manager Ron Gardenhire, and their 21st at Comerica Park.[1][2] The start of season was delayed by four months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tigers finished the season with a 23–35 record, ranking last in their division and third-worst in the major leagues, and missed the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season. For the second straight season, the Tigers pitching staff compiled the MLB's worst team ERA (6.37).[3]
The Tigers franchise experienced a major loss on April 6 when Hall of Famer Al Kaline died at the age of 85. Nicknamed "Mr. Tiger," Kaline had been affiliated with the team for 67 years in various roles: first as a player, then as a broadcaster, and most recently, as an executive.[4] The Tigers wore a No. 6 patch this season to honor him.[5]
On September 19, manager Ron Gardenhire announced his retirement from baseball effective immediately, due to recent health concerns including stress, a bout with prostate cancer, and a stomach virus due to food poisoning. Bench coach Lloyd McClendon was named interim manager for the remainder of the season.[6]
- ^ Fenech, Anthony (September 14, 2019). "Detroit Tigers' Ron Gardenhire to return in 2020; contract extension should follow". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
- ^ Paul, Tony (May 11, 2020). "For 20 seasons at Comerica Park, here are 20 epic Tigers moments". The Detroit News. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
- ^ Petzold, Evan (September 28, 2020). "Detroit Tigers now at crossroads after some bright spots in 2020: 'Rebuild is almost over'". Freep.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
- ^ Beck, Jason (April 6, 2020). "HOFer Kaline, beloved 'Mr. Tiger,' dies at 85". MLB.com. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ Petzold, Evan (July 24, 2020). "Detroit Tigers to wear No. 6 patch in honor of Al Kaline this season". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
- ^ Beck, Jason (September 19, 2020). "Citing health, Tigers manager Gardy retires". MLB.com. Retrieved September 19, 2020.