2020 Detroit Tigers | ||
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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 BB-reference | |
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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]