Every MLB team’s Mount Rushmore

Detroit Tigers

Did Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabera do enough to crack the Mount Rushmore of one of the oldest MLB franchises?

Al Kaline is one of the best hitters in franchise history. He remains an important figure to the team today, often showing up at games. Kaline leads the franchise in games played, home runs, walks and sacrifice flies. From 1954 to 1967, he placed in the MVP voting in all but one season. Kaline won 10 Gold Gloves and spent his entire career with the Tigers.

Ty Cobb is the first person who most baseball fans think of when they think of the Tigers. Whether it’s because he’s arguably the best contact hitter of all-time or because of his off the field issues, he’s the most famous Detroit baseball player ever. Cobb remains the quintessential leadoff hitter, the epitome of getting on base and stealing bases.

Hal Newhouser won two AL MVPs as a pitcher and nearly won three consecutive awards. He’s the franchise leader among pitchers in bWAR. With 200 wins, Newhouser is one of four Tigers pitchers to reach the milestone. Though he had to wait until the Veteran’s Committee elected him in 1992, he’s still a Hall of Famer.

Miguel Cabrera has wrestled the final spot away from numerous other contenders. His two AL MVPs and 2012 Triple Crown strengthen his case. In 10 years with the Tigers, Cabrera already ranks highly in most offensive categories and continues to skyrocket up those lists.

Honorable Mentions: Hank Greenburg is one of the greatest players in baseball history and arguably the greatest Jewish position player. Justin Verlander has a pretty strong spot in Tigers history. The incomparable Charlie Gehringer and the eternally underrated Alan Trammel each warranted serious consideration.