A data‑driven tribute to a storied franchise
For nearly four decades, Tom Gage has been the voice that chronicled the highs and lows of the Detroit Tigers, from the early days of the franchise to the modern era of analytics.
When Miguel Cabrera announced his retirement, Gage found a natural moment to collaborate with former Tigers catcher Alex Avila on a project that would blend statistical rigor with the narrative richness of the team’s history.
The resulting book, *Your Detroit Tigers: The Great, The Good, The Top 400*, ranks the franchise’s 400 best hitters and pitchers using a custom algorithm that weighs 14 metrics for batters and a separate set for pitchers. Each player’s two weakest categories are excluded from the final score, leaving a focused evaluation of overall contribution.
The methodology produced some unexpected outcomes. Hall of Fame catcher Mickey Cochrane, for instance, falls short of the upper echelon many expected, while the legacy of Ty Cobb remains a benchmark that few can surpass. At the same time, the list shines a light on lesser‑known figures whose careers deserve wider recognition.
Beyond the numbers, the book offers anecdotes and context that bring forgotten eras to life, giving readers a deeper appreciation of how the Tigers have evolved over a century of play.
To celebrate the release, Gage and Avila will be signing copies on June 25 at the Grosse Pointe History Center, where fans can meet the authors and hear the stories behind the rankings.