The Tigers conducted online surveys with fan focus groups to get their opinions on past jerseys. Included in the survey were their road grays of 1984 and 1968, a Detroit Stars gray jersey from a past Negro Leagues tribute weekend and a navy blue jersey that resembled their Spring Training design.
The surveys were seen more as an effort to gauge fan sentiment if the Tigers decide in the future to do another special event jersey, such as a throwback game or a concept night. There’s also the possibility of the Tigers getting involved in Nike’s City Connect jersey concept, which is expected to expand beyond its original list of Major League teams from last year.The Tigers have never had a formal third jersey, but their blue Spring Training jerseys after years of using their traditional home whites and road grays year-round show they’re not inflexible to change.
No updates have followed since the initial report in September, but that doesn’t mean the Tigers aren’t doing anything. The team is understandably sensitive to fan opinions on uniforms, having heard plenty of feedback on updates to the Olde English D on jerseys a few years ago, and changes on the size of lettering on the Olde English D on their cap -- one year bigger, the next year back near the previous size.
With even the thought of another jersey creating some intrigue, here are some unique Tigers looks from years past that might have been forgotten:The story is almost too crazy to believe. Third jerseys became popular around baseball in the 1990s, and the Tigers had come up with an idea for their own as a Sunday change of pace from their timeless home jersey. But more than a change of pace, it was a wild departure -- not just blue with white numbers and orange trim, but with their secondary logo that features a Tiger walking through an Olde English D. There were also pinstriped pants, but those weren’t worn.
The jerseys raised eyebrows when they were brought out for the team’s first home Sunday game of the season. Team president John McHale was unaware of them until somebody brought them to his attention that day during pregame batting practice. After checking with owner Mike Ilitch, manager Sparky Anderson and some veteran players, McHale decided they wouldn’t be worn again.
