Everyone knows the star players, but the baseball world is now getting a glimpse of those other Tigers whose contributions continue to make a difference this season.
Anybody paying attention to these Detroit Tigers knows ace Justin Verlander and Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera are again having MVP-caliber seasons.
But every successful baseball team can't just rely on the best players on the roster. Seasons are often defined and cemented when the "other" guys step up when called upon at the right spot at the right time. Several unheralded players had key roles in last year's success, and Patch readers narrowly chose utilityman Ramon Santiago over super-sub Don Kelly in our 2011 unsung hero poll.
Given their diminished roles on this year's team, we didn't expect to see either of those names on this list, but Kelly's late-game heroics Sunday have him back in the running. Or, are you more impressed by starting pitcher Max Scherzer, who delighted Tigers fans with a 16-7 record and several consistent outings down the stretch?
Other candidates that come to mind are outfielders Andy Dirks, who when healthy, batted .322; and Quintin Berry, whose speed, defense and timely hitting provided a necessary spark on multiple occasions.
Now it's up to you to decide. Tell us in the comments who'd you chose for unsung hero this season and why?
Monica Higman
8:03 am on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
My favorite Tiger is Alex Avila. He catches almost daily, and helps to get a lot of outs that way. He also is a decent batter. He gets roughed up, but keeps on playing! Go Tiger's!
John Hetzler
7:50 am on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Who's my unsung Tiger? I'd pick Quintin Berry.
Brad Brumm
8:43 am on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Dirka Dirka!
Jason Alexander
9:12 am on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Max Scherzer stepped up and had an awesome season.
Bryan Bentley
9:39 am on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
My unsung Tiger this season is Dave Dombrowski. He got three players during the season that have been key to everything. Anibal Sanchez, Omar Infante, and brought up Quentin Berry. None of them splashy moves, but all of them strengthened areas where there were deficiencies...
Janet
11:28 am on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Max Scherzer - 2nd most wins on the team and if he hadn't gotten injured down the stretch may have beaten Verlander for the strike out crown. Let's go Tigers!!
Amy Cardin
5:40 pm on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
I feel like this season has been a year of unsung heroes. Granted, Miggy got the triple crown and was a force to be reckoned with all year and Verlander and Scherzer did their thing. But for me, it was all the other players who rose to the occasion when we needed a big hit or made an amazing play in the field or stole a base to get into scoring position...whatever. The slogan "every game counts" was so appropriate. Our Tigers played with heart to the end of the regular season...and here we are in the playoffs! Plus, they all seem to be having a really great time, playing the game they love and they appear to truly care about their teammates and the fans. They are the working man's team. Thank goodness they made it...especially now that the Wings' season appears to be over before it started. (so sad)
GO TIGERS! Let's kick some A's...well...you know!
Bryan Bentley
5:40 am on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Great Comment Amy!!!
Laurie Alexander
5:40 pm on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Max Scherzer definatley!!
John McKay
12:59 am on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
I'd say Austin Jackson, who had an All Star-caliber year but was overlooked for earning any significant honors.
Jenny Greenwell
11:23 am on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
(Those sure are cute girls in the photo.....!)
Next year, we'll have shirts for Berry and Scherzer.
Let's just hope that whatever happens in Oakland, doesn't STAY in Oakland.
Bring home a victory, Tigers!
Elizabeth
12:39 pm on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
They are cute girls!
Go Get'um Tigers!
Gerry Szumiak
2:21 pm on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Prince Fielder. A lot of people talk like he had a disappointing year but hitting .313 (Detroit's area code... lol) with 30 home runs and 108 RBI's is still a pretty good year for anybody.
cmg
12:38 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012
Laird. The guy is clutch and no one will admit it. He beats out infield singles for God Sake! It's certainly NOT VALVERDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
John Hetzler
3:51 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012
Who has faith in Verlander and the Tigers tonight? What will it take to win Game 5 against the A's?
DJG
4:46 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012
Doesn't matter what we think John...it's obvious Leyland will play papa choke if we are up in the last inning...
Amy Cardin
7:57 am on Friday, October 12, 2012
JV was on fire! A complete game shutout when our backs were to the wall!?! Amazing. And the bats finally came alive in Cali. Phew. I can finally breathe again.