Willie Horton

Career Overview

Detroit TIgers vs Oakland A's - Radio Broadcast / In a regular season game on June 6, 1970, at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, a notable game unfolded between the Detroit Tigers and the Oakland Athletics. The Tigers' pitcher, Joe Niekro, and the Athletics' pitcher, Chuck Dobson, both took the mound with the intention of guiding their teams to victory. This game occurred during a significant period for both franchises: the Athletics were in the process of building a team that would dominate the early 1970s, while the Tigers aimed to sustain the competitive spirit that led them to a World Series championship in 1968. The game started off quietly, with no runs scored in the initial innings. Momentum shifted in the fourth inning when Norm Cash hit a two-run homer for the Tigers, setting the stage for a competitive match. The Athletics managed to score two unearned runs in the second inning, taking advantage of errors by the Tigers. Key moments for the Tigers included solo home runs by Bill Freehan in the fifth and ninth innings, which were crucial in maintaining their lead. In the eighth inning, Matty Alou hit a two-run homer for the Athletics, narrowing the gap in the score. However, the pitching of Joe Niekro, coupled with John Hiller securing a save, ensured that the Tigers maintained their lead, resulting in a 6-4 win.

New York Yankees vs Detroit Tigers - Clincher - Radio Broadcast / On Tuesday, September 17, 1968, the Detroit Tigers hosted the New York Yankees at Tiger Stadium. Stan Bahnsen took the mound for the Yankees, while Joe Sparma was the starting pitcher for the Tigers. At this point in the season, the Tigers were on the brink of clinching the pennant, leading the American League, while the Yankees were struggling, sitting in the middle of the pack. Mickey Mantle, a perennial star for the Yankees, was nearing the end of his illustrious career, and the 1968 season was notable for the "Year of the Pitcher," with pitchers dominating hitters to an extent not seen in decades. The game began as a pitchers' duel, with both Bahnsen and Sparma throwing scoreless innings through the first four frames. The Yankees had a chance to break the deadlock in the first inning when Horace Clarke and Mantle hit consecutive singles, but Roy White grounded into a double play to end the threat. The Tigers also had a scoring opportunity in the second inning when Norm Cash singled, but they were unable to capitalize. The game remained scoreless until the fifth inning when the Tigers were finally able to break through. In the bottom of the fifth, the Tigers' Bill Freehan led off with a single, and Tom Matchick followed with a strikeout. Don Wert then singled, advancing Freehan to second. Sparma helped his own cause by singling to drive in Freehan, giving the Tigers a 1-0 lead. The Yankees managed to tie the game in the top of the ninth when Gene Michael was replaced by pinch-hitter Charley Smith, who singled. Pinch-runner Jerry Kenney scored on a single by Jake Gibbs. However, the Tigers responded in the bottom of the ninth. Al Kaline, pinch-hitting for Norm Cash, drew a walk. Freehan sacrificed him to second, and after an intentional walk to Gates Brown, Wert singled to drive in Kaline, giving the Tigers a 2-1 walk-off victory. The victory helped the Tigers clinch the pennant in the American League, and they would go on to win the World Series in 1968. The Yankees, meanwhile, finished in fifth place in the American League. The 1968 season is remembered as the "Year of the Pitcher," and this game was a perfect example of that, with the two teams combining for just three runs. Despite the loss, Stan Bahnsen had a strong performance, further contributing to the year's pitching dominance. He would go on to win the American League Rookie of the Year award.

Ernie Harwell Calls Denny McLain 30th Win / Ernie Harwell with the radio call as Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McLain wins 30 for the season on September 14, 1968...more info at https://www.retroseasons.com/teams/detroit-tigers/1968/overview/

Chicago White Sox vs Detroit Tigers - Game 2 - Radio Broadcast / Throughout the 1965 regular season, the White Sox and Tigers battled it out for the top spot in the league. In August 1965, the competition intensified as both teams sought to gain an advantage heading into the final stretch of the season. Key players from both sides were instrumental in driving their respective teams' success. The Chicago White Sox had a strong lineup led by star players like Nellie Fox, Luis Aparicio, and Eddie Fisher. They showcased a well-balanced offense and solid defense that kept them in contention throughout the season. In August, their pitching staff, including Eddie Fisher, who excelled as a closer, played a crucial role in securing important victories. On the other hand, the Detroit Tigers, with their talented roster featuring players like Al Kaline, Willie Horton, and Mickey Lolich, were fierce competitors. Their offensive firepower and reliable pitching made them a formidable opponent. In August, the Tigers' pitching rotation, led by the impressive performances of Mickey Lolich, delivered several crucial wins that kept them in the race for the pennant. As the season approached its final weeks, the White Sox and Tigers were neck-and-neck in the standings, making every game in August essential for their playoff aspirations. The race for the American League pennant continued to be tightly contested and captivating, with fans eagerly following every matchup between these two competitive teams. Ultimately, the 1965 season came down to the wire, and the performances in August played a significant role in shaping the outcome. Both the Chicago White Sox and the Detroit Tigers displayed exceptional talent and determination, but only one team could claim the top spot in the American League. Fans of both teams witnessed an exciting and memorable season that would be remembered for years to come.