Detroit Tigers (1984, ALCS)

1984 ALCS: Tigers vs. Kansas City Royals

     The Detroit Tigers cruised into the 1984 American League Championship Series, thanks to a 104-58 record. It was the first time the Tigers reached the postseason since 1972, when they lost to the Oakland A's in five games. The Tigers were managed by Sparky Anderson, who had been with the team since 1979.
     Detroit stayed in first place from "wire-to-wire" in 1984, the first team to accomplish that since the 1927 Yankees. It was a memorable season, with a 35-5 start and a Jack Morris no-hitter just two of the many highlights. Despite the record-setting year, the Tigers didn't feature any pitchers with 20 wins (Jack Morris had 19), any player with 35+ home runs (Lance Parrish had 33) or 100+ RBI (Parrish had 98). Detroit did feature Willie Hernandez, who had a career year as closer in saving 32 of 33 games and taking home both the AL MVP and Cy Young awards.
     The Tigers would face the Kansas City Royals, led by former Yankees manager Dick Howser. Howser's Royals stumbled into the postseason that year, with a mediocre 84-78, just three games ahead of California and Minnesota. The Royals featured future Hall of Fame third baseman George Brett. Brett batted .284 on the season with 13 home runs and 69 RBI. First baseman Steve Balboni led the team with 28 homers and 77 RBI. Bud Black topped the Royals pitching staff with a 17-12 record and 3.12 ERA. Dan Quisenberry, the closer with a nasty side-arm delivery, saved 44 games, going 6-3 with a 2.64 ERA.
     The Tigers were heavy favorites in the series, and did not disappoint. Detroit swept both games in Kansas City by scores of 8-1 and 5-3, the latter going to 11 innings. Back in Tiger Stadium for Game 3, the Tigers polished off the Royals, 1-0, to win their first American League Pennant since 1968. Kirk Gibson took home the ALCS MVP honors.
     Detroit faced the San Diego Padres in the 1984 World Series. The Tigers crushed San Diego in five games, as no Padres starter made it past the fourth inning. 1984 remains, as of now, the most recent World Championship for the Tigers. As for the Royals, they would return to the postseason in 1985, winning their first-ever championship in a thrilling seven-game series against St. Louis.
     This is a 68-page program, mostly in black and white, loaded with pictures and articles. The articles review the 1984 Tigers season and highlights the team by position. There's also an article about Morris's no-hitter against Chicago early in the season. There's a full-page, color advertisement for Atari, featuring four of the Real Sports games! Local ads include WJR 760 AM (the home of the Tigers), Sibley's Shoes, CKLW 800 AM and Stroh's Beer (still made in Detroit back then).