'"[9] Sparky was referring to the concerns over Brown's previous injuries and playing time and the speculation that he would locker next to Tigers' star Alan Trammell.
When asked if he will bring a little-known player to the major league roster for Opening Day, Anderson says "I can't see doing that this year.
"[11] February 24: As the Tigers prepare for their first Spring Training game, shortstop Alan Trammell is asked about the team's chances in 1989.
Matt Nokes and Torey Lovullo both homer, in support of victor Eric King, who pitched three innings of relief.
[14] March 12: The first telecast of the 1989 season came when the Tigers played the Texas Rangers at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida.
[15] March 15: Despite losing to the Texas Rangers and Nolan Ryan 4–1, a confident manager Sparky Anderson tells the media, "If we stay healthy, we can win it.
King, 24, apparently, was in Tiger manager Sparky Anderson's doghouse for a subpar 1988 season, despite pitching very well during spring training (3–0, 1.96 ERA).
Salazar, 33, had a strong first half of the 1988 season with Detroit, and played seven different positions, but Brumley, 25, was considered a younger switch-hitting version.
Lovullo, a 24-year old switch hitting rookie, wins the job due his versatility (he plays all four infield positions in Spring Training) and a prolonged slump by veteran Keith Moreland, who was expected to be the first baseman after being traded for Walt Terrell.
[21] March 31: The Tigers announce their Opening Day roster: Pitchers: Doyle Alexander, Dave Beard, Paul Gibson, Mike Henneman, Guillermo Hernandez, Charles Hudson, Jack Morris, Jeff Robinson, Frank Tanana, Frank Williams Catchers: Mike Heath, Matt Nokes Infielders: Billy Bean, Dave Bergman, Chris Brown, Mike Brumley, Torey Lovullo, Keith Moreland, Al Pedrique, Alan Trammell, Lou Whitaker Outfielders: Chet Lemon, Fred Lynn, Pat Sheridan, Ken Williams April 1: The Tigers defeat the Boston Red Sox 4–2 in Lakeland to finish the Grapefruit League season 15–16–1.
[27] April 12: Despite the team's worst start in nine years and hitting a collective .202, manager Sparky Anderson tells the media "We've got the most wins in baseball during the 80s.
Former Tiger and Mud Hen manager John Wockenfuss pitches five scoreless innings in relief allowing just three hits.
[32] May 19: Manager Sparky Anderson left the club on the direction of team doctor Clarence Livingood due to physical exhaustion.
[33] Hours later, second baseman Lou Whitaker hit his league leading 10th home run as the Tigers defeated the Kansas City Royals 2-0.
[36] May 27: Randy Nosek, the Tigers' #1 pick in the 1985 draft is called up from the Class AA London, Ontario to replace Jack Morris, He will make his major league debut at Royals Stadium against Kansas City.
Team doctor Clarence Livingood tells the media that Sparky's stress level was never life threatening, but that he would be cutting back on appearances, commercials and charity work while coming to the ballpark later than he had previously.
The team also announced that pitcher Jack Morris would miss an additional seven weeks after being placed on the disabled list on May 23 with a chip fracture in his right elbow.
[41] June 10: Manager Sparky Anderson is interviewed by Marv Albert before a national broadcast of NBC's "Game of the Week" between the Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays.
[42] June 16: In the 9th inning of a 9-4 loss to the California Angels at Tiger Stadium, catcher Matt Nokes is injured in a collision at home plate.
The fans in attendance entertained themselves by chanting "Bad Boys," made popular by recent championship of the Detroit Pistons of the NBA.
[45][46][47] July 28: The Tigers deal their leading hitter Keith Moreland to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for minor league pitcher Brian DuBois.
Orioles director of player personnel Doug Melvin said of DuBois, "we gave up a kid that could come back to haunt us, but we got a guy we know could help us immediately."
Detroit general manager Bill Lajoie said the Tigers were very fortunate to add DuBois and that he "was on the verge of becoming a solid major league performer.
[51] August 19: In the early morning hours, pitcher Charles Hudson, driving drunk, slammed his mother in-law's Mercury Cougar into a telephone pole in the Detroit suburb of Farmington Hills, Michigan.
He spent a day and a half in intensive care with a broken left leg, right ankle and his right knee needed reconstructive surgery.
[53] September 4: In the 7th inning of the Tigers' 5-1 win over the Kansas City Royals, outfielder Fred Lynn hit his 300th career home run.
Alexander would go on to criticize his own performance as well as some of the decisions made earlier in the season, notably, the promotion of rookie Torey Lovullo.
[56] September 27: After going seven innings and allowing three runs, Doyle Alexander suffers his 18th loss of the season in a 8-1 decision against the Toronto Blue Jays at Tiger Stadium.
December 20:The Tigers release Willie Hernandez and Doyle Alexander effectively bringing to an end the careers of both pitchers.
Hernandez, a hero of the 1984 club, was the Cy Young and MVP that season, while Alexander helped the Tigers win the 1987 AL East title by going 9-0 after being acquired via trade from the Atlanta Braves.