The Tigers ended the season on October 6 with a 6–5 loss in 12 innings to the Minnesota Twins in the tie-breaker game to win the American League Central.
The Tigers spent 146 days in first place and became the first team in Major League history to lose a three-game lead with four games left to play.
[31] On June 19, Instant replay was used twice in the Tigers' 10–4 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers at Comerica Park, the first time that's happened in league history.
Willis had a stretch in which he retired 17 straight batters [33] The Tigers completed back-to-back sweeps against the Indians and Rays in early September.
Infielders Outfielders Other batters Coaches Through October 6, 2009 Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg.