But the 1952 edition fared even worse, losing 104 games, and finishing eighth and last in the American League—the first time the Tigers had ever reached those dubious milestones since entering the league in 1901.
During that time, future Baseball Hall of Famers Al Kaline and Jim Bunning and eight-year All-Star Harvey Kuenn made their debuts.
However, Detroit Bank & Trust persuaded a court to order the Tigers sold, believing it was "not a prudent investment" for Walter Sr.'s grandchildren.
[3][4] Their decision created a rift in the family,[4] and opened up a bidding process which saw a group of 11 Michigan businessmen, led by radio executives John Fetzer and Fred Knorr, purchase the Tigers for $5.2 million in July 1956, with the sale due to close October 1.
But, during the summer of 1956, Spike Briggs made headlines from his scathing criticism of his team, manager Harris, and the Tiger coaching staff.
Accordingly, when the Knorr/Fetzer group closed on their purchase, they named Briggs executive vice president, and prior to the 1957 campaign, he also became general manager.