The Weird Way the Detroit Tigers Celebrated the 1945 World Series.

Detroit sports teams have always been important to the identity and culture of the Motor City. This is especially true from the 1920s through the 1950s, when Detroit teams rose to the top of their professions. 

 Check out these shots from City of Champions, a historical photo book on Detroit sports, by David Lee Poremba.

1945

Pictured are Tigers managers: Steve O'Neill, general manager Jack Zeller, and vice president Walter "Spike" Briggs receiving their "sheepskins" and initiation to the mythical Detroit Linsdale University at a testimonial dinner held at the Book-Cadillac Hotel. This was the high point of the World Series victory celebrations. Diplomas (which were once made from sheepskin) were substituted with actual  sheep, giving all the attendants a good laugh.

1936

Red Wings owner James Norris Sr. takes a sip from the Stanley cup as coach Jack Adams tips it for him. Norris, a Chicago millionaire, and a former member of the of the famed Winged Wheelers bought the club, Olympia Stadium, and the Detroit Olympics farm club for a bargain price of $100,000. 

1935

Earl "Dutch" Clark, often known as the Flying Dutchman, was a Colorado born quarterback who found success with the Detroit Lions in the 1930's, where his running and passing game excelled.

1950

In 1948 the Tigers played their first game at night under stadium lights. Fans flocked to see their team play day or night, and in 1950 the Tigers would end up with 95 victories, their most in 16 years.

If you enjoy the history of Detroit sports and want to learn more, you can purchase the book, by David Lee Poremba here.