They win ballgames (sometimes), they hit homers and pitch strikeouts and steal bases. And they hug it out (a lot).
Say hello to your Detroit Tigers.
The Tigs are just one game away from clinching a spot in this year's playoffs, thanks in part to a phenomenal offensive season by Miguel Cabrera, who could become the first MLB Triple Crown winner in 45 years.
But Cabrera's offensive prowess alone can't account for the Tigers still being in playoff contention after a tumultuous, often maddening season of play. Signing Prince Fielder to a nine-year contract in January has added some serious muscle (and HRs) to the batting order. And that massive $214 million contract hasn't made FIelder's head any bigger -- he's the team's on-field cheerleader and merry-maker. Despite attracting international attention for his supposed interest in bombshell Kate Upton, Justin Verlander has thrown 239 strikeouts as of today, coming close to his terrific tallies from last season.
And even our guys who aren't bona fide superstars (yet) have dug in to produce huge hits and amazing defensive plays -- maybe just enough to beat the Chicago White Sox in the race to win the AL Central Division. We fell in love with Quintin Berry this season. Doug Fister set an American League record. Austin Jackson began making us forget that Curtis Granderson ever stood in Comerica Park's centerfield. Despite a troubled return after thumb surgery, Brennan Boesch has shown his hometown flashes of the player he was before going under the knife. And Jose Valverde still has the funniest closer moves in baseball.
We've collected some of our favorite photos from this season of the boys in blue and orange. Click through to pick your favorite player, and let us know who stole your heart this year in the comments.
And, hey -- GO TIGERS!
