Baseball Players who Played for Tigers and Pirates
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Tigers and the Pirates.
Josh Harrison
Josh Harrison is well-known for his versatility on the field. He has played as a utility player, filling in at multiple positions including second base, third base, and in the outfield throughout his MLB career.
Harrison started his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2011, and his ability to excel in multiple positions soon made him a key asset for the team. He was named to the MLB All-Star team twice while with the Pirates, in 2014 and 2017.
His best season (so far) came in 2014 when he posted a .315 batting average with 13 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases, earning him a 9th-place finish in National League MVP voting.
*Harrison has previously been the most popular pick for this square (Grid 117)
Kirk Gibson
Kirk Gibson, an outfielder best known for his time with the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers, played in the Major Leagues from 1979 to 1995.
Over his career, he racked up over 1500 hits, 255 home runs, and a .268 batting average. But, Gibson may be most remembered for his postseason heroics, including his dramatic, limping walk-off home run for the Dodgers in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series.
He also won the National League MVP (and a Silver Slugger) in 1988 with the Dodgers.
Francisco Liriano
Francisco Liriano began his MLB journey with the Minnesota Twins in 2005, quickly making an impression as one of the league’s promising young pitchers. In 2006, his breakout season, he was named an All-Star, and while his year was cut short due to Tommy John surgery, his performance left a lasting impression.
Over the years, Liriano played for various teams, including the White Sox, Pirates, Blue Jays, Astros, and Tigers. One of his career highlights came with the Pirates, where he won the 2013 National League Comeback Player of the Year after an impressive season on the mound.
Throughout his career, Liriano was known for his devastating slider and ability to generate strikeouts. His journey in the MLB was characterized by moments of sheer dominance, resilience in the face of injuries, and adaptability as he transitioned roles, even serving as a relief pitcher later in his career.
Loriano Key Stats
- All-Star (Twins)
- World Series Champ (Astros)
- 200+ Strikeout Season (Twins, Pirates)
Lance Parrish
Lance Parrish was an impactful catcher who played in Major League Baseball from 1977 to 1995. Spending the bulk of his career with the Detroit Tigers, Parrish was instrumental in the team’s 1984 World Series championship.
His strength at the plate resulted in 324 career home runs and over 1000 RBIs (114 with the Tigers in 1983).
Known for his defensive prowess as much as his offensive capabilities, Parrish earned three Gold Gloves (Tigers) for his excellent work behind the plate. He also earned eight All-Star selections (Tigers, Phillies, Angels), further highlighting his balanced skill set.
Matt Stairs
Matt Stairs had a lengthy Major League career that spanned from 1992 to 2011, during which he played for 12 different teams, essentially making him an Immaculate Grid Hall-of-Famer.
Known for his power-hitting abilities, primarily as a pinch-hitter, he hit 265 home runs over his career and holds the record for the most pinch-hit home runs in MLB history with 23. Stairs had a career batting average of .262 with an OPS of .832, and recorded 899 RBIs.
Notably, in the 2008 postseason with the Philadelphia Phillies, he hit one of the most famous home runs in Phillies history, helping the team move onto the World Series that year.
