FRANK NAVIN
Owner, 1908-1935
President, 1903-1935
--Class of 1935--
Born - 4/18/1871
Died - 11/13/1935
Biography:
What was initially 10 percent interest in a baseball club for brokering a deal, quickly became a passion for Frank Navin. And because of it, the organization's ex-bookkeeper became the most influential owner in Detroit Tigers history. While majority owner William H. Yawkey was away with little interest in the club, Navin was learning everything he could about owning a professional baseball club. And while doing so he made some decisions that not only solidified the Tiger organization but also allowed them to thrive and become a part of the community’s fabric. He scouted and purchased the greatest Tiger of all, Ty Cobb, for $750. With the makings of a champion he brought the manager that could finish the deal, Hughie Jennings. However, he had to convince American League President Ban Johnson first. He did. The Tigers won championships from 1907 to 1909 but were still on shaky ground in terms of being a permanent fixture in the AL. The Tigers ranked eighth in attendance in the AL in 1907, but Navin remained unwavering, only investing money into the organization and continuously improving the product. Earning more of the percentage of ownership throughout the years, Navin eventually became the face of Tiger baseball. He brought Sunday baseball to Detroit. He brought expansion to Bennett Field and in 1912 opened Navin Field, a permanent structure that held 23,000 fans. As Detroit’s population expanded, so did the Tigers’ prosperity. The stadium, now double-decked around the first and third baselines, grew to hold 29,000 in 1923. By 1929 the "Motor City" was established, and with it, Navin’s empire. During the depression Navin made his final run for a World Championship. He purchased Mickey Cochrane to be player-manager and to cement an already talented team. The investment paid off. Falling short after losing 1934 World Series in seven games, the Tigers finally won their first World Championship in 1935. With the aid of Walter Briggs (by now co-owner), Navin declared that the stadium would be expanded once again after the title was clinched. Unfortunately, he didn’t live to see its completion, dying a month after the Tigers’ Series victory. Navin, who was well known for his poker face and gambling, was one of baseball’s most respected figures throughout his career. Three American League presidents – Johnson, E.S. Banard, and William Harridge – listened intently to Navin’s opinions, as did baseball commissioner Judge Landis. He even served as interim American League president in 1927, following Johnson's death.
Executive Record:
Code:
Year Team W L WP Finish Champs
1903 Detroit 65 71 .478 5
1904 Detroit 62 90 .408 7
1905 Detroit 79 74 .516 3
1906 Detroit 71 78 .477 6
1907 Detroit 92 58 .613 1 AL
1908 Detroit 90 63 .588 1 AL
1909 Detroit 98 54 .645 1 AL
1910 Detroit 86 68 .558 3
1911 Detroit 89 65 .578 2
1912 Detroit 69 84 .451 6
1913 Detroit 66 87 .431 6
1914 Detroit 80 73 .523 4
1915 Detroit 100 54 .649 2
1916 Detroit 87 67 .565 3
1917 Detroit 78 75 .510 4
1918 Detroit 55 71 .437 7
1919 Detroit 80 60 .571 4
1920 Detroit 61 93 .396 7
1921 Detroit 71 82 .464 6
1922 Detroit 79 75 .513 3
1923 Detroit 83 71 .539 2
1924 Detroit 86 68 .558 3
1925 Detroit 81 73 .526 4
1926 Detroit 79 75 .513 6
1927 Detroit 82 71 .536 4
1928 Detroit 68 86 .442 6
1929 Detroit 70 84 .455 6
1930 Detroit 75 79 .487 5
1931 Detroit 61 93 .396 7
1932 Detroit 76 75 .503 5
1933 Detroit 75 79 .487 5
1934 Detroit 101 53 .656 1 AL
1935 Detroit 93 58 .616 1 WS