Tommy Bridges

Tommy Bridges was a formidable right-handed pitcher who played his entire career with the Detroit Tigers from 1930 to 1946. During the 1930s he used an outstanding curveball to become one of the mainstays of the team's pitching staff, winning 20 games in three consecutive seasons and helping the team to its first World Series championship with two victories in the 1935 Series.

In 1934, Bridges was 22-11 with 23 complete games to help the Tigers win their first pennant in 25 years. Bridges also surrendered Ruth's 700th home run on July 13, 1934. In the 1934 World Series, Bridges pitched a complete game victory in a pitching duel with Dizzy Dean. Bridges beat Dizzy Dean 3-1, but the Tigers lost the Series in 7 games.

Bridges had another strong season in 1935, going 21-10 with 23 complete games. He also pitched a complete game victory in the last game of the 1935 World Series. Former Detroit manager Mickey Cochrane said of Bridge's gutsy performance: "A hundred and fifty pounds of courage. If there ever is a payoff on courage this little 150- pound pitcher is the greatest World Series hero."