The Tigers' 2020 Season: A Tale of Unforeseen Twists and Redemption
The Tigers' COVID-19 season was a wild ride. In a year filled with uncertainty, the team defied expectations, finding themselves in playoff contention. But a single game against the Milwaukee Brewers on September 1st, 2020, became a pivotal moment that altered their trajectory.
That fateful day, the Tigers were on a six-game winning streak, sitting just 2.5 games out of a playoff spot. However, during their 12-1 victory over the Brewers, a rookie right-hander named Phil Bickford, making his MLB debut, unintentionally changed the Tigers' fate. He hit the first two batters, JaCoby Jones and Jorge Bonifacio, and broke Jones' hand, sidelining him for the season.
And this is where the story takes a turn. Without Jones, a key catalyst, the Tigers' fortunes shifted. They went on a 6-19 slump for the rest of the month, and manager Ron Gardenhire retired with eight games left. It was a dramatic fall from grace.
Fast forward to the present, and the tables have turned. Phil Bickford, the very pitcher who inadvertently derailed the Tigers' 2020 season, is now in their camp. One of 13 non-roster pitchers with MLB experience, Bickford reflects on his debut with mixed emotions. He nearly escaped the inning unscathed but ultimately couldn't prevent the Tigers' rally.
"I've tried to forget about it," he admits, grateful for the opportunity but wishing for a different outcome. This experience has fueled his determination to prove himself, especially with the Tigers.
Manager AJ Hinch praises the 2026 Tigers for their personality, makeup, and competitiveness. Bickford, now 31, has evolved since his debut. After a nomadic journey through various teams, he excelled at Triple-A in 2023, showcasing his four-seam and slider expertise. Yet, he didn't pitch in the big leagues that year.
Bickford's resilience shines through as he adapts his mechanics and considers new pitches. He signed with the Tigers, drawn by their success in revitalizing veteran pitchers. Despite long odds, he aims to stay in the fight, motivated by a sense of redemption for that infamous debut.
But here's where it gets intriguing: Could Bickford's past misfortune become a driving force for a remarkable comeback? Will he get a chance to rewrite history with the Tigers? The journey ahead promises to be captivating, leaving fans wondering what the future holds for this determined pitcher.
