Editor’s note: The 27 * 61 Yankees Replay games are being played with Strat-o-Matic cards and dice. The designated hitter will not be used for any games. Injuries will only be used during the game when they occur.
The 1968 Detroit Tigers featured one of the most interesting managerial moves in the history of the World Series.
In this replay, the decision by Tigers manager Mayo Smith will be utilized. Outfielder Mickey Stanley will be the shortstop instead of Ray Oyler, who started at that position most of the season. Oyler batted .135 for the season.
The lineup switch allows the Tigers to have Willie Horton and Jim Northrup in the outfield along with future Hall of Fame member Al Kaline, who was injured in May and only played 102 games.
Stanley played a few games at the end of the regular season at shortstop to prepare for the move during the series as the Tigers would win the last three contests to take the series from the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games.
On the mound, the Tigers featured American League Most Valuable Player and Cy Young Award winner Denny McLain, who remains the last pitcher in the majors to win over 30 games in a season.
McLain lost twice in the World Series before winning the sixth game in St. Louis.
Mickey Lolich was another pitcher who would lead the Tigers. Lolich won three contests in the World Series including the finale as the Tigers beat Bob Gibson to end his personal seven-game winning streak in the Fall Classic.
Primary Batting Order
Dick McAuliffe 2b (16 HR, 56 RBI)
Mickey Stanley ss (11 HR, 60 RBI)
Al Kaline rf (10 HR, 52 RBI)
Willie Horton lf (36 HR, 85 RBI)
Norm Cash 1b (25 HR, 63 RBI)
Jim Northrup cf (21 HR, 90 RBI)
Bill Freehan c (25 HR, 84 RBI)
Don Wert 3b (12 HR, 37 RBI)
Primary Starting Pitchers
Denny McLain (31-6, 1.96 ERA)
Mickey Lolich (17-9, 3.19 ERA)
Earl Wilson (13-12, 2.85 ERA)
Joe Sparma (10-10, 3.70 ERA)
John Hiller (9-6, 2.39 ERA)