Phil Coke, 2011 Topps Black #391 09/60

The Tigers are amidst their longest winning streak in 77 years. While that ‘34 lineup was peppered with the Hall of Fame bats of Greenberg, Gehringer, Cochrane and Goslin, they also had a formidable pitching staff – Tommy Bridges and Schoolboy Rowe each amassed 20+ victories. And although these were obvious factors to the clubs success, the fortunes of their (unsung) bullpen can’t be overlooked… the same goes for today’s streaking Tigers.

As far as pitching goes, it’s pretty clear that Detroit wouldn’t be where they’re at without Verlander’s dominance, but the rest of the rotation haven’t disappointed either… even Penny has managed to pick up ten wins while eating up some important innings. So with the starters earning their keep, avoiding an over-worked 'pen, and the Skipper carefully picking the spots... middle-relief has been the difference for these 2011 Tigers. I’m not talking about the proven “anchor” of Benoit and Valverde, but the middle guys: Schlereth, Alburquerque, and Coke… and after a stint down in Toledo, Perry seems to have figured things out.

Phil Coke picked up the "W" in Detroit's 12th straight win.

Although it's worked in recent years with Jamie Walker, Bobby Seay and Fu-Te Ni, it looks like Leyland has strayed from the “lefty specialist” philosophy. Don't get me wrong, match-ups are always important, and there's no doubt that defensive positioning is huge... but it’s no coincidence (in my opinion) that immediately following Coke's return to the bullpen, things really started rolling for the Detroiters.

Rocky Bridges, 1960 Topps #22

Since the beginning, the “nickname” has been an integral piece of baseball culture. Every roster is filled with players who’ve been dubbed with a clubhouse handle… Maggs, Cabby, Sweet Lou, Bondo, Grandy, V-Mart, etc. But in recent years, very few of these affectionate monikers have actually translated onto to a baseball card. I know, the entire aforementioned are obvious plays on individuals’ actual names. Personally, I prefer true nicknames – not a cute, shortening of what can be found on a guy’s birth certificate. 
                                     

"Rocky Bridges looked like a ballplayer. In fact, he may have looked more like a ballplayer than any other ballplayer that ever lived."

The Great American Baseball Card Flipping, Trading & Bubble Gum Book - p. 103

Everett Lamar "Rocky" Bridges

While I don't know the origins of Mr. Bridges nickname, I can only guess that his manly, rugged exterior may have something to do with it.

The Tigers would carry two men named Rocky on their roster during the 1960 season. While Rocco "Rocky" Colavito was the clubs everyday right fielder, Bridges was used sparingly as a defensive replacement in only ten contests. Midsummer, Bridges was shipped to Cleveland with catcher "Red" Wilson in exchange for Hank Foiles. All three men involved in the deal are still accessible to the collecting community and are gracious signers.