What’s up with Michigan pro sports teams being named after cats? Let’s take a look at how the major Detroit teams got their names.
How Detroit Pro Sports Teams Got Their Names
When the Tigers first started out in 1894 they were the Detroit Ballclub, but in 1895 a Detroit newspaper referred to them as the “Tigers.” This was a reference to the Detroit Light Guard military unit, who got the nickname “Tigers” for their bravery during the Civil War. At that time, the Detroit Light Guard was one of the most popular organizations in the history of the city. It wasn’t until 1920 before their uniforms had a Tiger on them.
The Detroit Lions were originally from Portsmouth, Ohio. That is why their first name was the…..