Tom Brookens
Thomas Dale Brookens
(The Pennsylvania Poker)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 10", Weight 170 lb.
- School Mansfield State College
- High School Chambersburg Area Senior High School
- Debut July 10, 1979
- Final Game September 30, 1990
- Born August 10, 1953 in Chambersburg, PA USA
Biographical Information[edit]
Mustache man Tom Brookens was a versatile and dependable big league third baseman, holding down the hot corner for nearly a decade with the Detroit Tigers. He was a fan favorite in the Motor City, always giving 100 percent, and a valuable component of the 1984 World Champion squad, roaming all over the diamond that year. On August 20, 1980, he had his finest day in the bigs, going 5-for-5 with a home run, a triple, two RBI and taking the lead in a 5-4-3 triple play as Detroit triumphed, 8-6, over the Milwaukee Brewers. All good things must end, and Brookens was moved to the New York Yankees after the acquisition of "Downtown" Chris Brown for 1989, finishing his career as a bit player with the Cleveland Indians in 1990.
Tom reunited with the Tigers following his playing days, coaching his way through their minor league system. He was first base coach from 2010 until 2013. He was considered the heir apparent to Jim Leyland as coach until Leyland retired as manager following the 2013 season, but the job went to a more handsome candidate, former Tigers catcher Brad Ausmus, instead.
His cousin, Ike, pitched for the Tigers in 1975, and his twin brother, Tim, was a minor league infielder and outfielder in the Tigers and Texas Rangers chains from 1975 to 1978. Another brother, Andy Brookens, played in the minor leagues in 1991. His cousin Jeff Brookens was in the same lineup as Tom and Tim at Mansfield State. His first cousin, once removed is Casey Brookens.
Notable Achievement[edit]
- Won a World Series with the Detroit Tigers in 1984
Year-by-Year Managerial Record[edit]
| Year | Team | League | Record | Finish | Organization | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Oneonta Tigers | New York-Penn League | 48-27 | 2nd | Detroit Tigers | Lost in 1st round |
| 2006 | Oneonta Tigers | New York-Penn League | 40-34 | 6th | Detroit Tigers | |
| 2007 | West Michigan Whitecaps | Midwest League | 83-57 | 1st | Detroit Tigers | League Champs |
| 2008 | Erie SeaWolves | Eastern League | 68-74 | 8th | Detroit Tigers | |
| 2009 | Erie SeaWolves | Eastern League | 71-70 | 6th | Detroit Tigers |
Further Reading[edit]
- Larry Hilliard and Pat Kilroy: "Tom Brookens", in Mark Pattison and David Raglin, ed.: Detroit Tigers 1984: What A Start! What A Finish!, SABR Publications, Phoenix, AZ, 2012, pp. 54-57. ISBN 1933599448
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