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Showdown In Motown: '68 Champion Tigers Vs. The '84 World Series Team

By Greg Bowman
It's a question Detroit Tiger fans have been debating for decades -- Which team was better: The 1968 World Championship Team or the 84 World Series Tigers?

Members of both teams will be on hand Wednesday night at 6pm to try and settle the question at "Showdown in Motown," a charity event at the MGM Grand in Detroit. 

Fomer Tiger Pitcher Denny McClain--who won 31 games for the Tigers in 1968--has no doubt about which team was better. "Well the 68 team was so much better," said McClain, "because I had Al Kaline on that team, and they didn't. That was my number one reason. We had a hell of a ballclub. And so did the 84 team."

But Dan Petry, who helped pitched the Tigers into the 84 World Series, said his team was better because they won without any superstars or Hall Of Famers. "We did not have Al Kaline," said Petry. "We had no Hall of Famers. That's what I think makes a special team. When you don't have a bunch of superstars out there, you all come together as 25 guys, individuals who form a great team."

Other former Tigers scheduled to attend include Al Kaline and Willie Horton from the 68 team and Lance Parrish and Dave Rozema from the 84 team. Tickets for "Showdown In Motown" are $150 with proceeds benefiting three military charities: The U.S. Military All-Stars; Vets Returning Home; and Operation Injured Soldiers. The evening of storytelling, dining and nostalgia will also include a player meet and greet, free autographs, and memorabilia auctions featuring items from Babe Ruth, Justin Verlander, Ty Cobb, and more.

Tickets are available by calling 810-588-9106.

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