Detroit Tigers: The 1981 MLB Draft Was A Bust

MILWAUKEE, WI - SEPTEMBER 1981: Manager Sparky Anderson of the Detroit Tigers arguing with an umpire during a MLB game against the Milwaukee Brewers in September 1982 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images)

As we head towards the June 10th draft, we look back at past Detroit Tigers’ drafts. 1981 was a big draft year for Detroit as it would lead to a championship and changing the identity for a franchise forever. The Pistons drafted Isiah Thomas. Oh, wait, this is a Tigers site. Let’s press forward.

Until 1986, the Detroit Tigers, like other major league clubs, had four drafts in which they could pick up talent. There was a January draft and June draft. Both had…