April 20, 1912: The Naps played in the first ever game at Navin Field inDetroit againstTy Cobb'sDetroit Tigers. Navin Field, later known asTiger Stadium, opened the same day asFenway Park.[1] It was supposed to have opened on April 18 (like Fenway Park) but it rained in both cities on that day.[2] Naps batterShoeless Joe Jackson scored the first run ever at Navin Field, though the Tigers would win the game 6–5.[3] Although Jackson would go on to hit a team leading .395 for the season including 3 home runs and 90 RBI's, he finished second in batting average to Ty Cobb who hit .409 for the year.
Established in1894 Former names (all in Cleveland unless noted) -Grand Rapids Rustlers,Lake Shores,Bluebirds,Bronchos,Naps,Indians Based inCleveland, Ohio