Lance Parrish

Lance Parrish was the backbone of a baseball team, a rare catcher who dominated both sides of the game. With the Detroit Tigers, his 6'3", 220-pound frame and powerful right-handed swing made him a middle-of-the-order threat, blasting 30-homer seasons at a time when few catchers did. But he was equally celebrated for his defense—a cannon arm, nimble footwork, and a commanding presence that guided pitching staffs to greatness. He was the steady force behind the plate for the dominant 1984 Tigers team that steamrolled to a World Series title. Parrish's eight All-Star appearances, all with Detroit, were a testament to his dual-threat status. Though he journeyed to several teams in his later years, including a notable stint with the Philadelphia Phillies, he remains forever etched in Motor City lore as 'Big Wheel,' the durable and powerful engine of a championship club.