The 1984 Detroit Tigers roared out of the gate, winning their first nine games of the season and compiling an eye-popping 35-5 record after the campaign's first 40 games — still the best start ever for any team in major league history. The Tigers led wire-to-wire in 1984, becoming only the third team in the modern era of the majors to have done so. Detroit's determination and tenacity resulted in a sweep of the Kansas City Royals in the AL playoffs and a five-game triumph over the San Diego Padres in the World Series. Tigers fans will tell you that the bottom of the eighth inning in Game Five was the first time Kirk Gibson hit an iconic home run in the Fall Classic. Detroit Tigers 1984: What a Start! What a Finish!, an effort by the Society for American Baseball Research's BioProject Committee, brings together biographical profiles of every Tiger from that magical season, plus those of field management, top executives, the broadcasters — even venerable Tiger Stadium and the city itself. A team of more than 40 writers and editors compiled the biographies and supporting essays that make up the most comprehensive look at this remarkable team. Ulrey, Alan Reifman, Bill Bishop, Brian Borawski, Carl Shinkle, Charles Faber, Chip Greene, Cindy Thomson, Clifford Corn, Dan Scott, Dave Gagnon, David L. Fleitz, David Laurila, David MacGregor, David Raglin, Don Peterson, Doug Hill, Gary Gillette, Glen Vasey, Jason Lenard, Jeanne M. Mallett, Jeffrey Shand-Lubbers, Jerry Nechal, Joanne Hulbert, John McMurray, John Milner, Kent and Chuck Ailsworth, Larry Hilliard, Malcolm Allen, Matt Bohn, Maxwell Kates, Mike Lassman, Mike McClary, Nick Edson, Nick Waddell, Pat Kilroy, Paul Carey, Paul Geisler, Peter M. Levine, Richard L. Shook, Richard Newhouse, Rick Vosik, Stew Thornley, Tracy J.R. Collins, Trey Strecker.