Frank Joseph Navin

Frank Joseph Navin
Detroit Tigers Owner (1908 – 1935)

Frank Navin was born in Adrian, Michigan and was educated as a lawyer and an accountant. He was employed as a bookkeeper for an Insurance office when his employer purchased the Tigers in 1902 and brought Navin with him as his bookkeeper. Navin bought stock in the franchise in 1903 and with his eye for talent was able to sign Ty Cobb and Hughie Jennings helping the Tigers win the American League (A.L.) pennant from 1907 – 1909 but never won the World Series. Navin was one of the few owners who knew the playing side as well as the business side but was known as being frugal. In 1920, Navin played a key role in the development of the Commissioner’s Office and at a latter point served as the acting president of the A.L. In 1934 the Tigers won their fourth A.L. pennant only to lose again in the World Series. Finally, in 1935 the Tigers were able to break through and win the World Series, sadly, Navin would die five weeks later. Frank Navin was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1976. He passed away on November 13, 1935 at 64 years of age.