Brandon Inge

Brandon Inge is a former Major League Baseball third baseman and catcher known for his versatility and contributions to the Detroit Tigers. Drafted by the Tigers in the second round of the MLB Draft out of Virginia Commonwealth University, Inge made his debut as a catcher on Opening Day for Detroit. He appeared in 1,532 games across multiple positions, including third base, catcher, second base, shortstop, and all three outfield spots, batting .233 with 1,166 hits, 152 home runs, and 648 runs batted in.

Inge distinguished himself defensively, playing the most career games at third base for the Tigers and leading the American League in assists and double plays. He set a franchise record for assists in a season at third base, surpassing the previous mark held by Aurelio Rodriguez. In an interleague game against the St. Louis Cardinals, his diving stop and throw from his knees earned recognition as the ESPN defensive play of the year for a third baseman. Offensively, Inge reached his peak during a season in which he made the American League All-Star team, hitting 27 home runs and driving in 84 runs while playing third base. He also participated in the Futures Game and the MLB Home Run Derby.

Inge played a key role during a significant postseason run for the Tigers. In the American League Championship Series, he hit a home run off Barry Zito to give Detroit a 1-0 lead, helping the Tigers sweep the Oakland Athletics and advance to their first World Series appearance since 1984. In the World Series, Inge batted .353 in 17 at-bats, tying for the second-highest average on the team. He received the MLB Players Choice Man of the Year Award for inspiring others to higher levels of achievement.

Following his playing career, Inge transitioned to coaching, joining the Michigan Wolverines baseball staff and serving as an assistant coach at the high school level. His coaching philosophy emphasizes player development and building confidence in young athletes. Inge and his wife have supported the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation, volunteering at its annual gala, and he established Dingers for DIPG, a baseball clinic that raises funds and awareness for the disease. Inge's commitment to baseball and community service has been a consistent aspect of his career and post-playing endeavors.