My first Tiger hero was Willie Horton, but then the guy with the black glove showed up in Detroit and I was instantly in awe. I loved watching him play 3B. To this day I've never seen another infielder throw like him. (Chapman for the A's, may be the closest) The ball came out of Aurelio's hand at the same level it reached the first baseman's glove. So hard to explain, but if I close my eyes I can see it clear as day. Oh and the smooth as silk backhands. I know this is the 8 year old in me talking, but I still say Aurelio made the same plays standing up, that Graig Nettles dove for.
It's amazing how many people consider a light hitting Third Baseman their favorite Tiger, but he was such a joy to watch.
My brother and sister were 12 and 10 years older than me. I always consider the pre-1975 Tigers my sister and brothers team. My Tigers started to arrive in 75. I'm a huge Trammell fan. I'm also a huge Jack Morris fan.