Walter Briggs, Jr.

Who was Walter Briggs, Jr.?

Walter Owen "Spike" Briggs, Jr. was an American Major League Baseball executive. He was owner of the Detroit Tigers for five seasons following the death of his father, Walter Briggs, Sr., in 1952. He graduated from Georgetown University.

Though Briggs wanted to keep his ownership of the Tigers and of Briggs Stadium, family estate administrators ordered both sold in 1956. A syndicate of 11 was put together, led by radio executives John Fetzer and Fred Knorr, which bought the club with an agreement to retain Briggs as executive vice president. The following season he also became general manager but resigned from both posts in April 1957.