Established
1950
City
Hamilton
League History
1958 – Present / Canadian Football League
Team History
1950 - Present / Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Nickname
Tiger-Cats - The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are among the oldest and most storied teams in the Canadian Football League (CFL). They have been around since 1869, making them one of North America's oldest professional sports franchises. As such, they have a long and rich history intertwined with their nickname – The Tiger-Cats. But where did this unique name come from?
In 1950, when World War II was over, local businessman Peter Lassman purchased an existing football team called The Wildcats and renamed it after his two sons – Ted & Cat Lassman. This combination became known as “Ticat” or “Tiger-Cats,” which eventually evolved into just “Tiger-Cats.” During this period, the iconic black & gold colors were adopted to represent strength & courage on the field.
Since then, The Hamilton Tiger-Cat organization has become synonymous with success both on and off the field, winning 8 Grey Cups (the CFL championship) while continuing to be an integral part of its community through various charitable initiatives like Touchdown for Kids - a program dedicated to helping kids across Canada who face physical disabilities or emotional challenges by providing financial assistance for medical treatments not covered by provincial health care plans.
Thus it's easy to see why so many Canadians proudly call themselves fans of these legendary 'Cats.' Whether you're cheering them on at Tim Hortons Field or simply wearing your favorite gear at home - supporting these beloved cats will always be unique!
Championship
Grey Cup 8
1999, 1986, 1972, 1967, 1965, 1963, 1957, 1953
Stadium
2014 - Present / Tim Hortons Field
2014 / Ron Joyce Stadium
2013 / Alumni Stadium
1950 - 2012 / Ivor Wynne Stadium
Owner
2003 - Present / Bob Young
2003 / Canadian Football League
1995 - 2003 / David MacDonald and Tommy Grant
1993 - 1995 / Roger Yachetti, John Michaluk, David McDonald and Others
1992 - 1993 / Roger Yachetti and John Michaluk
1989 - 1992 / David Braley
1978 - 1989 / Maple Leaf Gardens
1974 - 1978 / Michael DeGroote
1960 - 1974 / Unknown
1950 - 1974 / Community - Widely Held
- 1950
- 1953 - 1957
- 1963 - 1965 - 1967
- 1972 - 1986 - 1999
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Tiger-Cats Team Formation
The Tigers and Wildcats amalgamated in 1950 to form the Hamilton Tiger-Cats that would compete in the IRFU. Under the guidance of prominent and distinguished local leaders such as Ralph “Super-Duper” Cooper and F.M. Gibson, it was decided that the two teams should merge as one that would represent Hamilton. Cooper was named team president and Carl Voyles served as ... -
Grey Cup Champs 1953 – 1957
Grey Cup 1953 The 41st Grey Cup game was the Canadian Football Championship in 1953. Hamilton Tiger-Cats defeated Winnipeg Blue Bombers 12-6 at Toronto’s Varsity Stadium in a game that ended on a controversial pass incompletion. Grey Cup 1957 The 45th Grey Cup was the Canadian Football Council’s (CFC) championship game of the 1957 season, which was played on November 30, 1957. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats defeated the Winnipeg ... -
Grey Cup Champs 1963 – 1965 – 1967
Grey Cup 1963 The 51st Grey Cup took place on November 30, 1963, at Empire Stadium in Vancouver, British Columbia, and decided the Canadian Football League (CFL) champion for the 1963 season. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats defeated the BC Lions 21-10, in front of 36,545 spectators. The game is best remembered for a controversial sequence involving American players Angelo Mosca and Willie Fleming. Mosca was accused of kicking Fleming’s head while the latter laid on the field. ... -
Grey Cup Champs 1972 – 1986 – 1999
Grey Cup 1972 The 60th Grey Cup was played on December 3, 1972, before 33,993 fans at the Ivor Wynne Stadium at Hamilton. It was the last Grey Cup to be played in December. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats defeated the Saskatchewan Roughriders 13-10. Grey Cup 1986 The 74th Grey Cup was the 1986 Canadian Football League championship game that was played at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Edmonton Eskimos. The Tiger-Cats unexpectedly dominated the Eskimos 39-15. ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Tiger-Cats
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are one of the most storied franchises in Canadian Football League (CFL) history. Founded in 1950, they have been a part of the CFL since its inception and have had some incredible successes over their long tenure. From winning multiple Grey Cups to producing legendary players like Angelo Mosca and Tony Gabriel, there is no denying that the team has had an impressive run throughout its existence.
This franchise's most significant accomplishment was winning back-to-back Grey Cup championships in 1953 and 1954 under head coach Jim Trimble. This feat was even more remarkable given that it happened when teams were still adjusting to playing with only 12 men on each side instead of 14, as per modern rules today. The team also went on to win another championship in 1999 under then-head coach Ron Lancaster who led them through several playoff runs before finally bringing home another title for Hamilton fans everywhere!
Over their 70 years as part of Canada’s top football league, many great moments have been shared by both players and fans alike at Tim Hortons Field - from thrilling comebacks against rivals like Toronto Argonauts or Ottawa Redblacks all way up until now with new stars emerging every year such as Brandon Banks or Jeremiah Masoli leading them into future success stories yet untold! It is clear why so many people continue to be passionate about this beloved franchise: because there’s always something exciting happening with The Hamilton Tiger-Cats!
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
10 / Bernie Faloney
68 / Angelo Mosca
*Blue is this team’s history