The Hamilton Tiger-Cats history reflects a proud legacy in Canadian football. As one of the most iconic teams in the Hamilton Tiger-Cats CFL, they’ve built a tradition of strength, skill, and spirit. From early triumphs to modern victories, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats team continues to inspire fans and uphold Hamilton’s rich football heritage.
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?
Hamilton Tiger-Cats Origin
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.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats History
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats history is one of the richest and most celebrated in the Hamilton Tiger-Cats CFL legacy. Founded in 1950, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats team was formed through the merger of the Hamilton Tigers and the Hamilton Wildcats, creating a powerhouse in Canadian football. Since then, they have become a cornerstone of the league, known for resilience, community pride, and championship pedigree.
Throughout their long tenure in the Hamilton Tiger-Cats CFL, the team has earned multiple Grey Cup victories and produced some of the greatest athletes in Canadian football history. Legendary figures such as Angelo Mosca, Bernie Faloney, and Tony Gabriel helped define the Hamilton Tiger-Cats history with their skill, leadership, and dedication on the field. Their legacy remains a key part of the club’s enduring success.
One of the earliest highlights in Hamilton Tiger-Cats history came during the 1953 Grey Cup, when the team captured its first championship under coach Carl Voyles. They later earned back-to-back appearances in the early 1960s and continued to dominate through the decades. The 1999 championship under head coach Ron Lancaster marked another historic triumph, cementing the team’s place among the CFL’s elite.
Cats Achievement
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats team has long been defined by its loyal fan base and fierce rivalries, especially with the Toronto Argonauts. Tim Hortons Field, their home stadium, has become a symbol of football passion in Hamilton, where generations of fans unite to support their beloved team. Players like Brandon Banks, Jeremiah Masoli, and Simone Lawrence have carried on this proud tradition into modern CFL seasons.
1999 Grey Cup Victory
A defining moment in Hamilton Tiger-Cats history came in 1999 when the Hamilton Tiger-Cats team defeated the Calgary Stampeders to capture the Grey Cup. Led by coach Ron Lancaster and quarterback Danny McManus, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats CFL squad delivered one of the most memorable performances in franchise history, securing their place as champions once again.
Over the years, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats history has been filled with remarkable moments, legendary players, and unwavering fan dedication. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats team continues to be a proud representative of Hamilton’s spirit and remains a powerful force within the Hamilton Tiger-Cats CFL legacy.
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Retired Number
10 / Bernie Faloney
68 / Angelo Mosca
*Blue is this team’s history
