1989 in Michigan

none 1989 1989 Events from the year 1989 in Michigan included the murder of the DeLisle children; the battle against the crack cocaine epidemic in Detroit; the Detroit Pistons sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1989 NBA Finals to win their first NBA championship; interim head coach Steve Fisher leading Michigan to the national championship in the NCAA tournament; Barry Sanders signing with the Detroit Lions; and Madonna's album Like a Prayer and the single of the "same name" both reaching No. 1 on the charts. Top Michigan news stories The Associated Press (AP) selected the top stories in Michigan for 1989 as follows:School financing debate billed as top state story Lansing State Journal December 31, 1989 1D https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18605158/school_financing_debate_billed_as_top/ Newspapers.com School financing debate, including voters' rejection of two school funding proposals on the November ballot. Efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking, including the April 2 appointment of attorney Don Reisig as Michigan's "drug czar" and raids on hundreds of suspected crack houses in Detroit.State drug czar tours Detroit: Reisig wants low profile in post Detroit Free Press April 3, 1989 3, 11 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18625306/state_drug_czar_tours_detroit/ Newspapers.com Abortion controversies, including voters' rejection of the use of Medicaid funds for abortion, the Michigan House of Representatives' passage of a bill requiring girls under 18 to obtain parental consent to abortions, and clashes outside Michigan women's clinics. The September 22 drowning death of Leslie Ann Pluhar of Royal Oak after her 1987 Yugo automobile was blown by strong winds over the 38-inch railing of the Mackinac Bridge into the water below.Driver was alive in Mackinac plunge Detroit Free Press October 3, 1989 11C https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18625460/driver_was_alive_in_mackinac_plunge/ Newspapers.comDivers bring up body, car that went off bridge The Bay City Times October 1, 1989 1 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bay-city-times-divers-bring-up-body/183915669/ Newspapers.comSurfacing fears: Plans set in motion to see if more cars beneath Mackinac Bridge The Flint Journal Associated Press October 22, 1989 A2 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-flint-journal-surfacing-fears-plans/183915562/ Newspapers.com An October 4 proposal by the Michigan Low-Level Radioactive Waste Authority to establish a dumping site for all the low-level nuclear waste from seven states at a site in St. Clair, Lenawee, or Ontonagon County.3 state areas are finalists in search for nuke dump Detroit Free Press October 5, 1989 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18626382/3_state_areas_are_finalists_in_search/ Newspapers.com The U.S. Supreme Court's November 13 deadlock in its review of a lower court ruling approving the joint operating agreement between the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News.Detroit Free Press sees its future assured Detroit Free Press November 14, 1989 1, 10 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18626651/free_press_sees_its_future_assured/ Newspapers.com With the legal challenge removed, the newspapers began joint publishing on November 27.Papers avert strike, start JOA Detroit Free Press November 27, 1989 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18626911/papers_avert_strike_start_joa/ Newspapers.com First-degree murder charges filed against Lawrence DeLisle in the murder of the DeLisle children after he drove the family station wagon into the Detroit River in Wyandotte, resulting in the deaths of his four children.Drowned children's father is charged with murder Detroit Free Press August 12, 1989 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18627155/drowned_childrens_father_is_charged/ Newspapers.com (DeLisle was found guilty after a trial in June 1990.DeLisle found guilty in children's deaths Detroit Free Press June 22, 1990 1A, 6A https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18628319/delisle_found_guilty_in_childrens/ Newspapers.com He was given five life sentences for his actions.Judge questions DeLisle verdict at sentencing Detroit Free Press August 2, 1990 1B, 3B https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18628430/judge_questions_delisle_verdict_at/ Newspapers.com His appeals continued for a decade, but the conviction was upheld. Dad loses drowning case appeal Detroit Free Press December 1, 1998 3B https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18628595/dad_loses_drowning_case_appeal/ Newspapers.com) Prison construction to alleviate anticipated overcrowding. The November 29 decision by the U.S. Air Force to place 50 rail-based MX nuclear missiles at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, Michigan.State to get rail-based MX Detroit Free Press November 30, 1989 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18625905/state_to_get_railbased_mx/ Newspapers.com The plan was to base the missiles at Wurtsmith to be deployed by rail across the northeastern lower peninsula in the event of a threat of war.The MX: What it is, how it's coming Detroit Free Press December 1, 1989 4B https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18626075/the_mx_what_it_is_how_its_coming/ Newspapers.com The September 20 conviction in Kent County Circuit Court of nurse's aide Gwendolyn Graham in the 1987 suffocation deaths of five elderly patients at the Alpine Manor Nursing Home in Walker, Michigan, a suburb of Grand Rapids.Jurors: Ex-aide killed 5 Lansing State Journal September 21, 1989 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18625706/jurors_exaide_killed_5/ Newspapers.com Graham was ordered to stand trial after her one-time lover and co-worker testified in April to the killings.Nurse's aide to stand trial in five nursing home deaths Grand Haven Tribune Associated Press April 20, 1989 10 https://www.newspapers.com/article/grand-haven-tribune-nurses-aide-to-stan/183916085/ Newspapers.com Top Michigan sports stories The AP also conducted a year-end poll of the state's top sports stories with the following ranking as the top ten: Detroit Pistons sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1989 NBA Finals for the franchise's first NBA championship; Steve Fisher taking over as Michigan's interim head basketball coach two days before the start of the NCAA tournament and leading the Wolverines to the NCAA title. Red Wings left wing Bob Probert being sent to prison after guilty plea for bringing 14 grams of cocaine into the United States in his underpants. Michigan's victory over USC in the 1989 Rose Bowl with Leroy Hoard rushing for 142 yards and two touchdowns. Sparky Anderson going home for a month during the baseball season due to physical and mental exhaustion. Barry Sanders, the 1988 Heisman Trophy winner, was selected by the Detroit Lions with the third pick in the 1989 NFL draft. On September 7, after a lengthy holdout, Sanders signed a $9.3 million, five-year contract with the club.Sanders: Sweet $9.3 million Detroit Free Press Curt Sylvester September 8, 1989 1D https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-sanders-sweet-93-m/183916901/ Newspapers.com He tallied 1,470 rushing yards in his rookie season and was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.Barry Sanders Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com October 29, 2025 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00.htm Detroit Lions giving Wayne Fontes a five-year contract and the adoption of a run-and-shoot offense. Michigan won the 1989 Big Ten football championship. Rematch of Thomas Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard eight years after their 1981 fight. Michigan State's loss to Georgia in the January 1989 Gator Bowl. Other stories receiving votes included the Detroit Tigers compiling the worst record in Major League Baseball at 59–103 (.364).Pistons: Best story in state Jackson Citizen-Patriot Associated Press December 21, 1989 E3 https://www.newspapers.com/article/jackson-citizen-patriot-pistons-best-st/183909409/ Newspapers.com Office holders State office holders thumb|right|130px|Gov. Blanchard Governor of Michigan: James Blanchard (Democrat) Lieutenant Governor of Michigan: Martha Griffiths (Democrat) Michigan Attorney General: Frank J. Kelley (Democrat) Michigan Secretary of State: Richard H. Austin (Democrat) Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives: Lewis N. Dodak (Democrat) Majority Leader of the Michigan Senate: John Engler (Republican) Chief Justice, Michigan Supreme Court: Dorothy C. Riley Mayors of major cities Mayor of Detroit: Coleman Young Mayor of Grand Rapids: Gerald R. Helmholdt Mayor of Warren, Michigan: Ronald L. Bonkowski Mayor of Sterling Heights, Michigan: Jean DiRezze Gush Mayor of Flint: Matthew S. Collier Mayor of Dearborn: Michael Guido Mayor of Lansing: Terry John McKane Mayor of Ann Arbor: Gerald Jernigan (Republican) Mayor of Saginaw: Delbert J. Schrems/Henry H. Nickleberry Federal office holders right|thumb|125px|Sen. Riegle right|thumb|125px|Sen. Levin U.S. Senator from Michigan: Donald W. Riegle Jr. (Democrat) U.S. Senator from Michigan: Carl Levin (Democrat) House District 1: John Conyers (Democrat) House District 2: Carl Pursell (Republican) House District 3: Howard Wolpe (Republican) House District 4: Fred Upton (Republican) House District 5: Harold S. Sawyer (Republican) House District 6: Bob Carr (Democrat) House District 7: Dale Kildee (Democrat) House District 8: J. Bob Traxler (Democrat) House District 9: Guy Vander Jagt (Republican) House District 10: Bill Schuette (Republican) House District 11: Robert William Davis (Republican) House District 12: David Bonior (Democrat) House District 13: George Crockett Jr. (Democrat) House District 14: Dennis M. Hertel (Democrat) House District 15: William D. Ford (Democrat) House District 16: John Dingell (Democrat) House District 17: Sander Levin (Democrat) House District 18: William Broomfield (Republican) Population Sports Baseball 1989 Detroit Tigers season – Under manager Sparky Anderson, the Tigers compiled a 59–103 record and finished seventh in American League East. The team's statistical leaders included Keith Moreland with a .299 batting average, Lou Whitaker with 28 home runs and 85 RBIs, Mike Henneman with 11 wins, and Frank Tanana with a 3.58 earned run average.1989 Detroit Tigers Statistics Sports Reference LLC Baseball-Reference.com March 24, 2018 https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1989.shtml 1989 Michigan Wolverines baseball team – Under head coach Bud Middaugh, the Wolverines compiled a 49–16 record. American football 1989 Detroit Lions season – Under head coach Wayne Fontes, the Lions compiled a 7–9 record and finished third in the NFC Central Division. The team's statistical leaders included Bob Gagliano with 1,671 passing yards, Barry Sanders with 1,470 rushing yards, Richard Johnson with 1,091 receiving yards, and Eddie Murray with 96 points scored.1989 Detroit Lions Statistics & Players Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com March 24, 2018 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1989.htm 1989 Detroit Drive season – Under head coach Tim Marcum, the Drive compiled a 3–1 record and won ArenaBowl III on August 18 at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. 1989 Michigan Wolverines football team – Under head coach Bo Schembechler, the Wolverines compiled a 10–2 record, lost to USC in the 1990 Rose Bowl, and were ranked No. 7 in the final AP Poll. The team's statistical leaders included Michael Taylor with 1,081 passing yards, Tony Boles with 839 rushing yards, Greg McMurtry with 711 receiving yards, and J. D. Carlson with 73 points scored.1989 Michigan Wolverines Stats Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football March 24, 2018 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan/1989.html 1989 Michigan State Spartans football team – Under head coach George Perles, the Spartans compiled an 8–4 record and were ranked No. 16 in the final AP Poll. The team's statistical leaders included Dan Enos with 2,066 passing yards, Blake Ezor with 1,299 rushing yards and 114 points scored, and Courtney Hawkins with 1,080 receiving yards.1989 Michigan State Spartans Stats Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football March 24, 2018 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan-state/1989.html 1989 Eastern Michigan Hurons football team – Under head coach Jim Harkema, the Hurons compiled a 7–3–1 record. 1989 Central Michigan Chippewas football team – Under head coach Herb Deromedi, the Chippewas compiled a 5–5–1 record. 1989 Western Michigan Broncos football team – Under head coach Al Molde, the Broncos compiled a 5–6 record. Basketball 1988–89 Detroit Pistons season – Under head coach Chuck Daly, the Pistons compiled a 63–19 record, finished first in the NBA's Central Division, beat the Celtics and Bulls in the playoffs, and swept the Los Angeles Lakers, four games to none, in the 1989 NBA Finals. The team's statistical leaders included Isaiah Thomas with 1,458 points and 663 assists and Bill Laimbeer with 776 rebounds.1988–89 Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com March 24, 2018 https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/1989.html 1988–89 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team – The Wolverines compiled a 30–7 and won the national championship at the 1989 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. The team's statistical leaders included Glen Rice with 949 points, Rumeal Robinson with 233 assists, and Loy Vaught with 296 rebounds.1988–89 Michigan Wolverines Roster and Stats Sports Reference LLC March 24, 2018 https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/michigan/1989.html Glen Rice was named the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player and the Big Ten Player of the Year. Bill Frieder, who had announced his decision to become head coach at Arizona State, was dismissed before the NCAA Tournament and replaced by assistant Steve Fisher. 1988–89 Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team – Under head coach Jud Heathcote, the Spartans compiled an 18–15 record. Guard Steve Smith led the team in scoring (585 points) and rebounds (229); Ken Redfield led the team with 131 assists.1988–89 Michigan State Spartans Roster and Stats Sports Reference LLC March 24, 2018 https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/michigan-state/1989.html Ice hockey 1988–89 Detroit Red Wings season – Under head coach Jacques Demers, the Red Wings compiled a 34–34–12 record and finished first in the NHL Norris Division. Steve Yzerman led the team with 65 goals, 90 assists, and 155 points. The team's goaltenders were Greg Stefan (46 games) and Glen Hanlon (39 games).1988–89 Detroit Red Wings Roster and Statistics Sports Reference LLC Hockey-Reference.com March 25, 2018 https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1989.html 1988–89 Michigan Wolverines men's ice hockey team – Under head coach Red Berenson, the Wolverines compiled a 22–15–4 record. Other 1988–89 Michigan Wolverines softball team – Under head coach Carol Hutchins, the team compiled a 42–20 record. 1989 U.S. Women's Open – Betsy King won the championship which was held at Indianwood Golf and Country Club in Orion Township, Michigan. Detroit Turbos – Under head coach Medo Martinello, the Turbos compiled a 6–2 record in the inaugural season of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League. Gary Gait was selected as the league's rookie of the year. Music and culture March 1989 – Madonna's album Like a Prayer was released and reached No. 1 on the Billboard album chart. The album featured hit songs "Like a Prayer" (No. 1), "Express Yourself" (No. 2), "Cherish" (No. 2), and "Keep It Together" (No. 8). May 1989 – Aretha Franklin's Through the Storm was released. The single "Through the Storm", a duet with Elton John, reached No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. May 1989 – Bob Seger's remake of Fats Domino's "Blue Monday" was released on the Road House soundtrack album and reached No. 40 on the US Mainstream Rock chart. June 1989 – Diana Ross' album Workin' Overtime was released. The title track Workin' Overtime reached No. 3 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart. July 1989 – Alice Cooper's album Trash was released and reached No. 20 on the Billboard album chart. The single "Poison" reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. 1989 – The Insane Clown Posse's first single, "Party at the Top of the Hill", was released. Companies The following is a list of major companies based in Michigan having at least $500 million in sales in 1989. Company1989 sales (millions)Unless otherwise noted, sales and earnings figures are taken from the 1990 Fortune 500 report.1989 net earnings (millions) Headquarters Core businessGeneral Motors126,9744,224DetroitAutomobilesFord Motor Company96,9323,835DearbornAutomobilesChrysler36,156359Highland ParkAutomobilesDow Chemical Company17,7302,487MidlandChemicalsWhirlpool Corporation6,318187Benton HarborHome appliancesKellogg Co.4,662470Battle CreekCereal productsDetroit Edison3,200389Detroit Edison in the McCarthy Years Detroit Free Press March 12, 1990 2E https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18674350/detroit_edison_in_the_mccarthy_years/ Newspapers.comDetroitElectric utilityMasco3,150221TaylorHome improvement and construction productsUpjohn2,900176Restructuring charges blamed for Upjohn's fourth quarter loss Detroit Free Press February 2, 1990 2E https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18674429/restructuring_charges_blamed_for/ Newspapers.comKalamazooPharmaceuticalSteelcase1,800naGrand RapidsFurnitureClark Equipment Company1,43369BuchananIndustrial and construction machinery and equipmentGerber Products Company1,19081FremontBaby foodFederal-Mogul1,08433Southfieldautomotive, commercial, aerospace, marine, rail and off-road vehiclesHerman Miller79945ZeelandFurnitureLa-Z-Boy55627MonroeFurnitureHaworth>500West Michigan furniture makers revise strategies Detroit Free Press March 25, 1990 4G https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18674479/west_michigan_furniture/naHollandFurnitureConsumers Power JacksonNatural gas utility Chronology of events January January 2 – Michigan defeated USC, 22–14, in the 1989 Rose Bowl January 3 – Amid mounting problems and dwindling support, Arthur Jefferson announced he would step down as superintendent of Detroit schools. January 5 – The Ford Thunderbird SC was named Motor Trend's domestic car of the year. January 8 – Cardinal Edmund Szoka announced revised church closure plan, sparking some parishes. January 8 – Over 100,000 persons attend the Detroit Auto Show, the largest single-day attendance in history. January 9 – Reagan's budget proposal called for 1991 closure of General Dynamics Warren tank plant. January 11 – Former UM and Olympic diver Bruce Kimball pleaded guilty in vehicular alcohol/manslaughter case. He was sentenced to 17 years. January 21 – 56 arrested at protest at Detroit abortion clinic. January 25 – General Momtors vice chairman Donald Atwood appointed as the No. 2 official in the Department of Defense. January 27 – US Court of Appeal approved the joint operarting agreement between The Detroit News and Detroit Free Press. February February 5 – Steve Yzerman scored his 50th goal of the season. February 7 – Farmer Jack announced that its 37 Detroit area Q&P stores would be renamed following merger. February 8 – Tiger Stadium listed on the National Register of Historic Places. February 15 – Detroit Pistons trade Adrian Dantley for Mark Aguirre February 22 – Detroiter Anita Baker won two Grammy Awards for best R&B song and best female R&B performance. February 23 – Chrysler announced construction of new Jeep plant on Jefferson Avenue in Detroit. March March 4 – Alan Trammell signed the biggest contract in Detroit Tigers history, paying $6.5 million for three years. March 4 – Bob Probert suspended indefinitely from the NHL following drug-smuggling arrest. March 5 – Madonna's "Like a Prayer" video banned in Italy. March 9 – William Clay Ford retired as Ford chairman. March 15 – Bill Frieder accepted position as Arizona State basketball coach. Michigan AD Bo Schembechler announced Frider would not be permitted to coacch Michigan in the NCAA tournament. Assistant coach Fischer tabbed as interim coach. Members of the Chambers crack cocaine ring imprisoned. March 25 – Michigan defeated Virginia to advance to Final Four. April April 3 – Michigan wins championship game at NCAA basketball tournament. May June July August September October November December Births January 4 – Joe Barksdale, American football player, in Detroit February 20 – Jack Falahee, actor (How to Get Away with Murder, Mercy Street), in Ann Arbor, Michigan February 21 – Ian Cole, professional ice hockey player, in Ann Arbor March 22 – Tyler Oakley, YouTuber, television host, author and activist, in Jackson, Michigan April 14 – Kayla Pedersen, WNBA forward, in Flint, Michigan May 24 – Grace Luczak, rower and 3x world championship gold medalist, in Royal Oak, Michigan October 2 – Kristina and Karissa Shannon, glamour models, Playboy Playmates, and twin sisters, in Ann Arbor December 20 – Jennifer Song, professional golfer, in Ann Arbor December 21 – Mark Ingram II, American football player and 2009 Heisman Trophy winner who grew up and played high school football in Flint, in Hackensack, New Jersey Gallery of 1989 births Deaths February 2 – Oliver Sipple, Vietnam vet and Detroit native who stopped Sarah Jane Moore from shooting Gerald Ford, at age 47 in San Francisco March 13 – James G. O'Hara, represented Michigan's 7th and 12th Districts in the House of Representatives (1959–1977), at age 63 in Washington, D.C. April 6 – Elizabeth Becker-Pinkston, gold medalist in diving at 1924 and 1928 Summer Olympics, at age 86 in Detroit April 12 – Sugar Ray Robinson, professional boxer who grew up in Detroit, at age 67 in Los Angeles April 26 – Lucille Ball, actress and comedian who lived in Wyandotte, Michigan, for a portion of her childhood, at age 77 in Los Angeles May 20 – Gilda Radner, comedian, actress, and Detroit native, at age 42 in Los Angeles May 28 – Ralph Crego, Mayor Lansing from 1943 to 1961, at age 95 in East Lansing, Michigan June 7 – Jim Cristy, swimmer and bronze medalist at 1932 Summer Olympics, at age 76 in Kalamazoo July 2 – Wilfrid Sellars, philosopher, developer of critical realism, Ann Arbor native, and U-M alumnus, at age 77 in Pittsburgh September 22 – Bob Calihan, University of Detroit basketball coach (1948–1969) and namesake of Calihan Hall, at age 71 October 8 – Edward Woods, actor (The Public Enemy) and native of Menominee, MI, at age 86 in Van Nuys, California December 25 – Billy Martin, manager of the Detroit Tigers (1971–1973), at age 61 in Johnson City, New York December 26 – Doug Harvey, ice hockey legend who won the Norris Trophy seven times and played for the Detroit Red Wings during the 1966–67 season, at age 65 in Montreal Gallery of 1989 deaths See also History of Michigan History of Detroit References 30em