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Tigers to Honor 1968 World Champions on Saturday, May 25
The Detroit Tigers will celebrate one of the most beloved teams in club history Saturday, May 25, when they pay tribute to the 1968 World Series Champion Tigers at Comerica Park. The Tigers will host the Minnesota Twins at 4:05 p.m. and fans are encouraged to arrive early to be in their seats to enjoy the pregame festivities, which begin at 3:40 p.m. Gates open at 2:00 p.m.
The first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive a 1968 Tigers 45th Anniversary commemorative coin, courtesy of Belle Tire.
José Feliciano will perform the national anthem. Feliciano performed “The Star Spangled Banner” prior to Game 5 of the 1968 World Series between the Tigers and the St. Louis Cardinals at Tiger Stadium, a game the Tigers won 5-3 on October 7.
Players and coaches from the ’68 team scheduled to attend include:
Wayne Comer – Outfielder #27
John Hiller – Lefthanded Pitcher #18
Al Kaline – Outfielder #6
Mickey Lolich – Lefthanded Pitcher #29
Tom Matchick – Infielder #2
Denny McLain – Righthanded Pitcher #17
Hal Naragon – Coach #52
Jim Price – Catcher #12
Mickey Stanley – Outfielder/Shortstop #24
Dick Tracewski – Infielder #44
Jon Warden – Lefthanded Pitcher #39
Don Wert – Third base #8
Daryl Patterson – Righthanded Pitcher #43
Ray Lane – Radio Broadcaster
*Players subject to change
The tribute will continue with a special video tribute on the Comerica Park HD scoreboard created specifically for this event. The video will be followed by an on-field, pregame ceremony to recognize the members of the 1968 team. In addition to all of the pregame festivities, one member of the 1968 team will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Tigers play-by-play radio broadcaster Dan Dickerson will serve as master of ceremonies.
Tickets are still available for this special day. Call 866-66-TIGER or visit Tigers.com for your tickets.
Torii Hunter Hosts A Special Play Baseball Detroit Rally in Wayne, Michigan
A sea of screaming orange.
That’s what greeted Detroit Tigers superstar Torii Hunter as he entered the Franklin Middle School auditorium in Wayne, Michigan on May 14.
Hunter was at the school as part of the Tigers’ Play Baseball Detroit Program, designed to encourage participation in youth baseball and softball programs throughout the metro-Detroit area.
Over the past two decades, participation in youth baseball and softball programs has fallen dramatically in inner city and urban areas throughout the country.
The Tigers are trying to turn those numbers around.
That’s why each year they throw a Play Baseball Detroit Rally in a local school with a Tigers player to help encourage young people to participate in the game of baseball.
This year, it was Hunter’s turn to fire up the kids. And he did just that.
Hunter spoke about his life growing up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and how he prepares himself to succeed on the field, and in life.
“It’s about getting yourself ready,” said Hunter. “It’s like when a teacher gives you test. If you studied for the test you’re like ‘Man I got this’. But if you didn’t study for the test, that’s when you feel pressure. And that’s when things get tough.”
Hunter encouraged the kids to get involved in their communities, be active in sports, and find what their passions and strengths are.
Then Hunter posed for a photo with the youth baseball and softball players in the audience before returning to Comerica Park for that night’s game against the Astros.
For Hunter, the Play Baseball Detroit Rally was a chance to give back and encourage more kids to play the sport that he loves.
“It was pretty awesome to see the kids and to give them the opportunity to see a professional player and talk to them and engage with them,” said Hunter. “These kids had me pumped up.”
Tigers Host Screening of “42″ for Detroit High School Students
What was is like to be Jackie Robinson in 1947?
That is the question that over 200 Detroit Edison Public School Academy Students were asked on Friday, May 10 as the Detroit Tigers and Major League Baseball held a private screening of the acclaimed movie “42” at the Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit.
After the movie, three students from the school shared their thoughts on Jackie Robinson and “42” before listening to a roundtable with distinguished guests that included, FOX Sports Detroit analyst and former Major League Baseball player Rod Allen, Jackie Robinson Foundation Alumnus Shani Allison, Detroit News Sports Columnist and radio personality on WXYT-FM Terry Foster, Vice President of Community and Public Affairs for the Detroit Tigers Elaine Lewis, and former Negro Leagues player Ron Teasley.
Each shared their own unique perspective on the impact Jackie Robinson had on their lives, and how they have each become successful in their personal and professional careers.
The students then posed for a photo with their “42” movie posters and patches before returning to school to discuss the lessons learned from the movie.
To learn more about Jackie Robinson and the Jackie Robinson Foundation visit http://www.jackierobinson.org.
Everything You Need to Know When the Tigers Face the Houston Astros
Here’s what’s on tap for the Tigers as the Houston Astros make their first and only trip to Comerica Park in 2013.
Monday, May 13 – Houston Astros @ 7:08 p.m. (Gates open at 5:30 p.m., Probables: Sanchez vs. Norris)
- The first 10,000 fans to enter Comerica Park will receive a Doug Fister Mouse Pad, courtesy of Michigan State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
- Miss Michigan Night: All 33 Miss Michigan titleholders will participate in Miss Michigan Night at Comerica Park. All 33 ladies will greet fans upon entry to Comerica Park and will be recognized in a special on-field pregame ceremony. Miss Michigan 2012, Angela Venditti, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Tuesday, May 14 – Houston Astros @ 7:08 (Gates open at 5:30 p.m., Probables: Fister vs. Harrell)
- Super Spring Special: Upper box infield tickets for $13 (normally $26) for Monday-Thursday games in May. Tickets are available in advance or at ticket windows on game day. Tickets are subject to availability.
Wednesday, May 15- Houston Astros @ 1:08 p.m. (Gates open at 11:30 a.m., Probables: Scherzer vs. Keuchel)
- Space Day: The Tigers have designed five specific “Class Outside” programs that incorporate the fun of going to a baseball game with classroom learning. Michigan has a very special role in the history of space exploration. Many former NASA astronauts are Michigan natives (and baseball fans!). Join the Tigers as we explore our universe and galaxy, from the perspective of an astronaut, utilizing the giant HD Comerica Park Videoboard. The final “Class Outside” educational program will feature famed astronaut and Detroit native Dr. Jerry Linenger as the guest of honor and speaker. Please note: Space Day is designed for elementary and middle school students. Tickets are still available at tigers.com/space.
- 18th Annual Detroit Tigers G.R.E.A.T. Day: The Tigers were the first professional sports team to commit to the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program, and have dedicated one game since 1992 to G.R.E.A.T. This year, 900 Detroit area middle school students who have graduated from or are currently receiving lessons under the 13-week program will attend the game to celebrate their achievements in avoiding destructive behaviors. The students work with law enforcement agencies and educators to learn the importance of becoming responsible members of their communities by setting goals, resisting peer pressures, learning how to resolve conflicts and understanding how gangs negatively impact the quality of their life. Tigers’ Manager Jim Leyland is scheduled to address the youth of G.R.E.A.T. prior the game. Through the G.R.E.A.T. program, approximately 74,000 Michigan youth have received instruction from city, county, state and federal law enforcement officers throughout Michigan since its inception in 1992.
Everything you Need to Know for the Tigers vs. Indians Series
The Tigers are back in town this weekend for a three-game central showdown with the Cleveland Indians. Find out what’s happening at the ballpark all weekend long!
Friday, May 10 – Cleveland Indians (Probables: Scherzer vs. Kluber) @ 7:08 p.m. (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.)
- Game Ball Delivery: Specialist Aaron Ravert of the United States Army reserve from Brooklyn, Michigan will deliver the game ball. He recently returned from deployment in Afghanistan as a member of the Military Police unit out of Jackson.
- Detroit Tigers 50/50 Charity Raffle: The Detroit Tigers Foundation 50/50 Charity Raffle returns to Comerica Park this season at every Friday and Saturday home game. The partner charity for this weekend is the Little Caesars Amateur Sports Foundation, which supports youth sports and programs in Greater Detroit. Since the inception of the program in 2009, the 50/50 Charity Raffle program has raised $440,000 for charity with the single largest one-game prize of the program being $8,377.50. Tickets will be sold from the time gates open through the end of the second inning. 50/50 Charity Raffle volunteers are stationed throughout the ballpark in their orange 50/50 Raffle aprons, at entry gates and at the 50/50 raffle table near gate A to purchase raffle tickets. 50/50 Charity Raffle tickets are sold 3-for-$5. Each night a winner will be selected and announced after the sixth inning and will receive half of the funds collected through that game’s raffle ticket sales. The remaining funds are shared between the Detroit Tigers Foundation and the select partner charity.
Saturday, May 11 – Cleveland Indians (Probables: Verlander vs. Jimenez) @ 7:08 p.m. (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.) – GATES OPEN EARLY FOR CLINIC
- The first 10,000 fans to enter Comerica Park will receive a Detroit Tigers 2013-14 Wall Calendar, courtesy of Red Robin.
- Game Ball Delivery: Specialist Daniel Anders of the United States Army from Brownstown, Michigan will deliver the game ball. He recently returned from his first deployment in Afghanistan and has proudly served for two years.
- Pregame On-Field Clinic: Prior to Saturday’s game, a Pregame Baseball Clinic will take place beginning at 5:15 p.m. on the field at Comerica Park, presented by Red Robin. The Clinic will feature four separate 13-minute long sessions: hitting, pitching, catching and infield. A Tigers player and coach will be at every station to share their in depth baseball knowledge lecture-style. Fans of all ages with a ticket are invited to participate! The event is weather-permitting.
Sunday, May 12 – Kids Day – Cleveland Indians (Probables: Porcello vs. McAllister) @ 1:08 p.m. (Gates open at 11:30 a.m.)
- All kids 14-and-younger will receive an “Every Kid, Every Sunday” Torii Hunter Wall Poster, courtesy of Meijer.
- Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer/Honorary Bat Girl and Breast Health Awareness Game: Major League Baseball and the Detroit Tigers go to bat against breast cancer. The goal of this campaign is to increase breast cancer awareness and promote early detection while also raising funds to support breast cancer research. The Tigers will donate 2,000 tickets to breast cancer survivors, volunteers and their families from the Detroit Race for the Cure to attend the game when the Tigers take on the Cleveland Indians. Over 275 breast cancer survivors from the Race for the Cure will be invited on the field and recognized prior to the national anthem. The Detroit Tigers will also host the 2013 MLB Honorary Bat Girl, Tracie Kania from Troy, Michigan, as selected through an online contest at tigers.com to recognize inspirational MLB fans that have been affected by breast cancer and demonstrated a commitment to the cause. Kania was one of 30 winners selected by MLB from many entries. The Tigers will provide Tracie with complimentary game tickets for her and her family on Sunday, recognize her, along with the other breast cancer survivors, during an on-field, pregame ceremony and provide her the opportunity to throw the ceremonial first pitch. Tracie will also receive a special Honorary Bat Girl jersey, a Rawlings pink stitched baseball, a certificate of recognition signed by Commissioner Selig along with other breast health awareness items.
- All Sunday home games are Kids Days at Comerica Park. All kids 14-and-younger will receive a free promotional item as part of the “Every Kid, Every Sunday” giveaway guarantee, can enjoy free rides on the Comerica Bank Carousel or the Fly Ball Ferris Wheel, courtesy of Kroger, can take part in free face painting, have the chance to win a bicycle and are invited down to the field for Kids Run the Bases, courtesy of Aquafina, following the game.
Your Tigers Playlist
We’ve gotten a lot of questions about what songs the Tigers use when they’re up to bat or on the mound. While some of their music changes over the course of the season, here is what you can expect to hear when your Tigers are playing at Comerica Park.
Jay-Z and Eminem with members of the 2010 Detroit Tigers.
Alex Avila: “I Got Mine” by the Black Keys
Miguel Cabrera: “Mercy” by Kanye West, “N****s In Paris” by Jay-Z & Kanye West
Andy Dirks: “Get Off On The Pain” by Gary Allan
Prince Fielder: “Requiem: No 4. Sequence” by Sir Colin Davis, London Symphony Chorus & London Symphony Orchestra
Torii Hunter: “Welcome 2 Detroit City” by Eminem Omar Infante: “Echa Pa’ Ya (Manos Parriba)” by Pitbull, “Limbo” by Daddy Yankee
Austin Jackson: “Ambition” by Wale
Don Kelly: “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon
Victor Martinez: “Bailando” by Frankie Ruiz, “Mr. Saxobeat” by Alexandra Stan, “I Can” by Nas, “Shots” by LMFAO
Brayan Peña: “Ran Kan Kan” by Tito Puente, “All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled, “We Ready” by Archie
Jhonny Peralta: “Party” by Wisin y Yandel “More” by Zion, Jory & Ken-Y
Ramon Santiago: “Zumba” by Don Omar
Matt Tuiasosopo: “Tell The World” by Lecrae “Arena” by W.L.A.K.
Max Scherzer: “Forgot About Dre” by Dr. Dre ft. Eminem
Justin Verlander: “Till I Collapse” by Eminem
Al Albuquerque: “De Nuevo Hable Con Papá” by Secreto ‘El Famoso Biberon’
Phil Coke: “Burn It To The Ground” by Nickelback
Darin Downs: “I’m Good” by Trip Lee
What do you think? We bet nobody predicted Prince Fielder would be walking up to classical music on Opening Day. Leave your comments and let us know who you think has the best music choices.
Everything you Need to Know About the Tigers in Washington D.C. Today
The Tigers make their first ever trip to Nationals Park today to square off against the Washington Nationals in the club’s first road Interleague game of 2013.
It will also be the first time the Tigers will play without a designated hitter since the 2012 World Series.
Manager Jim Leyland told reporters in Texas on Sunday that Victor Martinez will be used as a pinch-hitter during the two-game series beginning tonight.
Anibal Sanchez will start for the Tigers in game one against Jordan Zimmermann of the Nationals. Sanchez is 3-2 with a 1.82 ERA and 50 strikeouts in six starts for the Tigers this season. The 26-year-old Zimmermann is 5-1 with a 1.64 ERA and two complete games, as well as a league-leading 0 .750 WHIP.
Prior to tonight’s game Representatives from the Detroit Tigers baseball club will join U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe and members of Congress on Capitol Hill to celebrate the success of the “Save Vanishing Species” semipostal stamp. Sales of the stamp have generated more than $2.1 million to support on-the-ground conservation of critically endangered international species such as the wild tiger, rhino, elephants, great apes and marine turtles. 
Through the Pennies for Paws campaign, the Tigers organization has partnered with the Service to raise funds for international tiger conservation. The stamps will soon be sold at Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers and their fans have donated thousands of dollars to fund tiger conservation projects.
The Tigers had an off-day yesterday in our nation’s capital. Check out some of the photos taken by the Tigers as they played tourist for the day.
Detroit Tigers Host 11th Annual Negro Leagues Weekend at Comerica Park
Last weekend, the Detroit Tigers continued their efforts to honor the stars of the Negro Leagues and the many contributions of African-Americans to the game of baseball with the 11th annual Negro Leagues Weekend at Comerica Park.
The celebration kicked off on Friday, April 26 with the Detroit Stars singing competition. 11 contestants from all over the country competed in front of a panel of celebrity judges and an audience in the Big Cat Court at Comerica Park, for the chance to win $1,500 and the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at an upcoming Tigers game.
After a fierce battle, Marnell Kenan and her rendition of ‘I Will Always Love You’ by Whitney Houston won over the panel of celebrity judges including Duke Fakir of The Four Tops, Drew Rives, Midwest Marketing Director of Island Def Jam Music Group and Lee Thomas, Entertainment Anchor and Reporter from FOX 2 News.
That same night, the Tigers hosted the ceremonial ‘Passing of the Bat’ on the field at Comerica Park, honoring the past, present and future contributions of African-Americans to the game of baseball in Detroit. Featuring former Tigers Ike Blessitt and Rod Allen, current Tiger Torii Hunter, and future baseball star Johnny Slater of Southfield Lathrup High School, the passing of the bat embodies the continuing legacy of African-Americans in the game of baseball.
On Saturday, the Detroit Tigers and Atlanta Braves suited up in the throwback uniforms of the Detroit Stars and Atlanta Black Crackers for the 17th annual Negro Leagues Tribute game. The day also featured a roundtable discussion with former Negro Leagues players in the Big Cat Court and an on-field ceremony recognizing the accomplishments of 12 former Negro Leagues players.
The weekend concluded on Sunday with a special tribute to former Tigers player, Larry Herndon. Most commonly known to Tigers fans as the man who caught the final out of the 1984 World Series, Herndon was presented with the African-American Legacy Award, sponsored by the Black McDonald’s Owners and Operators Association.
The award honors a current or former African-American Tigers player for their enduring legacy in baseball in Detroit, as well as their positive influence on players of all races who have since followed in their footsteps.
If you would like to learn more about the Tigers rich African-American heritage, visit tigers.com/aa_heritage.
Throwback Thursday
Here’s Miguel Cabrera in his first year with the Tigers in 2008.
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