It is called "America's Pastime" and in Detroit the rich tradition of the Detroit Tigers comes to life on opening day every spring. Hope gives every fan the feeling that this is the year the Tigers return to glory. Most years, however, reality sets in quick. Alan Trammel isn't returning to play Shortstop and Al Kaline is no longer tracking down fly balls in Right Field. True the Tigers have moved out of the basement and no longer are the laughing stocks of baseball as they were in the early 2000's. They have become legitimate contenders over the past seven years, but as desperately as the city of Detroit has wanted a World Series Championship, a recent title continues to escape us.
Carrying the momentum of winning the American League Central Division and advancing to the American League Championship series from 2011, Detroiters felt like 2012 was the year the Tigers could finally add another World Series championship. However, that excitement was quickly removed with the news of Victor Martinez' season ending knee injury. The protection for the best hitter in the American league, Miguel Cabrera, was on the shelf and the season was over before it started. The "Bad Luck Tigers" were going to have another wasted year.
Re-enter Prince Fielder, the same young boy who grew up in Detroit watching his father, Cecil, captivate the city hitting towering home runs on the corner of Michigan and Trumbulll. After the shock set in, and the disbelief that a man could make 214 million dollars for playing a game, the excitement has returned. Detroiters are ready to buy up Tiger tickets by the handful and you can bet Comerica Park will be full on a regular basis. As Detroit thanks the Tigers owner Mike Illitch we realize that there are few people in baseball who want a world series championship more. We see that desire to be a champion with the Tigers just as he has shown with the Red Wings year after year.
Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder, Brandon Inge (OK, Detroit give up your infatuation with Inge) but this is the year of the Tigers. Have fun in the city, enjoy the casinos, the drinks are on Kwame, and get ready for a summer unlike any other you have seen in a long, long time.
- RM
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