Win One For The Michigander

by Ryal

Before you begin reading this Blog, please keep in mind that I spent my first 24 years on this earth living in Michigan, all of which were dedicated to loving only professional baseball team, the Detroit Tigers.

It’s October, which can only mean one thing to the true purist of America’s favorite past time: The playoffs have begun for Major League Baseball. A game built on moments and players defined in the midst of historic fall nights and perfect October days, now finds itself in the beginning rounds of what will soon be televised world-wide as the World Series of Baseball.

What makes this year’s playoffs special, for me at least, is the fact that the Detroit Tigers have played their way into contention for the MLB championship. It has been 22 years and seemingly 22 losing seasons since the Tigers were last crowned World Series champs. A year after losing over 90 games, the d-town brawlers have put together a 90 win season, much in thanks to the new Detroit skipper, Jim Leyland. Just two years ago, the Tigers were the laughing stock of baseball, dangerously flirting with breaking the all-time record for the most loses in a single season. No longer a league doormat, the Tigers have emerged this year’s Cinderella team, giving hope to all those that refused to lose faith in their beloved home team. Currently, the large-looming figures standing in our way of tear jerking glory are the mighty New York Yankees, a team that represents one, if not the greatest of American sports dynasties.

With an ungodly claim to 25% of all World Series championships, the Yankees are either loved or hated. In my case, it’s an obvious and long-standing hatred. For years now, the Yankees have taken the approach that money equals success, collecting and stealing away the best players money can buy. My Tigers on the other hand, have built their team the old fashioned way: from the ground up. A solid farm system and a series of well-planned trades have given the Tigers the opportunity to make their thousands of faithful Tigers fans, myself included, very happy people. So clap your hands and stomp your feet. Let them hear you in Detroit! Who says you can’t cheer from over 700 miles away? And to those who have no interest at all in the game of baseball, please note how damaging it can be for Tigers fan to be called a “Yankee”. As you can see, the south is still taking some getting used to…

Note to all: It just went Final. Tigers 4 and the Yankees 3.
Note to Patty: Don’t worry. I’m hard at work. I received the good news via a well-timed email.

Post-Game Quote of the Day:

“I hope in my heart everybody realizes we are a playoff team. I’m not sure everybody believed that.”

~ Detroit Manager, Jim Leyland

GO TIGERS!!!

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1. GO Tigers! I am a Red Sox fan but since they broke my heart this year (it’s ok, I’m used to it) I will pull for the Tigers. Hey when you’re from Boston it’s ANYONE but the Yanks.

   
   — Kate Catlin    Oct 5, 06:54 PM    #

2. I am a huge fan of the Tigers….football right?

   
   — Nicole    Oct 5, 07:22 PM    #

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