Detroit Tigers’ Opening Day is More Than Just a Game

Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

On  the eve of one of the city’s most lauded, celebrated days, Detroit Tigers’ Opening Day, the Tigers’ owner, front office, manager, coaches, players and fans all buzz with excitement for what’s to come. It’s not just the start of the MLB regular season, but the return home of the Tigers to Comerica Park; to the city that lives and dies with them. Detroit is a baseball town, and by golly when it’s time for the boys of summer to finally return home and hit the field, there is a reason to celebrate all the possibilities that may follow. And if there’s one thing the city and people of Detroit know how to do, it’s celebrate.

It’s about more than just baseball, though that is the main focus, of course. It’s one of the first signs of Spring, and with that a beckoning call to the warm, bright days of the Summer. It’s a new beginning, a reminder to let go of the failures of the past and embrace the hope that this year could be different. It’s a clean slate all around. Masses of fans gather to welcome back their Tigers, and for those who have been trapped in ice-locked Michigan, it’s the first opportunity to see first hand the new team that’s been tearing up the base paths in Spring Training.

And, most importantly, it’s about Tigers’ players. Those who have experienced the joy and exhilaration of wearing the Old English D on Opening Day in Detroit, and those who are about to understand just how much the city they’re playing for loves them, and it’s their first opportunity to realize the feeling is mutual. It’s the first time they realize just exactly how much the Tigers mean to Detroit, and I can only imagine how that must fuel the fire to succeed, to win it all, one game at a time.

Passion is contagious, and there will be passion to spare come tomorrow at 1:08pm. Home field advantage is billed as an advantage for a reason, the city of Detroit is ready to give a demonstration. It’s been a long, cold, snow covered winter and with Justin Verlander getting the start, there’s sure to be some heat on the field.

The team is ready, the fans are ready, the city is ready. What else is there? Let’s Go Tigers.