Thanksgiving is the time to be grateful and Detroit Tigers fans have so much to be thankful for.
It is easy to be thankful for family, friends, and health. It has been a few years since fans of the Detroit Tigers got to be thankful for a World Series championship, but the team still brings plenty of good things to fans near and far. Here are ten Tigers treasures to be thankful for as the holiday season begins:
Mar 4, 2014; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) and starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) talk as they walk onto the field prior to the spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Miguel Cabrera. The best hitter in baseball will be swinging his bat in Comerica Park for many years to come. He not only provides fans with unbelievable hits and home runs, but he also brings his personality to the dugout and first base. Players can easily see how much fun he has when he is in and out of the dugout, but when it comes to clutch situations, the serious Miggy comes out to play, too. No other team in the MLB has a Triple Crown hitter. Thank you, Miguel Cabrera.Justin Verlander. Yes, he has had a few rough seasons, but he is still “The Ace” which easy to see this in the last half of 2015. JV and Miggy together are the faces of the Tigers. He helped bring the team back from the brink of awfulness in the early 2000s and he continues to be dedicated to Detroit. He is an asset in the dugout and for his intensity on the mound.J.D. MartinezWho could have imagined that this guy would have come from the dregs of Houston to become one of the best home run hitters in baseball? He brings that blue-collar grit that Detroit fans appreciate. Not only does he have one of the best bats in baseball, but he can field his position with power, too. Despite it new-found greatness, he is the most humble man on the team. Tigers fans are used to greatness in right field and maybe someday there will be a section out there named for him.
Sep 19, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Detroit Tigers second basemen Ian Kinsler (3) celebrates with James McCann (34) after hitting a two-run home run against the Kansas City Royals during the fifth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Ian Kinsler. Offense wins games, but defense is the most fun to watch. Ian Kinsler delivers defense like few others. He is one of the best second-basemen in the league. When his bat comes to life like it did in 2015, fans also get to enjoy his offensive contributions. He also brings his quick wit and angry commentary when umpires make horrible calls against him or a teammate. Kinsler vs. Fielder? No question. Detroit won that trade and fans are continually grateful.James McCann. McCann brought fans an error-free season behind home plate. He is the complete package with the ability to call a good game, throw down with speed and accuracy to second, and swing a big bat when necessary. His leadership in the dugout and on the field was impressive – especially for a rookie. Let’s hope he stays with the Tigers for many years to come.Affordable seats at Comerica Park. There is nothing quite like enjoying a day at the ballpark. The fact that the tickets are not outrageously priced allows fans to get close to the action without having to take out a loan. Seats on the secondary market are often priced lower than face value, too. And, fans in the stadium might actually get to sit next to Detroit celebrities like Kid Rock and Chris Chelios or even Justin Verlander’s girlfriend, Kate Upton.The Hot Pretzels. Ballpark food may not be gourmet cuisine, but it sure does taste great! One of the tastiest options at Comerica Park is the big, soft hot pretzels covered with the perfect amount of salt paired with a cup of fake cheese for dipping. Yum.Affordable parking.
After paying for parking at other stadiums, being able to park for $10 near Comerica Park is worth a mention. Some fans are even lucky enough to get free parking at the meters or for a few bucks on game days. Compare this to the $20+ to park at U.S. Cellular and the $30 or more to park at Wrigley.
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Dan Dickerson & Jim Price. When fans cannot make it to Comerica to watch a game, Dan and Jim call a great game on the radio. They had big shoes to fill after Ernie Harwell retired, and the pair has managed to create their own signature style, like Detroit’s own Oscar and Felix. Dickerson’s home run calls have become legendary while the color commentary and sayings from Jim Price are homey and loveable. It is hard not to smile when “The Big Man, Miguel Cabrera” uses “the ol’ buggy whip” or when Anibal Sanchez shows fans the “art of pitching.”The Old English D. This is the best logo in the world of professional sports. Classic. Powerful. Recognizable. And, it looks great in white, navy blue, and orange.