Detroit Tigers: A Plea from a Fan

Detroit Tigers fans know that their favorite team is full of men who are much better baseball players than they appear to be right now. Whether the fans are from Detroit, Traverse City, Grand Rapids, or somewhere else, all they want to see is a win.

Apr 14, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Detroit Tigers third baseman Nick Castellanos (9) is greeted at home plate by first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) after Castellanos hit a two run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the eighth inning in an inter-league game at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Dear Detroit Tigers:

Tomorrow, I will be in attendance at Comerica Park. I spent as much on my tickets as I do on a week of groceries. I will wear my favorite fan gear. I will pay to park. I will buy expensive food. All I am asking for is a win in return for my devotion.

As a lifelong fan of baseball, I understand that the team will go through ups and downs throughout the season. I know the team has a .500 average, so there is a 50-50 chance that my favorite team could lose. But, I hope the game ends with a win.

Apr 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias (1) makes a throw to first to complete a double play as Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) slides into second in the sixth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Baseball is a funny sport. It is all about physics and the laws of averages. But, it is also about the human element. On paper, this team should be able to win every single game, but in reality, it won’t. I want to see all nine players try their hardest and put it all on the line. Because I know they can.

I will sit in the stands and cheer for you. I will keep score. I will wish for home runs. I will cross my fingers and believe in superstitions. I will sing along with your walk-up songs. I hope you hear my plea. I just want a win.

What is so hard about it? The game is simple in its construct. Throw the ball. Hit the ball. Catch the ball. Run fast. Three outs. Three strikes. Nine innings. As easy as apple pie. I just want a win.

Apr 15, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez points up after reaching on a single during the seventh inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

I know I’m not alone. Every fan in the stands wants a win. We just want more Tigers to cross the plate than players from the other team. It is your park. Your home. Your diamond. Please own it.

Do not let the fans down. We give way too much. Our time. Our families. Our money. Our belief. Our generations. We want to keep believing. We know you can do it.

Triple Crowns. Cy Youngs. Rookies of the Year. Pennants. There is too much talent to waste. There is too much experience to be just a 50-50 team. There is too much pride. Too much love. Too much history. You are better than this. We believe in you.

We follow you all year long. We follow you to Florida. We follow you to Venezuela. We will follow you until the end of the season. We want to follow you to the last game of the year. We want Detroit baseball in November.

We want to see Justin Verlander pitch a shutout. We want to see Jose Iglesias dive for balls. We want to see Justin Upton hit one onto Brush Street. We want to see Miguel Cabrera continue to be the King. We want to see Victor Martinez trot around the bases. We want to see Ian Kinsler steal a base. We want to see J.D. Martinez point to the heavens. We want to see you all having fun.

Next: Is It Time for a New Fifth Starter in Detroit?

Please, Detroit Tigers, please be the team that we know you are.

Sincerely,

Your Devoted Fans

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