Detroit Tigers: Goggles On and Ducks on the Pond

Good baseball teams do what they can to build camaraderie, have fun, and get wins. The Detroit Tigers have tried several techniques, from dressing up in Zubaz and posting group selfies on Instagram.

Now the Detroit Tigers are putting on their goggles.

And, not in the way that most fans think they are.

In moves that bring back the laughter of the “BinocGate” scandal with Chris Sale who accused the Tigers of stealing signs, the Tigers are showing their solidarity and their desire to win by putting their “goggles on.” No, Ian Kinsler and the team are not disrespecting the White Sox ace pitcher, they are simply showing that they want to be the last team standing so they can put on their expensive Oakley ski goggles and pop champagne.

Along with the goggles-on pantomime, the Tigers are continuing to play off of Nick Castellanos‘ iconic rubber duck shirt from the Fox Sports Detroit interview.

Since the Tigers have won six of their last seven games, taking the pair of series against the Minnesota Twins and the Tampa Bay Rays, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the team having a little fun.

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These rituals might seem like a complete waste of time, but they do help keep teams firing on all cylinders. In 2015, the University of Michigan Softball Team “made pizza” as they rounded the bases. The team went on to finish second in the Women’s College World Series to Florida. Was their success due to “making pizza”? Probably not – they were an outstanding team, but the pizza pantomime certainly didn’t hurt.

The baseball season is the longest in all professional team sports. From the time that pitchers and catchers report in February to the last game of the World Series in the beginning of November, these men spend a serious amount of time together. If they need to wear rubber duck shirts or put on fake goggles, more power to them.

If you watch closely during the games, you can see other little rituals occurring. The latest and most exciting addition to the team, Cameron Maybin, has been stirring his soup when he gets on base.

Prior to approaching the plate, Nick Castellanos has also been caught giving his bat a little peck on the sweet spot. Miguel Cabrera has also been seen cradling his bat like a newborn baby. And, remember way back when J.D. Martinez first became a member of the Detroit Tigers? He had that notebook full of information about the pitchers he faced. The Fox Sports Detroit cameras have recently caught him writing in it.

Next: Replacements for Anibal Sanchez

If these rituals keep the hits, runs, and wins coming, then by all means, keep the silly rituals. We fans love this stuff! #goggleson