Detroit Tigers: Five Things to Be Thankful for This Holiday Season

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Sep 28, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias (1) smiles in the dugout before the game against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park. Game called for bad weather after 5 innings. Tigers win 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Even with the news that the Detroit Tigers will look different in 2017, there are still plenty of reasons to be thankful for this favorite baseball team.

The reasons to be thankful for the Detroit Tigers covers a wide variety – from the players to the facility to the employees who do not get to hit the ball, run the bases, or make a play.

Check out the five reasons to be thankful for the fabulous Detroit Tigers.

May 21, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) signs fans autographs prior to the star of the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports /

#1: Comerica Park.

The quirky park has become known as one of the best parks in all of the MLB. The immaculately maintained diamond and outfield are proudly cared for by the first female head groundskeeper in the MLB. Of the over 40,000 seats in Comerica Park, nearly every single one offers a quality view of the game. The video scoreboard is easy to see, there are several seats in the shade, and the concessions feed every need.

There are also plenty of opportunities for fans to interact with the players. There are several spots for fans to get autographs. Fans are close to the players when they enter and exit the dugouts. And, Comerica Park is home to TigerFest where fans can shake the hands and interact with their favorite players. Even the bullpen is close to the fans, making it easy for fans to watch the pitchers from the Tigers and the visiting team warm up.

Sep 27, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Fans hold up K signs for Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (not pictured) in the fourth inning of the game against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

#2: The Great Fans!

The Detroit Tigers have some of the best fans in all of baseball. If you have ever attended a game when Justin Verlander is pitching, you have seen the pink K’s. A group of fans make sure to attend all of his games, so they can keep track of his strikeouts.

Along with the pink K’s, there are plenty of other fans who make the trek to Comerica Park on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. There are numerous season ticket holders who bring their children to games, endearing the sport to the next generation of fans. At all of the weekend games, fans donate thousands of dollars to the causes that hold 50/50 raffles. Fans purchase scoreboard messages for their friends and family; the price of the message goes to the generous Tigers Foundation charity.

The fans support each other and their love for this team. The Detroit Tigers would not be where they are today, as one of the oldest and most recognized teams in all of professional athletics without the support of their loyal fan base.

Sep 28, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers grounds crew rolls the tarp onto the field during the second rain delay after the fifth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

#3: The Employees Who Aren’t Playing Ball

The Detroit Tigers would not be where they are without the employees who do not play ball. The concessions stand volunteers and employees, the bathroom attendants, the grounds crew, the security detail, and the ushers are all a part of this great organization.

They show up to every home game and they make sure that the fans are able to enjoy themselves. They make sure the game goes off without a hitch. And, they do all of this with smiles on their faces. The team that keeps the Tigers games running smoothly does it all in the rain, snow, and summer heat. And, many of the men and women who work behind the scenes have been doing it for several decades. They have great stories to tell (which is something else to be thankful for).

#4: The Prospects

Over the years, the Detroit Tigers have been known for having a weak farm system. But, this has changed. With the farm system reboot, the team is loaded with young players who show some serious promise. They are working hard to make their way to the Big League. They are hungry for success and it shows in their heart and hustle.

Players like JaCoby Jones and Christin Stewart are showing they can swing a bat. Joe Jimenez clearly wants to pitch at Comerica Park. With these exciting players making their way up the Minor League ladders, the Tigers have some young players to look forward to seeing soon.

Jul 18, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) and third baseman Andrew Romine (17) celebrate after the game against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Detroit won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

#5: The Entertaining Baseball Players

Baseball is the greatest sport on the planet and the Detroit Tigers (in my opinion) is the best team in the league. Over the years, we fans have been treated to many memorable moments from the players who truly do entertain.

Even with all that goes on in and around Comerica Park, the purpose is to provide entertainment for the fans. The Tigers deliver. While not every moment is action-packed, the team does its best to play baseball to keep the fans coming back for more.

With players like Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander leading the team, it is easy to see why the team has so many loyal fans. It is easy to see why so many men want to play on this team. Men like Ian Kinsler and J.D. Martinez played with other teams, but they truly excelled when they began playing for the Tigers. We fans should be thankful for all of this.

Next: Detroit Tigers: Sabermetrics & the Opening Pitcher

Thank you for reading Motor City Bengals. We, writers, are so thankful that you take the time to share your love of the Detroit Tigers with us. We hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving. And, Go Tigers!!

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Detroit Tigers: Five Things to Be Thankful For This Holiday Season