Must See Interleague Homestands for 2015 Detroit Tigers Season

This Detroit Tigers season is sure to be an exciting one; with new faces such as Yoenis Cespedes and Shane Greene, as well as familiar ones such as Miguel Cabrera, Comerica Park is the place to be this summer. A trip to the ballpark is a recipe for a good time, and there is nothing quite like the feeling you receive when you first step onto the Comerica Park concourse. Obviously you’re there to cheer on your favorite players, scarf down some delicious ballpark franks, and maybe catch a ride on the ferris-wheel, but what makes the experience even better is who your hometown team is facing that given day.

This coming season the Tigers have a very interesting schedule as their interleague play involves some teams that haven’t visited Motown in a while. With that being said, here are some of the more sought-after homestands that are definitely worth marking your calendars for. (Also, just a heads up, there’s a few NL Central teams on this list).

Milwaukee Brewers

Monday, May 18th-Wednesday, May 20th

Aug 20, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Carlos Gomez (27) during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Brewers and Tigers have not faced off since 2009, making this matchup an absolute rarity. It’s matchups as such you wish happened more often as Milwaukee is a stones throw away from Detroit. Midwestern baseball teams are easily the most overlooked in baseball, so it will be a nice change of pace to have the “Brew Crew” in town. The Brewers led the NL Central for most of the season last year until an absolute implosion after the All Star Game, which saw them lose 13 of 14 games in one stretch. But, with a talented roster led by Carlos Gomez, Jonathon Lucroy, and Jean Segura, the Brewers will certainly bring some pop to Comerica. It’s also worth noting that Justin Verlander threw his first career no-hitter against the team back in 2007

Chicago Cubs

Tuesday, June 9th-Wednesday, June 10th

May 31, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) hits a 2-run homer in the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. The Cubs won 8-0. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The longtime lovable losers of the Windy City have quickly become one of the more exciting teams in all of baseball. Between a crop of young talent (Javier Baez, Jorge Soler, Addison Russell), the number one prospect in Kris Bryant, the signing of ace Jon Lester, and the hiring of Joe Maddon; there’s a change brewing with the Cubs. And it just so happens that they’re rolling into Detroit for a two-game stand. The Cubs, regardless of their lackluster history, are one of the most beloved sports franchises ever. Year after year they have been very unexciting, but this year is different. This may be one of the most exciting series due to the fact both teams are historic, rich in heritage, and have an odd history between each other. Go see this team before they really start changing the baseball landscape.

Cincinnati Reds

Monday, June 10th-Tuesday, June 11th

Jun 27, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) throws a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Catching on to that NL Central motif I hinted at earlier?

The Tigers and Reds squared off in Cincy back in 2012, and contrary to popular belief, the Reds have some excitement left in them. For much of last season both Jay Bruce and Joey Votto were injured, but with those two back in action this homestand could include a treasure trove of fireworks. Between Miguel Cabrera, Yoenis Cespedes, Victor Martinez, Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, and Todd Frazier, there’s a lot of power in those lineups. Fans in attendance will also see a defensive clinic put on by Ian Kinsler and Brandon Phillips, respectively, and have the opportunity to see Alfredo Simon take on his former employer. Cincinnati also sports one of the most exciting pitchers in the league in Johnny Cueto (20-9 W-L, 2.25 ERA, 242 SO in 14′). Keep in mind that if the Reds fall off the grid, they may trade Cueto as he wants a pretty penny.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Tuesday, June 30th-Thursday, July 2nd

Sep 22, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) celebrates with third baseman Josh Harrison (5) after beating the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

This one doesn’t take a whole lot of selling, as all I need to do is say one name: Andrew McCutchen. That one reason alone should be enough to entice you to purchase your tickets right now. McCutchen is an absolute stud, and easily the most exciting player in all of baseball not named Mike Trout. Plus, he’s got an entire commercial dedicated to his hair. Aside form Cutch, the Pirates and Tigers have become a rivalry the league has really pushed these past few seasons as the two have visited each other’s pars for the past few seasons. Pittsburgh is fairly close in proximity to Detroit so it really makes sense when you think about it. It’s unclear what the Bucs will accomplish this year, but as a very likeable franchise that has recently caught fire it’s worth your while to see this series.

You can view the full season schedule here