Kevin McGonigle getting choked up during Tigers contract presser was every Detroit fan

The Tigers wasted no time in holding a press conference to officially announce their eight-year, $150 million deal with Kevin McGonigle. They broke the news themselves around 11 AM on Wednesday (take that, Jeff Passan), and just three hours later, McGonigle, Jeff Greenberg, and Scott Harris were in suits and ties, speaking to the press.

McGonigle opened by thanking his parents, in attendance at the conference alongside his brother and a slew of his Tigers teammates.

The thing that people always say about standout rookies is that they're remarkably composed. They act like they've done this before. They've been saying it about McGonigle, JJ Wetherholt, Konnor Griffin — and they'll say it about the superstar rookies who come after them.

But McGonigle let some of that composure slip when addressing his parents, Tracy and Kevin. "Mom, Dad ... I dreamed about this growing up, we talked about it growing up, so I'm happy you're here sharing the moment with me." It was here that McGonigle started getting choked up. He took a second to breath and hold back a few tears. "All the time you spent, all the money you spent to get me to this point. It means a lot. Love you guys."

Kevin McGonigle gets choked up thanking his parents at Tigers' press conference announcing his extension

Another gem from the presser: as things were wrapping up, a hand rose at the back of the room. Tarik Skubal asked McGonigle if, given the Tigers' upcoming road trip to Boston, had thought about treating the team to dinner while they were there. McGonigle confirmed that he would make it happen, "I'm sure I can take care of it."

McGonigle said all the right things, as if Tigers fans could love him even more. "The way I am, I'm loyal, and I want to stick in one spot and help the team out to win a World Series," he said. "We agreed to (a deal) that's fair for both of us, and I know that it's the right move, and I look forward to just going out every year and giving it all I've got."

That's exactly what fans want to hear from the new face of the franchise. A lot can happen in nine years (McGonigle's deal doesn't go into effect until next season), but if he's still doing what he's doing at age 30 — if he's even better — then we'll be begging the Tigers to take this a step further and make him a Tiger for life. He's already off to a great start.

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