The Detroit Tigers are heading back to the MLB Playoffs for the first time since 2014. This year's Tigers team has become one of the biggest stories in Major League Baseball. Having been left for dead several weeks back, Detroit has rallied behind their manager and their fanbase and are now ready to play baseball in October.
Most pundits, and even the majority of the Tigers fanbase, counted this team out over a month ago. On August 11th, Detroit was 55-63 with a 0.2% chance of making it to the postseason. The Tigers overcame those odds, going 31-11 over their last 42 games and clinched a spot in the AL Wild Card Series that's set to begin next Tuesday.
Tigers manager AJ Hinch starts the celebration in Detroit's clubhouse
After defeating the Chicago White Sox on Friday night 4-1, the Motor City celebration got underway. First on the field after right fielder Wenceel Pérez secured the final out, and then later in the Tigers' clubhouse. Manager AJ Hinch got the party started with a reminder.
Surrounded by his players, with the lockers draped in plastic, Hinch said, "Special teams do special things, and we've got an opportunity to do something special." As Hinch continued his postgame speech, you can hear champagne bottles popping in the background. The Tigers skipper closed his speech saying, "Remember I asked you, what kind of team did you want to be? I guess you wanted to be a playoff team!" And with that, the party ensued.
Tigers broadcast excited for postseason play
After the Tigers clinched their spot in the MLB Playoffs, the Bally Sports broadcast crew took to the airwaves and opined about what this team might do in the postseason. Jason Benetti lauded Andy Dirks and Dan Petry for being part of the festivities.
Benetti said, "This city and this state deserves this, and I'm glad to have shared it with you guys." Benetti's words are echoed throughout the Tigers fanbase who can't wait to see where this year's team goes next.
If the playoffs started today, the Tigers would face the Baltimore Orioles in the AL Wild Card Series. Detroit currently has a one-game edge over the Kansas City Royals. If both the Tigers and Royals finish the regular season with the exact same record, KC owns the tiebreaker, meaning that Detroit would travel to Houston to play the AL West Champion Astros.
Detroit may be headed back to the MLB Postseason for the first time in a decade, but getting to the playoffs isn't the ultimate goal. The Tigers can now set their rotation for the upcoming series and put themselves in position to return to the World Series.