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Kristy Ammerman
Children were playing catch, and the thrill of Spring training hung in the air. With only a half hour before the doors opened and a line curving all the way around the parking lot, children, parents and students alike were filled with anticipation at meeting a few very talented players. Tigers fans from around the mid-Michigan area gathered at the Breslin Student Event Center on Sunday, Jan. 13 just to catch a glimpse of their Tiger. The Detroit Tigers Winter Caravan stopped to give fans an opportunity to get their pictures taken and meet some of the new and veteran players for the upcoming season. Hundreds of fans lined up with their parents, hoping to get a glance of their favorite player. Carlos Guillen, Vance Wilson, Rick Porcello, Jordan Tata and Zach Miner were some of the players in attendance along with coaches Andy Van Slyke and Rafael Billiard. Magglio Ordonez was supposed to be available for pictures as well, but wasn’t available due to scheduling conflicts. The Spears-Bonene family, who ranged in age from 4 to 15 years old, voted Magglio Ordonez as their favorite Tiger and the one they were most excited to see until it was learned he wouldn’t be able to make an appearance. However, Mags is still their Tiger because he is “the best player, has great hair and he’s cute,” they collectively decided. As news of Magglio Ordonez not attending the Caravan flooded down the line, the excitement died down a little bit. “Everyone was so excited to see him, and now we’re all completely bummed he’s not here,” said Melissa Davis, an interior design major. “I almost cried when I found out." Even though one of the biggest players advertised was not able to make it, the attendees were still excited to see any Tiger they could. Wilson, having been with the Detroit Tigers for nine years, was a favorite, as well as Tata and the newly acquired pitcher Porcello. “I’m really looking forward to see Porcello play,” Davis said. “Not only is he incredibly attractive, I’m excited to see how he performs being thrust into the spotlight at such a young age.” Leroy Townsend from Mason was excited to see all of the Tigers who were present. When asked ‘Who’s your Tiger?’ his answer was Brandon Inge. Townsend said it was because “he works hard, and he comes to play.” His favorite Tiger of all time, though, would have to be Al Kaline because Townsend grew up watching Kaline play baseball. Vicki, 46 and of Diamondale, had camped her position out in the line since 11:45 a.m. that morning. However, she and her husband almost left when they heard Ordonez wasn’t going to be in attendance as advertised. “He has a responsibility, he should have been here,” she said. But the excitement of seeing Guillen and the other players drove her to stay. When asked ‘Who’s your Tiger?’ she responded with Curtis Granderson: “He’s a good guy, speaks and acts like a gentleman. He plays ball hard, and he’s a good image for the Tigers.” Following the photo opportunities was a short ceremony stating what the players and coaches hoped for the upcoming season. Pep talks and cheers echoed throughout the Breslin as fans rallied together to celebrate the veterans, new players and coaches. With great expectations, the 2008 season is not one to be missed by any Tiger fan, young or old. It’s going to be a season that will hopefully bring the team World Series rings. With a great new roster, the only question left to ask is ‘Who’s YOUR Tiger?’ Questions? Comments? Email Kristy Ammerman at ammerma6@msu.edu |
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