As our cameras turn to Gotham, today I invoke the kind spirit of my Grandma Schilling, who more than anyone fostered my love of this great and noble sport. Baseball has personal memories for everyone who loves it, tales of … Continue reading
In the aftermath of the Tigers’ 10-1 drubbing at the hands of the mighty New York Yankees, I invoke the sour image of one Alfred Manuel “Billy” Martin, former manager of the Tigers, Twins, A’s, Rangers, and the God damn … Continue reading
At the start of the American League Division Series, your writer was about halfway through his 43rd year. At the close of the Tigers postseason, whether the first round ends tonight or they suffer defeat in Gotham tomorrow, I figure … Continue reading
Let’s be honest here, shall we? Major League Baseball doesn’t give a flying handshake for the people who don’t have cable television. If you have failed in this most American endeavor, as I have, then you’re screwed in the postseason. … Continue reading
I invoke the power of Michigan’s greatest poet, Philip Levine, whose “A Walk With Tom Jefferson” alludes to the Detroit Tigers and Tiger Stadium. I have just now lit the candle at the Shrine of the Tiger. It’s heavenly light … Continue reading
“I sure do wish that Danny and Gordo would wear helmets if they’re going to ride that Harley all the over the field. They might hit TC, and that would be a disaster for everyone involved…”
…at least for this dismal, miserable season. Call it what you will–a collective collapse on the part of suddenly mediocre players, a perfect storm of injury after injury after injury, a sickening revelation that the youth of tomorrow are totally … Continue reading
When I think back over this tumultuous season for the Tigers, I can’t help but wonder why it is that this particular year has had such a grip on my attentions. It’s not simply because they’ve won their division and … Continue reading
The Detroit Tigers narrowly missed being no-hit by the lowly Oakland A’s today and, as of this writing, lead 1-0 on an Austin Jackson home run. Had they been mowed down without a single hit, it would have been proof … Continue reading
Yesterday would have been the 57th birthday of my favorite baseball player of all-time, Mark Fidrych. It was declared “Bird Day!” by fellow writer, friend, and Fidrych follower Dan Epstein. Sports Illustrated photographer Joe McNally wrote a wonderful reminiscence about the Bird which … Continue reading