Spring

Winter is over, and baseball is here. Tigers pitchers and catchers reported for Spring Training today in Lakeland, FL. The rest of the team will be there by Friday. I love this time of the baseball year, before things have really started, when anything is possible and every fan is convinced that this is the year his team will finally win the World Series (knock on wood -- now that baseball is back, so are the superstitions). The Tigers have a lot to look forward to in 2012, especially their impressive roster of new and returning players, and with a great 2011 season still fresh in my memory, I don't think my high hopes for the upcoming season are unfounded. Whatever happens, though, I'm just glad baseball is starting again, and that the part of my life that was put on hold in late October can start again, too. It's still cold here in Michigan, but the sun in out today, as if even the weather knows that baseball is finally back.

Waiting.

Now that all the snow has melted and the sun is up almost until 6pm, it seems like baseball season is finally on the horizon. There were so many dreary days these past 3 months where I just thought about how far away the season was and how it seems like it would never come. Now, the light at the end of the snow-filled tunnel is in sight, and spring training is right around the corner. After last season's amazing run, it seems like this off-season was longer than others. I can't wait to see what this season brings, with Prince and JV and even Boesch coming back in the lineup, and of course all of the other Tigers. At this point, everything is up in the air, the season full of promise, and I just can't wait to get back to the D, sit in the park with my dad and the lights shining on the diamond. Until then, I guess reminiscing about  the ALDS game in New York will have to do.

-M

Wilson Ramos Rescued

We just wanted to take a moment to express our gratitude that Nationals' catcher, Wilson Ramos, was rescued this Friday by Venezuelan police. Ramos was kidnapped Wednesday night outside his home. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ramos and his family, as well as the numerous other kidnap victims in Venezuela who have not been so fortunate.

Image from people.com.

Game 7

I'm writing this while I wait for Game 7 of the World Series to start. Strangely, I'm not that excited about the game, even though it's been one of the most exciting and down-to-the-wire World Series in years. As a baseball fan, I can appreciate that. I can admire the tenacity both teams have shown to force the series to Game 7. I can marvel, with the rest of the country, at the incredible feats of Albert Pujols, and the history geek in me thrills a little every time I think about the significance of those feats. As a Tigers fan, though, I really don't care that much about who wins tonight's game. It even took me a long time to decide who to root for. Initially, I tried to take the high road and support Texas and the American League, but eventually my sore loser side won out and I decided to root for St. Louis to take Texas down a notch. I justified my decision with the fact that Jim Leyland and Tony La Russa are best friends, but really all I was thinking about was Nelson Cruz taunting Verlander from the dugout during the ALCS, and how much I wanted someone to wipe that smug smile off his face. So I'll be happy if the Cards win it all tonight. But not that happy. Because I'm a Tigers fan, and that should be my boys out there. I care too much about the Tigers, and there's no room in my heart for any other teams. I can enjoy this World Series because I enjoy baseball, but it's hard for me to get too excited or involved in things. For me, the baseball year ended on October 15, and the best thing about Game 7 is that when it's over, I can focus entirely on 2012. Since I started writing this, the game has started, and it looks like it's going to be a shootout, a fitting end to this crazy series. 160 days until Opening Day - Go Tigers. -J.

Our Favorite Moments of the 2011 Season

Now that the Tiger’s season is officially over, and we couldn’t really care less about the World Series, it’s time to look back at the amazing season and name our favorite moments.

In no particular order:

• Justin Verlander’s second no-hitter of his career
• Don Kelly relief pitching against the Mets
• Brandon Inge’s home run at his first at bat back in Detroit
• Victor Martinez Jr.’s press conference
• Jackson throwing out Fukedome at the plate
• Doug Fister striking out 14 in one game
• Justin Verlander setting Don Kelly’s shoe on fire in the dugout
• Anytime Valverde took the mound, as long as it was a save situation
• Cabrera and Kelly going on consecutive paternity leaves
• Coming back to win against the White Sox after being down 8-1
• Don Kelly’s home run in Yankee Stadium during the 1^st inning of Game 5
• Beating the Yankees in New York to win the ALDS

About Us

My name is Michelle and I love all things baseball, but more specifically all things Detroit Tigers.

Favorite Player: Don Kelly and Justin Verlander

Favorite Baseball Term: "showing bunt"

Favorite 2011 Season Memory: Don Kelly pitching a scoreless inning against the Mets and beating the Yankees in the ALDS Championship

Why I Love Baseball: I can't really describe why I love baseball so much. Maybe it's the fact that the team dynamic is stronger than any other sport out there. It's not just about one player. It's about the team working together. Even after a disappointing game, series, or even season, there's always looking forward at the game in front of us. As Doris Kearns once said "Wait Til Next Year."

My name is Jillian, and I am in love with the Detroit Tigers.

Favorite Player: Brandon Inge

Favorite Baseball Phrase: “He stood there like a house by the side of the road.” –Ernie Harwell

Favorite 2011 Season Memory: Brandon Inge’s first game after coming back from Triple-A, and beating the Yankees in the ALDS.

Why I Love Baseball: I was born loving baseball. I grew up watching the Tigers every summer with my dad and brother, and I’m going to continue the tradition when I have my own family.  I love the history of baseball, and how every game carries the memory of all the games that came before it.  Mostly, I love baseball because it makes me feel so much.