Tiger Perp?
I haven't really gone that much into my history with the Tigs, I suppose because I wasn't sure how long this weblog would serve its function, as a playoff journal and such. It appears we are assured of at least 4 more games, consequently I can fluff up the content a little bit.
My family lived in Royal Oak, MI from about 1980 to 1985, from ages 6 to 12. As with all preadolescent boys in the Detroit area, baseball was my life. The magic that was 1984 was kind of lost on me because of my age and my inability to contextualize the experience. I do know I didn't miss a game if I could help it. Anyway, up until about mid season, 2006 I had vague recollections of Tigers experiences and foggy memories of the higher profile players from 84. As it became apparent that the Tigs were putting together something pretty special I began to dig. I unearthed all my old 84 Tigers memorablia. A box in the garage full of baseball cards, newspaper clippings, game programs, a Detroit Free Press yearbook, buttons, knick knacks and the crown jewel of the collection, a hand signed baseball of the entire 1985 team. I began scouring the web, checking old box scores triggering vivid memories of forgotten players, Barbaro Garbey, Johnny Grubb, HoJo, Mookie Wilson, Larry Herndon, names I hadn't heard (read) in 20 years. I remembered my little league number was 13 because I believed Lance Parrish hung the moon. So many players, small in the shadows of a very big sport but HUGE in the hearts of the handful of fans that got to witness that special run.
The similarities of then and now are undeniable. When this run is in the books I wonder how many people will remember the name Placido Polanco let alone Alexis Gomez. Probably not many, but I know a few people that will never forget.
I suppose in a lot of ways, I am a perpetrator. My leave of absence as a Tiger die-hard has spanned almost 20 years, unthinkable neglect at a time when a franchise needed support and patronage. This 2006 team is on a mission to reward all those faithful that never left their side, The ALDS celebration was evidence of that. I'd like to think they are beckoning for their prodigals to return home and in a manner of speaking, it's grrrreat to be back. I don't expect to be in Detroit when the 2006 banners go up at Comerica Park nor do I really deserve to be. I will be sitting quietly in my living room, welled up with tears and pride, thinking how good it is to be home again. Bless You Boys!
My family lived in Royal Oak, MI from about 1980 to 1985, from ages 6 to 12. As with all preadolescent boys in the Detroit area, baseball was my life. The magic that was 1984 was kind of lost on me because of my age and my inability to contextualize the experience. I do know I didn't miss a game if I could help it. Anyway, up until about mid season, 2006 I had vague recollections of Tigers experiences and foggy memories of the higher profile players from 84. As it became apparent that the Tigs were putting together something pretty special I began to dig. I unearthed all my old 84 Tigers memorablia. A box in the garage full of baseball cards, newspaper clippings, game programs, a Detroit Free Press yearbook, buttons, knick knacks and the crown jewel of the collection, a hand signed baseball of the entire 1985 team. I began scouring the web, checking old box scores triggering vivid memories of forgotten players, Barbaro Garbey, Johnny Grubb, HoJo, Mookie Wilson, Larry Herndon, names I hadn't heard (read) in 20 years. I remembered my little league number was 13 because I believed Lance Parrish hung the moon. So many players, small in the shadows of a very big sport but HUGE in the hearts of the handful of fans that got to witness that special run.
The similarities of then and now are undeniable. When this run is in the books I wonder how many people will remember the name Placido Polanco let alone Alexis Gomez. Probably not many, but I know a few people that will never forget.
I suppose in a lot of ways, I am a perpetrator. My leave of absence as a Tiger die-hard has spanned almost 20 years, unthinkable neglect at a time when a franchise needed support and patronage. This 2006 team is on a mission to reward all those faithful that never left their side, The ALDS celebration was evidence of that. I'd like to think they are beckoning for their prodigals to return home and in a manner of speaking, it's grrrreat to be back. I don't expect to be in Detroit when the 2006 banners go up at Comerica Park nor do I really deserve to be. I will be sitting quietly in my living room, welled up with tears and pride, thinking how good it is to be home again. Bless You Boys!
posted by Barry S at 10/12/2006 12:35:00 PM
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