OPENING DAY APRIL 6 TH IN DETROIT
By George Eichorn
Let’s face it. There is nothing like Opening Day in downtown Detroit.
When the Detroit Tigers play the Boston Red Sox on Thursday, April 6 at Comerica Park, a sell-out crowd
and thousands more will be crammed into the restaurants and bars in the central business district –
enjoying Detroit’s unofficial spring holiday.
Manager A.J. Hinch will lead a club hoping to erase its 66-96 fourth-place finish a season ago. Many new
faces have been added while others moved on to other teams in the American and National Leagues.
I asked some loyal Tigers fans what the home opener and new season means to them.
“Tigers opening day is like no other among the four major sports,” said Frank from Detroit. “It represents a new beginning for the team and that warmer weather is around the corner. I believe the new President
(Scott Harris) will use this year to access the talent for future moves and signings.
“Hope springs eternal and I believe this is the right move to make the Tigers contenders years from now.”
For Bill in Ferndale, the day is really special. “The opener always has been a big deal; less so in recent
years because there has been no expectation that the Tigers will play in the post-season.
“The new regime deserves the benefit of the doubt. The Tigers are devoid of stars. None of MLB’s top
100 players wears a Tigers uniform. They could be much improved over the 2022 team and still finish last
in the AL Central.
“But Scott Harris does seem to have a clear idea what the club needs to do to be more competitive, and
he has the requisite youth and smarts to change the atmosphere surrounding the Tigers.
Bill in Grosse Pointe Park salutes the city and its fans.
“With Detroit being one of the best sports cities in America, Opening Day is huge! It’s a holiday! The city is filled with optimism and should the Tigers win, it sets a positive tone for the summer. 2023 is special. A
new Tiger president; new approach to baseball and a top flight manager with new coaches. It has to be
better than the last several years. Everyone is optimistic!”
Ron in Harrison Township agrees. “I always saw opening day as a holiday, spring was usually in the air,
thousands came to Detroit to just be a part of baseball season and all the festivities in the Motor City;
optimism was always prevalent with 162 games yet to play.
And we all have to agree with Frank from Lincoln Park. “Whether there’s snow on the ground, freezing
temperatures or 70 degrees and sunshine, Opening Day is the official non-official first day of summer in
Detroit.”
Tom of Sterling Heights admits “I have been to Tigers’ Opening Day about 30 of the last 35 years. Some
years the weather has been great, other year’s not-so-much. Same with the team. It’s always quite an
investment. But I will always treasure the memories shared with my brother, sister, and whomever else
we can muster to join us in the tradition.”
Ann Arbor resident Bruce added: “Baseball’s opening day means so much more than other sports starting
their seasons. It is a special event, a special day…even if it is just one of 162 games.
“Our Tigers have spent the last months of the winter, readying themselves for the season, helping make
this the first day of spring with a holiday atmosphere. As a kid, it also was the day when we started
looking forward to summer vacation.”
Gregg from Shelby Township is more critical of the team and ownership.
“The Illitches, particularly Chris Illitch, run Tigers will never win anything except the award for ‘comedians
in uniforms’. I attended opening day as a full pumped up party for 14 straight years. I also was a season-
ticket holder for 11 years. Opening day is fun but the Tigers are not fun. I will be there for O D, but only as
a guest (differentiated by purchaser).”
Promotional items for fans this season include: bobble heads honoring Miguel Cabrera, Riley Greene and
Marvel’s Black Panther, a Tigers/Red Wings co-branded beanie, magnet schedules, t-shirts, floppy hats,
hoodies, sunglasses, aprons, jerseys and a “Pink out the Park” quarter zip jacket.
Themes include Pink Out the Park (May 12), Polish American Night (May 26), Negro Leagues Weekend
(July 21-23), ¡Fiesta Tigres! (August 5), Marvel Night (August 26), Sunday Kids Days and Friday night
fireworks.
New this year – three voices in the radio broadcast booth on 97.1 FM The Ticket and the Tigers Radio
Network. Joining Dan Dickerson and Jim Price are Bobby Seales, Cameron Maybin and pre- and post-
game host Daniella Bruce.
Bally Sports Detroit shook up their team also with newcomers Maybin and Todd Jones joining Matt
Shepard, Craig Monroe, Kirk Gibson and Dan Petry. Hosts/reporters are John Keating, Mickey York,
Trevor Thompson, Johnny Kane and Natalie Kerwin. Jack Morris was not renewed for 2023.
Reach George Eichorn at geichorn@yahoo.com or @Sandgsports99 on Twitter.
