*This post is being made by guest-blogger (and fellow ex-Detroiter) Frank Anthony Polito
As regular (212) readers know, Kenneth began his writing career back in the (313) -- before it became the (810), followed by the (248). Some of you also may recall that I, too, grew up in the Detroit suburbs, in a tiny little town just north of the Motor City border called Hazel Park, affectionately known as "Hazeltucky."
This has been an exciting few weeks for us ex-Detroiters as the Tigers recently defeated the Yankees in the ALDS, and are now 2-3 against the Texas Rangers. By no means am I a sports fan, but I do have a fondness in my heart for Tiger Baseball.
At the age of 9, my father took me to my first game at the old Tiger Stadium, a twilight double-header against the Baltimore Orioles. (Back then, I routed for the away-team as I liked their uniforms better!) I still remember the names and numbers of most of the players from that line up: Lou Whitaker #1, Alan Trammell #3, Aurelio Rodriguez #4, Ron LeFlore #8 (as played by LeVar Burton in the made-for-TV movie of his life story), Dave Rozema (can't recall his number but he was WAY hot!)
In 1984, the Tigers were fortunate enough to win the World Series -- something that hadn't happened since 1968, before I was born. It would be another 22 years before they got the chance to become World Champs again in 2006. Sadly, they were defeated by St. Louis :-(
Now the Tigers are back in business! Thanks to my mother back in Michigan who's taken to texting me during the games, I've been able to keep up these past few months. The boys won something like 13 games in a row a while back, which helped land them a spot in the ALDS (which stands for "American League Division Series" I've learned) where they defeated the Yanks, and are now in the midst of taking on Texas in the ALCS ("American League Championship Series," I believe).
I've drank more beer in the past three weeks than I have in a long time. I won't say Detroit has the hottest guys in MLB (David Wright, where are you?), but there are a couple cuties. Of course, all are young enough to be my son brother! See below...
Pronounced "Bosh," I can't remember what position he plays since he's been out this entire post-season. My friend Steve (another ex-Detroiter) calls him a "China Doll." Guess he breaks easily?
Apparently he plays 2nd base... Again, I don't pay that close attention! Steve says he's a douche.
Another 2nd base player... How does that work? Nothing like a (presumably) straight guy in a pair of straight-guy sunglasses!
3rd baseman. He's got some tacky tattoos on his forearms (his kids' names, I think), and for some reason, he reminds me of porn star Josh Weston. Like he could be his less-attractive (and not nearly as roided-up) brother or cousin, maybe... Or is it just me?
Sadly, there's not another game on till tomorrow night. At least it'll give me (and my liver) a chance to rest up. Keep your fingers crossed! Detroit could really use something like a World Series win to help lift their spirits...
I'm also told the Lions are now 5-0 after being the worst team in football. Anyone remember #20 Billy Sims from 1980? "Another One Bites the Dust!"
3 comments:
I too, am a former Michigander, but I am from the Westside of the state, near Grand Rapids. That being said, I do have a that special spot in my heart for the Tigers. I am not a big sports fan either, but remember listing to the games on the radio (which I still prefer over a televised game) while camping. Also, every summer we took a trip with our neighbors, which included a Friday double header at the old ballpark, Saturday at Greenfield Village or the Detroit Zoo, dinner at a supper club in Windsor on Saturday night, and then Sunday drive down to Cedar Point and spend Monday at Cedar Point. So Many great memories.
I do remember the Lions of the 1980, the year of "Another One Bites the Dust". The one year you could be proud of the Lions.
So with the Tigers doing well this year and the Lions being 5 and O, I can bring my hidden support out.
I wonder what it would be like to watch the Lions play in the Super Bowl?? Can we dream??
Great post. I grew up in the deep south and now live in TX, but I love the Tigers. When I was a kid, I used to visit my grandparents in Lakeland, FL, and my grandfather would take me to Detroit games at Joker Marchant stadium. He was a huge baseball fan and Detroit was his team. He passed his passionate love of the Tigers on to me. It's the only pro sports team I care about at all.
Here is why I like Detroit. Everyone I know with a connection to the city is giddy with Lion and Tiger fever.
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