2008 Detroit Tigers Restore the Roar

by Brad Boivin

March 3rd, 2008 in Detroit, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Newsletter, Sports, The Reinvention Issue

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The last two seasons have reminded us that Detroit is very much a baseball town. While the Wings and Pistons have been the constant pillars for more than a decade, the resurgence at Comerica Park has been amazing. And as this season’s Tigers expect record attendance, Downtown Detroit prepares for its third straight summer of constant electricity.

From 1994 to 2005, fans were met with 12 straight losing seasons — the longest slump in franchise history. We hit rock bottom in 1996 with a team-low 109 losses.

But look at us now.

Many were excited two years ago when Tigers President and GM Dave Dombrowski brought in the legendary Jim Leyland to take the helm as manager. What none of us expected was a trip to the World Series that same season.

Now the Tigers front office has sent a message to their fans and to the rest of the MLB that this team should again be considered in all serious conversations of potential champions.

The 2008 “Murderers’ Row” lineup is unmatched in baseball. With the additions of Edgar Renteria, Miguel Cabrera, and Jaques Jones to an already deadly lineup, there should never be a hole for an opposing pitcher. Curtis Granderson could be looking at an MVP caliber season, following up Maggs’ 2007 showing. And Justin Verlander will be heading up what could be Detroit’s most impressive pitching staff in over 20 years.

Will Guillen, Placido, Cabrera, and Pudge burn this team into my memory for life — just like the ‘84 squad did for so many of us? Can we produce our first Cy Young pitcher since Willie Hernandez? Who knows, but it will sure be fun finding out.

Jump on it — tickets are going fast!

For more, visit the 2008 Tigers Spring Outlook or relive one of the greatest seasons in Detroit sports history.