Sunday, April 15, 2012 marked not only my first Major League Baseball game of the 2012 season, but it was my first Tigers' game on the year as well. I try to make a point of seeing them play live whenever they come through Chicago. It's actually really nice because they have at least two or three series against the White Sox every year down here on the South side. This year is a bonus year because the Tigers are playing the Cubs at Wrigley as well. As I said before, I try to get to at least one game of every series. And that's exactly what I did this past weekend.
It was almost magical. Sitting there taking in the sights and sounds, listening to Thunderstruck being played over the loud speaker. It almost moved me to tears. Baseball is at its finest when you go see a game live, and I don't care who is playing. But it's even more special when it's the Detroit Tigers...and even more special when your spouse puts up with it.
So, we progress into the pre-game festivities...Elmo threw out the first pitch.
Morel and Ramirez are so terrible they found a couple of local boys to fill in for the day.
I should also mention at this point it was Jackie Robinson Day, so everyone wore #42 in honor of his greatness and achievements in the game of baseball. They honored Minnie Minoso before the game. He was Chicago's first African-American Major League Baseball player. He's the older one on the left in the #42 jersey.
Here's Gene Lemont being a boss.
Overall it was a fun afternoon. The weather was perfect. Cabrera and Fielder are just too awesome. It was fun to be that close to the action.
Here is a cool shot of Justin Verland and Alex Avila discussing their next start together.
"Hey Justin."
"Yeah, Alex"
"You should throw a no-hitter your next start."
"Ok"
You heard it hear first.
Final score Tigers 5, White Sox 2.