Baseball season is here, and as kids across Detroit take the field to learn the basics of the game, they’ll also learn important teamwork skills that will last a lifetime.  

The Tiny Tigers program offers Detroit’s young athletes a place to make friends and memories alongside volunteers, mentors and dedicated community leaders.

The eight-week program is a collaboration between the Detroit Tigers Foundation, an affiliate of Ilitch Charities, and Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL) – with girls and boys age 4-8 taking part in team practices and weekly games at The Corner Ballpark, the site of the old Tiger Stadium.

More than 300 kids learn the sport annually as part of PAL’s Team UP program, in which officers from the Detroit Police Department act as mentors and coaches to the kids.

Detroit PAL, a non-profit organization based in Corktown, impacts more than 14,000 Detroit area children each year through its sports and recreational camps and after-school activities with the help of more than 1,700 volunteers. Founded in 1969, the organization gives children an opportunity to learn skills needed to succeed both on and off the playing field.

The Detroit Tigers Foundation provides an annual grant to support the Tiny Tigers program, which has supported more than 2,000 young, aspiring players to date.

In addition to Tiny Tigers, the Detroit Tigers Foundation invests in youth baseball programs throughout the greater Detroit community – through baseball field renovation projects, youth summer camps and baseball equipment donations – that promote the good citizenship embodied in the storied history of the Detroit Tigers.

The foundation also joins the Detroit Tigers to host the annual Detroit Tigers Winter Caravan, which visits schools, first responders, community groups, museums and civic events throughout the state while focusing on some of our most important fans: kids in the community.

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For Dejuan Hunter, a construction apprenticeship not only provides a pathway to a full-time job but also an opportunity to impact others in his community.  He is one of hundreds of Detroiters who have found careers in the industry as Olympia Development of Michigan continues the expansion of Detroit’s sports and entertainment district.

Hunter, a 27-year-old Detroit native, is an apprentice with Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers (BAC), Local 2, working with Ram Construction to renovate the historic former Eddystone Hotel at 110 Sproat St.

Hunter is one of many Detroiters who began their careers in construction on an Olympia Development jobsite, where more than 1,000 apprentices and pre-apprentices have trained in new skills to build their careers.

Job opportunities close to home provide Detroiters a path to on-the-job education and career advancement. They’ll get that education while earning a living and preparing them for a challenging and rewarding career.

“To me, this apprenticeship means a lot,” Hunter said. “In three years, I’ll be a journeyman, and I’ll be able to teach the new guys coming in.”

On weekends, Hunter hones his skills by practicing bricklaying at home. His goal? To have his name on the trucks; starting his own construction business and employing others in the trades.

“You can see how job opportunities and apprenticeships for Detroiters can have an exponential effect on the city — as we know good jobs ultimately lead to thriving neighborhoods,” said Rian English-Barnhill, Vice President Community and Government Affairs for Olympia Development of Michigan. “We’re so proud to play a part in the growth that is happening across our great city and to have the opportunity to invest in Detroit’s incredible workforce.”  

“So many new apprentices are eager to be part of Detroit’s resurgence,” said Zarah Broglin, Vice President Construction for Olympia Development of Michigan. “Construction is a dynamic and in-demand career field in which Detroiters will have relevant skills for a lifetime.”

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With the 2020 season opener just around the corner, the Detroit Tigers squared off in another intrasquad game on a sunny summer day at Comerica Park. See highlights from the rematch of Team Maybin and Team Miggy in the gallery below.

After Chris Ilitch joined with Mayor Mike Duggan, Rev. Wendell Anthony and eight other prominent Detroit business leaders to publicly speak out against racism and injustice, the Ilitch organization has announced the formation of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force. The 12-member task force, comprised of employees representing the Ilitch family of companies, will be actively exploring policies, programs and practices related to diversity and inclusion issues.  

The formation of the task force was preceded by a series of listening sessions with employees that were conducted by leaders throughout the Ilitch companies.  

Over the years, the Ilitch companies have engaged in various diversity and inclusion efforts, including employee training, internships, community outreach efforts, as well as programs with professional sports leagues, fans, athletes, and the community.  The Ilitch companies value the importance of continuous improvement, and the creation of this task force is consistent with that organizational belief and culture.

The task force will be led by Danielle Lester, Senior Legal Counsel, Little Caesars, and will commence immediately.  Danielle received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Michigan, her J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law and her Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University – The Eli Broad School of Management.  

“Along with my fellow colleagues, I look forward to serving on this task force,” said Lester.  “Our companies recognize the value and benefits of diversity and inclusion and aspire to continuously advance these very important areas that impact our colleagues and community.”  

Other task force members include Geana Kay-Nash, Little Caesars Vice President Customer & IT System Support; Brian Pattison, Little Caesars National Vice President Franchise Services; Nancy Amenero, Little Caesars Market Director West Regional Operations; Paola Remus, Little Caesars Market Director Southwest Regional Operations; Brett Yates, Little Caesars Vice President of Human Resources; Michele Bartos, Sports & Entertainment Vice President of Human Resources; Ellen Hill Zeringue, Sports & Entertainment Vice President Marketing; Rian Barnhill, Olympia Development Vice President of Government and Community Affairs; Piki Ghosh, Champion Foods Quality and Sanitation Manager; Jacci Woods, MotorCity Casino Hotel Vice President of Public Relations and Community Affairs; and David Turner, MotorCity Casino Hotel Vice President of Human Resources.

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Tigers fans can bring home the magic of baseball thanks to a new collection of jewelry from Rebel Nell made from material sourced from the team’s home dugout.

“The Dugout Collection,” produced in collaboration with the Detroit Tigers, includes items such as tie bars, cufflinks, earrings, necklaces and wine stoppers. Every item is made of materials that have seen two World Series, one All-Star Game and countless concerts and events, ensuring a bit of history in each piece. Proceeds from this collection benefit the Detroit Tigers Foundation, an affiliate of Ilitch Charities.

“We are excited to partner with the Detroit Tigers on this special collection to preserve a piece of baseball history and to bring a part of the game to the incredible fans of our iconic baseball team. The collection will support the Detroit Tigers Foundation and also create jobs for many women in Detroit through our mission at Rebel Nell,” said Amy Peterson, founder of Rebel Nell.

Rebel Nell began in 2013 with the mission to employ women facing barriers to employment in Detroit, educate them on financial management, life wellness and entrepreneurship, and empower them to transition to a life of independence. The brand previously partnered with the Detroit Red Wings Foundation for “The Joe Collection,” a limited line of hand-made pieces created from paint fragments outside historic Joe Louis Arena.

The collection goes on sale Saturday, Aug. 1 at RebelNell.com and at Rebel Nell’s retail store in Detroit. For store hours and more information, visit RebelNell.com.

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Baseball is back in Detroit. Since resuming camp on Friday, July 3, the 2020 Detroit Tigers players, from top prospects to future Hall of Famers, have returned to Comerica Park for a series of intrasquad games.

See the players take to their home field once again in the video below.

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Tigers to host Cleveland on Opening Day April 1

The Detroit Tigers, in conjunction with Major League Baseball, have announced their 2021 schedule, featuring 81 games at Comerica Park.

The Tigers will face American League Central Division rivals, as well as interleague home contests against the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers and Pittsburgh Pirates. The 2021 season will mark the 121st season of Detroit Tigers baseball and their 22nd season at Comerica Park.

For just the second time in the last six seasons, the Tigers will begin the season at home, facing the Cleveland Indians in a three-game series at Comerica Park. Opening Day is slated for April 1, while the series will conclude with games on April 3-4.

For the second straight season, the Tigers will face National League Central Division opponents in interleague play. Along with its annual home-and-home season series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit will also welcome the Cubs, Cardinals and Brewers to Comerica Park. Road interleague series in 2020 include games at Cincinnati, Milwaukee and St. Louis.

The Tigers will be home for a pair of summer holidays in 2021. Detroit concludes a three-game series against the Twins on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 9, while the Tigers will celebrate our nation’s independence on July 4, hosting the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park.

For more information on tickets for the 2021 season, please email tickets@tigers.com.

Note: All game dates are subject to change.

April 2021

April 1 vs. CLE

April 3 vs. CLE

April 4 vs. CLE

April 5 vs. MIN

April 6 vs. MIN

April 7 vs. MIN

April 9 @ CLE

April 10 @ CLE

April 11 @ CLE

April 12 @ HOU

April 13 @ HOU

April 14 @ HOU

April 15 @ OAK

April 16 @ OAK

April 17 @ OAK

April 18 @ OAK

April 20 vs. PIT

April 21 vs. PIT

April 22 vs. PIT

April 23 vs. KC

April 24 vs. KC

April 25 vs. KC

April 26 vs. KC

April 27 @ CWS

April 28 @ CWS

April 29 @ CWS

April 30 @ NYY

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May 2021

May 1 @ NYY

May 2 @ NYY

May 4 @ BOS

May 5 @ BOS

May 6 @ BOS

May 7 vs. MIN

May 8 vs. MIN

May 9 vs. MIN

May 11 vs. KC

May 12 vs. KC

May 13 vs. KC

May 14 vs. CHC

May 15 vs. CHC

May 16 vs. CHC

May 17 @ SEA

May 18 @ SEA

May 19 @ SEA

May 21 @ KC

May 22 @ KC

May 23 @ KC

May 24 vs. CLE

May 25 vs. CLE

May 26 vs. CLE

May 27 vs. CLE

May 28 vs. NYY

May 29 vs. NYY

May 30 vs. NYY

May 31 @ MIL

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June 2021

June 1 @ MIL

June 3 @ CWS

June 4 @ CWS

June 5 @ CWS

June 6 @ CWS

June 8 vs. SEA

June 9 vs. SEA

June 10 vs. SEA

June 11 vs. CWS

June 12 vs. CWS

June 13 vs. CWS

June 14 @ KC

June 15 @ KC

June 16 @ KC

June 17 @ LAA

June 18 @ LAA

June 19 @ LAA

June 20 @ LAA

June 22 vs. STL

June 23 vs. STL

June 24 vs. HOU

June 25 vs. HOU

June 26 vs. HOU

June 27 vs. HOU

June 28 @ CLE

June 29 @ CLE

June 30 @ CLE

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July 2021

July 2 vs. CWS

July 3 vs. CWS

July 4 vs. CWS

July 5 @ TEX

July 6 @ TEX

July 7 @ TEX

July 8 @ MIN

July 9 @ MIN

July 10 @ MIN

July 11 @ MIN

July 16 vs. MIN

July 17 vs. MIN

July 18 vs. MIN

July 19 vs. TEX

July 20 vs. TEX

July 21 vs. TEX

July 22 vs. TEX

July 23 @ KC

July 24 @ KC

July 25 @ KC

July 26 @ MIN

July 27 @ MIN

July 28 @ MIN

July 29 vs. BAL

July 30 vs. BAL

July 31 vs. BAL

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August 2021

August 1 vs. BAL

August 3 vs. BOS

August 4 vs. BOS

August 5 vs. BOS

August 6 @ CLE

August 7 @ CLE

August 8 @ CLE

August 10 @ BAL

August 11 @ BAL

August 12 @ BAL

August 13 vs. CLE

August 14 vs. CLE

August 15 vs. CLE

August 17 vs. LAA

August 18 vs. LAA

August 19 vs. LAA

August 20 @ TOR

August 21 @ TOR

August 22 @ TOR

August 24 @ STL

August 25 @ STL

August 27 vs. TOR

August 28 vs. TOR

August 29 vs. TOR

August 31 vs. OAK

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September 2021

September 1 vs. OAK

September 2 vs. OAK

September 3 @ CIN

September 4 @ CIN

September 5 @ CIN

September 6 @ PIT

September 7 @ PIT

September 8 @ PIT

September 10 vs. TB

September 11 vs. TB

September 12 vs. TB

September 14 vs. MIL

September 15 vs. MIL

September 16 @ TB

September 17 @ TB

September 18 @ TB

September 19 @ TB

September 20 vs. CWS

September 21 vs. CWS

September 22 vs. CWS

September 24 vs. KC

September 25 vs. KC

September 26 vs. KC

September 28 @ MIN

September 29 @ MIN

September 30 @ MIN

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October 2021

October 1 @ CWS

October 2 @ CWS

October 3 @ CWS

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Following the Ilitch family’s extensive 1987-’88 restoration of the famed Fox Theatre to its former glory, a tradition developed: each performer signs the backstage wall. From musical legends to headlining comedians, leading politicians and beyond, the Fox Theatre’s Signature Wall speaks to the rich legacy of the city and celebrated venue.

A masterpiece of theater design by architect C. Howard Crane, Detroit’s Fox Theatre has enthralled and entertained audiences since opening in 1928. At that time, the venue was designed to showcase a variety of entertainment, from Vaudeville to films with sound (“talkies”), chorus lines to Fox Movietone newsreels. Still one of the largest theaters in the world, the venue has shifted to showcase contemporary live concerts to suit the changing tastes of American audiences.

With $12.5 million and more than a year put into the project, the restored Fox was unveiled with a grand reopening on Nov. 19, 1988. A benefit show, “Curtains Up at the Fox,” featured performances by the Count Basie Orchestra (who first played at the venue in the 1930s), Harry Blackstone Jr., Hall & Oates, Smokey Robinson and Dave Coulier.

The theater’s renovation brought renewed interest from audiences and performers alike as big-name acts worldwide flocked to the stage. Artists who played the Fox in the late-1980s included Stevie Wonder, Gregg Allman, the B-52s, Chicago, Willie Nelson, Lou Reed and Cher. B.B. King was a consistent performer at the venue, appearing at least 20 times between the 1980s and 2000s, often with Bobby “Blue” Bland.

The Fox Theatre’s Signature Wall is riddled with signatures of musicians, actors, dancers, businesspeople and other celebrities. Expansive and crowded, it is a rich document of the theater’s remarkable history.

“Taking visitors on tours through the Signature Wall space and watching their surprised and amazed reactions is truly enriching,” says Sandy Richmond, General Manager of the Fox Theatre. “Where else can you view signatures of Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, Smokey Robinson — all within a few feet? How about Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, Al Gore and the moderators from two national debates? And then in the center, there’s Sammy Davis Jr., Liza Minnelli, and the very first signatory, Frank Sinatra,with Paul Simon using the ‘S’ in Sinatra to sign his name.”

Detroit’s Fox Theatre, consistently ranked among the best in the world, is a crown jewel of the city’s arts and entertainment heritage and will continue to entertain audiences for decades to come.

Step back in time through photos of the Fox Theatre’s Signature Wall below.

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With advanced safety practices in place on reopened Olympia Development jobsites, construction continues apace in The District Detroit. With a focus on delivering affordable housing, historic preservation and sustained economic opportunity for Detroiters, the unique portfolio of projects are projected to collectively create more than 4,000 local construction and construction-related jobs and 4,300 local permanent jobs.

Meet some of the Detroiters who are making it all happen:

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