The Detroit Tigers have agreed to terms with catcher Austin Romine on a one-year Major League contract.

“Signing an experienced catcher was high on our list of offseason priorities, and we believe Austin will have an impact both on the field and in the clubhouse,” said Detroit Tigers Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager, Al Avila. “He’s a proven leader and game caller who has earned respect around the league for the tenacious and passionate manner in which he plays the game.”

“When talking with the Tigers, it was clear that we were going to be a great fit,” said Tigers catcher Austin Romine. “I’m looking forward to meeting my teammates and the coaches in Detroit next month, and for all of us to get back to playing baseball with spring training right around the corner. Detroit is a great baseball town, and I’m excited for what the 2020 season has in store!”

Romine, 31, played in 73 games with the New York Yankees in 2019. He established career highs in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and hits, while tying his career high in doubles.

Originally drafted by the Yankees in the second round of the 2007 MLB First-Year Player Draft, Romine has played parts of eight seasons in the Majors. He was named the Yankees nominee for the 2018 Heart and Hustle Award, presented annually by the MLB Players Alumni Association to recognize one Major Leaguer from each team who demonstrates a passion for baseball and embodies the values, spirit and tradition of the game.

A native of Lake Forest, Calif., Romine and his wife, Alexandria, have two sons, Benjamin and Henry and a daughter, Kinley. Romine’s father, Kevin, was a former Major League outfielder, appearing in 331 games over parts of seven seasons with Boston from 1985-91, while his brother, Andrew, has played nine big league seasons, including with the Tigers from 2014-17.

With the signing of Romine, the Tigers 40-man roster is now at 39.

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The Detroit Tigers today selected righthanded pitcher Rony Garcia from the New York Yankees with the No. 1 pick of the Major League phase of the Rule 5 Draft.

Garcia, 21, split the 2019 season between Single A Tampa and Double A Trenton. He was twice named the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week in 2019, first for the week ending July 14 after throwing 8.0 shutout innings with four hits allowed and eight strikeouts on July 12 at Reading.

A native of Mao, Dominican Republic, Garcia was originally signed by the Yankees as an international free agent.

With the selection of Garcia, the Tigers 40-man roster is now at 38.

In collaboration with city leaders, Olympia Development is contributing two parcels of land to the city to be developed as open and accessible community park space for the people of Detroit. These lower Midtown and Brush Park parcels, located on Fourth Street near Charlotte and on Watson near John R. respectively, will allow the city of Detroit to further expand its vision for increasing open and attractive green space to support new residential development.

The land is being given to the city in exchange for an extension of Olympia Development’s current development agreement for a small parcel on Henry Street at Woodward Avenue through September 12, 2022. “As we continue to carefully consider the possibilities and potential for the Henry Street development, one which will ultimately bring new jobs and opportunities for Detroiters, we are excited to contribute these two parcels of land in order to help build and expand publicly accessible open and green space for the residents of Detroit,” said Keith Bradford, senior vice president, Olympia Development. “There is tremendous potential to bring a dynamic and high-demand development to Brush Park and lower Midtown.”

The move comes on the heels of a series of recent announced plans by Olympia Development, including the addition of Spaces – an open concept work space – in the former Women’s City Club building, Boston Consulting Group coming to the new development at 2715 Woodward, and several new restaurants and retail destinations on Columbia Street.

“Receiving these two strategically located parcels will give us the final land we need to improve and expand two major parks in areas of the city that are seeing significant residential growth,” said Brad Dick, general services director, Parks & Recreation, City of Detroit. “This is a great example of partnership between developers and the city that directly benefits our residents.”

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Detroit continues to attract a diverse and premier range of world-renowned businesses to the city. Building on this momentum, the Boston Consulting Group will soon be calling 2715 Woodward Avenue home for the company’s southeast Michigan employees, becoming one of the latest principal tenants to join The District Detroit.

The $70 million building will replace a former surface parking lot at Sproat Street, creating approximately 850 construction and construction-related jobs for Detroiters and Michiganders.

For more than half a century, Boston Consulting Group, with offices in more than 50 countries, has partnered with top business and public leaders to help them effectively navigate some of the greatest challenges and opportunities of the modern era – from healthcare to technology and globalization to social impact.  Notably, their metro Detroit team has more than 90 years of experience in the city.

“Moving into Detroit connects us with our clients on a whole new level,” said Michelle Andersen, Managing Director & Senior Partner of BCG’s Detroit practice. “Our staff is thrilled to be part of the energy in Detroit, and ready for the expanded opportunities to find new sources of value creation for our clients and new chances for expanding the knowledge base of our team.”

Boston Consulting Group will conduct their operations in nearly 30,000 square feet of state-of-the-art office space, adding vitality and economic activity to Detroit’s continuing resurgence.

“We’ve worked closely with BCG to create a vibrant workspace where its Detroit-based headquarters will grow and thrive for years to come,” said Keith Bradford, Senior Vice President of Olympia Development. “With strategic proximity to the growing base of talent and opportunities throughout the city, we are thrilled to welcome Boston Consulting Group to The District Detroit.”

The building is currently under construction and expected to open in Spring 2021.

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The Detroit Tigers have announced several changes to their minor league coaching staff for the 2020 season. This lineup of managers, coaches and support staff will lead affiliates throughout the Detroit Tigers player development system.

Mike Rabelo returns to Double-A Erie for a second season, where he will continue to manage the SeaWolves. In Lakeland, Andrew Graham will also reprise his role as manager of the Class A Flying Tigers. Brayan Peña now manages the Class A West Michigan Whitecaps. He takes over for Lance Parrish, who will transition to a role in the front office.

Former Pittsburgh Pirates bench coach Tom Prince was recently announced as manager of the Toledo Mud Hens. As the affiliate closest to the Major League level, the Mud Hens plays a critical role in the Detroit Tigers player development system.

Follow the Detroit Tigers Player Development account on Twitter (@RoadtoDetroit) for the latest in Detroit Tigers minor league news.

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Reflecting its continued commitment to Detroit and the community, Olympia Development of Michigan has appointed three new executives who, together, bring decades of expertise to the company and community.

In her new role as Olympia Development’s Vice President, Government Affairs and Community Relations, Detroit native and resident Rian English Barnhill will lead community outreach efforts.  Barnhill will work in collaboration with residents, businesses, community organizations and public leaders to advance the company’s commitment to delivering new jobs for Detroiters, expanding access to affordable housing, and rejuvenating the city and neighborhoods with distinctive construction and redevelopment of storied landmarks.

“I am looking forward to ensuring a close link between our development efforts and the people of Detroit,” Barnhill said. “This begins with strengthening our engagement and communication with stakeholders and culminates with developments that truly benefit our great city and its residents.”

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Barnhill joins the Olympia Development team after having previously served in a variety of executive leadership positions, including roles with Detroit 90/90 and the Michigan Chronicle.

Zarah Karapetyan-Broglin, whose career spans tenures at Barton Marlow, Wayne State University, CBRE, and most recently, JLL, has been appointed Vice President of Construction.  In this capacity, Karapetyan-Broglin will manage the diverse selection of construction projects in Detroit, including the restoration of the storied Eddystone Hotel. “Detroit is a city with so much history and character,” Karapetyan-Broglin said. “I am looking forward to preserving those unique traits with steady, balanced and community-driven development that will build on the momentum we are seeing in the city.”

As a native Detroiter and principal with firms such as Pomeroy Living and PRS Equities, new Vice President of Development Stefan Stration brings more than two decades of local and national real estate development expertise across all asset classes and now leads the day-to-day efforts of the development team. “This is an exciting opportunity in an exciting city,” said Stration.  “I look forward to bringing new residential, business and retail opportunities to The District Detroit.”

All three executives will report to Keith Bradford, Senior Vice President of Development and The District Detroit.” As we further our efforts to help move our city forward, soliciting new ideas and seeking input from people across Detroit is a priority,” said Bradford  “These talented new hires — all of whom bring diverse expertise and proven track records — will have an important and active presence and voice in the collaborative dialogues we will be having with the community.”

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Larry Brinker, Jr., president of Detroit-based L.S. Brinker Company, is building a legacy and helping to create jobs and careers for Detroiters in collaboration with Olympia Development of Michigan. His company, founded by his father Larry Brinker, Sr. in 1989, includes several business units related to skilled trades. To date, the firm has contributed significant work to major projects in The District Detroit, including the innovative Little Caesars Arena, the Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University, and the new Little Caesars world headquarters campus expansion.

Brinker, in a joint venture with The Christman Company, is currently managing historic renovation of the former Women’s City Club building and the mixed-used building at 2715 Woodward Avenue, located between Little Caesars Arena and the Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University. Brinker business unit, Edgewood Electric, is also performing work at the former, historic Hotel Eddystone building near Little Caesars Arena.

Skilled trade professionals and apprentices who worked on Olympia Development-related Brinker projects have gone on to work at other significant Brinker projects, including the Ford Motor Co.’s Michigan Central Train project in Corktown, LinkedIn’s new Detroit office on Woodward Avenue and the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center.

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Al Avila, executive vice president of baseball operations and general manager of the Detroit Tigers, stopped by Columbia Street’s fast-casual Cuban-inspired eatery, Frita Batidos.

As Detroit’s passionate baseball fans know, the “Hot Stove” refers to the offseason, harkening back to a time when fans would gather on cold days around the hot stove to discuss their favorite team.  

And, as this offseason begins, Detroit Tigers Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager, Al Avila, sat down around the “Hot Stove” for a candid conversation about the future of the team with Tigers radio play-by-play voice Dan Dickerson.  Al discussed the team’s offseason plans, touching on everything from tough roster decisions to a timeline for the franchise’s most highly touted pitching prospect.  As MLB’s first Cuban born General Manager, Al felt right at home in his first visit to The District Detroit’s newest, Cuban-inspired restaurant, Frita Batidos.

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Detroit continues to become a destination city for the very best in live entertainment, from concerts to theater to family-friendly events.  Building on that momentum, veteran sports and entertainment executive Howard Handler has been named the President of 313 Presents, a joint venture between Olympia Entertainment and Pistons Sports & Entertainment (PS&E). In this role, the metro Detroit native will advance the company’s commitment to providing the very best in diverse, world-class, live entertainment experiences for passionate fans, and venues of all sizes, in southeastern Michigan and beyond.

Handler will oversee the booking, production, marketing and business opportunities at Little Caesars Arena, Comerica Park, the Fox Theatre, DTE Energy Music Theatre, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre on the campus of Oakland University, and Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill. He will report directly to the 313 Presents Board of Directors, comprised of executives from Ilitch Holdings, Inc., and Platinum Equity.  Handler will assume the leadership role from Tom Wilson, who has served as the Interim President of 313 Presents since its launch in late 2017.

“Detroit is a destination city for the best in live entertainment, offering world-class experiences for Detroiters and visitors alike,” said Arn Tellem, Vice Chairman of Pistons Sports & Entertainment.  “We are thrilled to welcome Howard as the President of 313 Presents, and to bring him back to his hometown.”

“Howard has a distinguished and proven track record in the sports and entertainment industry,” said Chris Granger, Group President, Sports & Entertainment of Ilitch Holdings, Inc. “His experience in growing businesses, his creativity, and his passion for the consumer, along with his highly collaborative approach, will be a tremendous addition to 313 Presents and to the millions of fans of live entertainment in the metro Detroit market.”

Handler most recently served as President of h2 Advisors, a full-service consulting firm that included the XFL, ConsenSys — the world’s leading blockchain software development firm — and several leading sports media investors among his prominent past clients. From 2011-17, Handler was the Chief Marketing Officer for Major League Soccer (MLS), leading all strategic marketing, digital, content, data, events and communications during a period of unprecedented growth and transformation for the league. Handler also served as the Executive Vice President of Marketing & Sales for The Madison Square Garden Company from 2009-11, where he led an innovative company-wide initiative to transform marketing and sales to a measurement-based and customer relationship-driven approach.

“I’m excited to join 313 Presents and return to my hometown of Detroit,” said Handler. “This city has come a long way, and this organization has made an impressive impact on the live entertainment landscape in two short years. I’m eager to build on that momentum and, through music and marquee events, help further add to the quality of life in Detroit.”

Tom Wilson, who led 313 Presents on an interim basis during the launch of the company, will transition into a President Emeritus role.  “Tom is an entertainment icon in this city.  From day one, he has helped steer 313 Presents and Olympia Entertainment to incredible heights with vision, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to Detroit,” said Granger.  “He has left an enduring mark, entertaining millions of live entertainment fans along the way, and we are happy to continue to lean on his expertise as we work to collectively expand our live offerings and provide even more memorable events, to more venues, to more fans in the future.”