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Detroit Tigers Sign Infielder Colt Keith to Contract Extension
January 27, 2024
The Detroit Tigers signed infielder Colt Keith to a six-year contract extension worth $28,642,500 that runs through the 2029 season and includes club options for the 2030, 2031, and 2032 seasons.
Keith will make $2,500,000 in 2024, $3,500,000 in 2025, $4,000,000 per season from 2026-27, and $5,000,000 per season from 2028-29. The deal also includes a $2,000,000 signing bonus, $10,000,000 club option for 2030 with a $2,642,500 buyout, $13,000,000 club option for 2031 with a $1,000,000 buyout, $15,000,000 club option for 2032 with a $2,000,000 buyout, and escalators for the club option salaries. If all options are escalated and exercised, the contract would be worth $82,000,000 over nine years.
Keith, drafted in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft, has excelled during his journey through the Tigers player development system and is currently ranked by MLB Pipeline as the club’s No. 2 prospect, and No. 22 in all of baseball. The 22-year-old lefthanded hitter is a native of Zanesville, OH and attended Biloxi High School (MS).
“This is a very exciting day for the Detroit Tigers, Colt, his family, and our fans,” said Detroit Tigers President of Baseball Operations, Scott Harris. “Colt has done everything we’ve asked of him during his young career, improving all facets of his game and asserting himself as one of the sport’s most promising young players. This contract demonstrates our faith in Colt and this organization’s commitment to acquire, develop, and retain young talent.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to reach this agreement, securing my place in this organization for years to come,” said Keith. “Since being drafted in 2020, all the coaches and staff have been invaluable in helping me and my teammates grow on and off the field. There’s a reason I felt strongly about making a long-term commitment to be here, and being surrounded by incredibly talented teammates and coaches is a big part of that. I’d also like to thank my family, fiancé, agent, and friends for their tireless support throughout my life and career. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I know this is a big accomplishment, but ultimately my mission is to be the best player possible and help win a World Series Championship for Tigers fans everywhere.”
The 2023 season was a highly successful one for the then 21-year-old Keith, during which he powered through Double A (59 games) and Triple A (67 games). In his third Minor League season, and first reaching the Triple A level, Keith put together a combined slashline of .306/.380/.552 with 38 doubles, 27 homers, and 101 RBI. Among all full season Minor League players last season, he ranked third in extra-base hits (68), fifth in total bases (280), and tied for eighth in RBI (101).
While in Erie in 2023, he posted a .325/.391/.585 slashline, belting 14 home runs and 18 doubles, while driving in 50 RBI. Among all qualified hitters across the Double A level at the time of his promotion to Toledo (June 23), Keith ranked second in total bases (144); third in extra-base hits (34); fourth in slugging percentage (.585); fifth in batting average (.325), doubles (18) and home runs (14); and sixth in RBI (50). His performance earned several accolades from the Eastern League in 2023, including two Player of the Week honors (April 23 and May 21), Player of the Month (May) and being named a Post-Season All-Star.
After his promotion to Toledo, Keith ranked as one of the International League’s best hitters even though he was more than five years younger than the average player in the league. During his time with the Mud Hens, he hit .287/.369/.521 with 20 doubles, 13 home runs, and 51 RBI. From the span of his first game in Toledo (June 28) through the end of the season, Keith ranked third in the league with extra-base hits (34) and total bases (136); fourth in doubles (20); and fifth in hits (75) and RBI (51).
Additional accolades earned during his 2023 campaign: MiLB.com Organizational All-Star (also earned in 2022), MLB Futures Game Selection, Baseball America Tigers Minor League Player of the Year, and Minor League Baseball’s Single Game Performance of the Year after going 6×6 and hitting for the cycle (with two home runs) on May 16.
Through his first three professional seasons, Keith has slashed a combined .300/.382/.512 with 60 doubles, 11 triples, 38 home runs, and 164 RBI in 239 games. He played in the Arizona Fall League in 2022, hitting .344/.463/.541 with three doubles, three home runs and 10 RBI. Keith was selected to play in the AFL’s Rising Stars Game.
Detroit Red Wings Recall Brogan Rafferty from Griffins
January 24, 2024
The Detroit Red Wings today recalled defenseman Brogan Rafferty from the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins. Additionally, the Red Wings have activated goaltender Ville Husso from injured reserve and loaned him to the Griffins for conditioning, and placed right wing Patrick Kane on injured reserve retroactive to Jan. 14.
Rafferty, 28, has tallied 15 points (2-13-15) and six penalty minutes in 36 games with the Griffins during the 2023-24 season. The 6-foot, 197-pound blueliner spent the entire 2022-23 campaign with the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds and led the team’s defensemen in goals (9), assists (42), points (51), plus/minus (+28), power play goals (2) and shots (154) in 72 games, earning a place on the AHL Second All-Star Team. Rafferty also helped the Firebirds reach the Calder Cup Finals in their inaugural season, recording 11 points (2-9-11) and four penalty minutes in 26 postseason contests. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Vancouver Canucks on April 1, 2019, Rafferty picked up one assist in three appearances with the club in 2018-19 and 2020-21. Rafferty has also collected 135 points (22-113-135), a plus-46 rating and 96 penalty minutes in 230 AHL games with the Utica Comets, San Diego Gulls, Firebirds and Griffins since 2019-20. He played in the 2020 AHL All-Star Classic and was selected to the league’s Second All-Star Team and All-Rookie Team after leading all first-year players with 38 assists.
Prior to turning professional, Rafferty played three seasons at Quinnipiac University from 2016-19, recording 65 points (10-55-65) and 100 penalty minutes in 116 games. The West Dundee, Ill., native spent the 2015-16 season with the Bloomington Thunder of the United States Hockey League, logging 28 points (2-26-28) and 30 penalty minutes in 60 regular-season games, in addition to nine points (3-6-9) and four penalty minutes in 10 postseason matchups. Rafferty also totaled 56 points (8-48-56) and 105 penalty minutes in 110 North American Hockey League games with the Topeka Roadrunners and Coulee Region Chill from 2012-15.
The District Detroit is the Place to Cheer on Detroit Sports Teams this Sunday, January 21
January 18, 2024
It’s another exciting Sunday for Detroit sports as two hometown teams host two Tampa Bay teams in The District Detroit. First, the Detroit Lions take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for an NFC Divisional Round playoff game at Ford Field at 3:00pm. Later, the Red Wings play the Tampa Bay Lightning at Little Caesars Arena at 7:00pm.
Fans can join the excitement in several ways – from food & beverage specials at area restaurants, access to Little Caesars Arena restaurants during the day, a free football watch party at Comerica Park and more! Details are below.
Comerica Park Watch Party
Comerica Park will host a pre-Lions game watch party that is free and open to the public.
Columbia Street
Columbia Street is The District Detroit’s pedestrian-friendly walkway located between the historic Fox Theatre and Little Caesars World Headquarters, across Woodward Avenue from Comerica Park.
Little Caesars Arena
On Sunday, Mike’s Pizza Bar, The Mixing Board and PointsBet Sports Bar will open at 11:30am. These restaurants are accessible from outside Little Caesars Arena for both ticketed and non-ticketed fans.
Doors for the Red Wings game will open at 5:30pm. The first 7,500 fans in attendance will receive the highly-anticipated Jake Walman bobblehead with him doing “The Griddy.”
Parking
With travel delays expected, fans are encouraged to arrive early, and parking at Olympia Parking locations can be reserved in advance at ParkWhiz.com.
Little Caesars Pizza Opens its First Restaurant in Nottingham Marking its Second UK Opening
January 16, 2024
Little Caesars® Pizza, the third largest pizza chain in the world, has opened the doors of its first restaurant in the north of Nottingham city, in Top Valley.
The menu, which champions fresh quality ingredients from around Europe at an affordable price, will feature several delicious pizza varieties, including the signature HOT-N-READY® Pepperoni and Margherita for just £5. The Little Caesars HOT-N-READY® model gives customers the easy and quick option to simply stop in and take away a freshly made, piping-hot, large pizza and side items without waiting or ordering ahead.
Other delicious offerings include the Mushroom Deluxe (£8), the Three Meat Treat (£10), Peri Peri Chicken (£10), and many others. Three-piece Pepperoni Crazy Puffs (£3) and Little Caesars signature Crazy Bread® (£2) are also available. All pizzas on the menu are 12-inch large sizes that are perfect for families or individuals for a weekday or weekend treat.
“We are thrilled to announce the expansion of Little Caesars Pizza into Nottingham, our second location in the U.K.,” Paula Vissing, President, Global Retail for Little Caesars, expresses. “Little Caesars is synonymous with quality, convenience, and affordability, and we are eager to share our delicious offerings with the vibrant community of Nottingham. The U.K. market holds significant importance for us, and Nottingham serves as a fantastic gateway to introduce our renowned menu. With a year of growth ahead, we plan to unveil multiple new sites, including a much-anticipated presence in the lively city of London. We look forward to becoming a go-to destination for pizza lovers across the U.K.”
The global brand, which currently operates in 28 countries and territories, has ambitious plans to continue expanding throughout the U.K. and is actively seeking franchisees interested in joining the world-renowned brand. In addition to Nottingham, two stores in London and a store in Liverpool will open later this year. To learn more about development and growth opportunities in the region, visit International.LittleCaesars.com.
Updated Start Time for Detroit Red Wings Home Game on Sunday, January 21 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
January 15, 2024
The National Hockey League today announced an updated start time for the Detroit Red Wings home game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday, Jan. 21 at Little Caesars Arena.
The game, originally scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET, will now begin at 7:00 p.m. ET following the Detroit Lions’ NFC Divisional Round matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 3:00 p.m. ET at Ford Field. The Red Wings-Lightning game will be broadcast live on Bally Sports Detroit and air on WWJ Newsradio 950.
With travel delays expected, fans are encouraged to arrive early, and parking at Olympia Parking locations can be reserved in advance at ParkWhiz.com.
Before the Lions game, Mike’s Pizza Bar, The Mixing Board and PointsBet Sports Bar will open at 11:30 a.m. All restaurants are accessible from outside Little Caesars Arena for both ticketed and non-ticketed fans.
Doors for the Red Wings game will open at 5:30 p.m. ET. The first 7,500 fans in attendance will receive the highly anticipated Jake Walman bobblehead with him doing “The Griddy.”
An updated Red Wings schedule is available at DetroitRedWings.com/schedule.
Janet Jackson Brings Highest Grossing “Together Again” Tour to Pine Knob Music Theatre with Special Guest Nelly on July 2
January 14, 2024
One year after announcing her highly anticipated return to the road with her ninth concert tour, Together Again, today five-time Grammy®️ Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame®️ Inductee Janet Jackson reveals she will be adding 35 dates to the run, including Pine Knob Music Theatre on Tuesday, July 2 at 8 p.m. In addition, Nelly will join Jackson on tour across all dates as her special guest. Pine Knob Music Theatre is presented by Proud Partners United Wholesale Mortgage, Trinity Health and Ally.
Tickets go on-sale Friday, January 19 at 10 a.m. at 313Presents.com, LiveNation.com and Ticketmaster.com. Fans can also purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium tickets, Meet & Greet and photo op with Janet Jackson, pre-show VIP lounge, collectible VIP concert ticket & more. For more information, visit VIPnation.com.
Ms. Jackson’s Together Again 2024 Tour builds on the success of the 2023 run, the icon’s highest selling trek of her career which featured 36 sold out shows and received rave reviews from fans and press. Okayplayer said “Janet has still got it, serving as our beloved sex symbol, superstar, and Queen of Pop that no one has come close to emulating.” The Chicago Tribune confirmed, “Being a performer, a showstopper, a true delight is not just what Janet Jackson does. It is who she is.” And the Boston Globe claimed, “Jackson is a killer live act.”
The Together Again Tour will offer everyone the chance to reunite with Ms. Jackson in celebration of her 50th anniversary in entertainment and spotlight the milestones for three of Jackson’s most critically acclaimed albums – 25 years of “The Velvet Rope”, 30 years of “janet”, and 35 years of “Rhythm Nation.” featuring her biggest chart-topping hits. In addition, fans can expect the three-time Grammy®️ winner and Diamond-selling Hip-Hop sensation Nelly to deliver a powerhouse performance, showcasing his greatest hits and cherished fan favorites spanning the last two decades.
Comedian Ali Wong Brings Ali Wong: Live Comedy Tour to The Fox Theatre March 26
January 14, 2024
Renowned stand-up comedian and Emmy-winning actress, Ali Wong, is excited to announce her Ali Wong: Live comedy tour will appear at the Fox Theatre on Tuesday, March 26 at 7:30 p.m. Produced by Live Nation, the tour will be making additional stops in North America visiting San Antonio, Chicago and more now wrapping up in Philadelphia on April 5. Comerica Bank is the exclusive presenting partner of the Fox Theatre.
Tickets go on sale Friday, January 19 at 10 a.m. at 313Presents.com, LiveNation.com and Ticketmaster.com.
Having captivated audiences worldwide with her previous tours and hit Netflix specials, including Baby Cobra, Hard Knock Wife, and the Emmy-nominated Don Wong, Ali Wong has become a household name, celebrated for her fearless and relatable brand of comedy.
Most recently, Wong starred in and executive produced the Netflix and A24 dark comedy series Beef, where she won an Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a limited or anthology series or movie at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on January 15. The show also won an Emmy for outstanding limited or anthology series. Similar to the Emmy Awards, Beef won in all three categories it was nominated in at the Golden Globes – best limited series, best actor in a limited series and best actress in a limited series.
Wong explores her dating life post-divorce on her upcoming, recently-expanded comedy tour. Wong will debut never before heard material in 10 cities across the U.S. and Canada through April 2024.
Detroit Red Wings and Toledo Walleye Extend Affiliation
January 14, 2024
The Detroit Red Wings and ECHL’s Toledo Walleye today announced a three-year extension of their affiliation agreement. The 2023-24 season marks the 14th year of partnership between the clubs and extends the affiliation through at least the 2026-27 season. “We’re very pleased to continue our partnership between the Red Wings and the Walleye,” said Red Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman. “Toledo continues to be an outstanding organization both on and off the ice, and playing in front of a passionate fanbase and a commitment to a winning culture has been vital for the development of our young players. We’re looking forward to seeing the Walleye continue their pursuit of a Kelly Cup championship.”
Since affiliating with the Red Wings and American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins, the Walleye have consistently ranked among the ECHL’s most successful franchises. Toledo has played in two Kelly Cup Finals (2019, 2022), won five divisional crowns and earned three Brabham Cup titles as the ECHL’s regular-season champions (2014-15, 2016-17, 2021-22). The Walleye have qualified for the Kelly Cup Playoffs in nine seasons, and most recently advanced to the 2023 Western Conference Final before falling to the Idaho Steelheads in five games.
Red Wings Head Coach Derek Lalonde made his professional coaching debut with the Walleye from 2014-16, posting a 97-35-7-5 record and a 14-14 postseason mark. Additionally, Griffins Head Coach Dan Watson served as Toledo’s bench boss from 2016-23, compiling a 272-112-22-13 record and a 51-34 playoff ledger. Off the ice, the Walleye are just as respected, winning the ECHL Award of Excellence six times, awarded to the organization with the most well-rounded business plan and presence in their community. In 2022-23, Toledo sold out 29 of its 36 home games to rank second in the league in attendance.“The relationship between the Red Wings, Griffins and Walleye is one of the strongest in professional hockey,” said Walleye Executive Vice President and General Manager Neil Neukam. “This extension is a testament to their trust in our coaching and support staff as well as the passion of our great fans, who make Toledo such a great place for young players.”
Under the current affiliation, the Red Wings provide several NHL-contract players to the Walleye, as well as signing players to AHL/ECHL contracts who can play for either Grand Rapids or Toledo. Since 2009-10, 19 players and one coach from Toledo have gone on to the NHL, including 10 for the Red Wings: Jake Chelios, Jared Coreau, Martin Frk, Kaden Fulcher, Luke Glendening, Nick Jensen, Brian Lashoff, Tom McCollum, Petr Mrazek and Andrej Nestrasil.
Detroit was previously affiliated with the ECHL’s Toledo Storm from 1991-99 and 2000-07, prior to re-entering the league as the Walleye in 2009-10. The Storm won back-to-back Riley Cup championships in 1993 and 1994, in addition to six divisional crowns and two regular-season titles over their 16-season history.
Unleash Your Flavor Potential: Little Caesars Slices-N-Stix Returns with Bacon and Jalapeño Topping Options at a Great Value
January 10, 2024
Pizza enthusiasts, prepare to unleash your flavor potential and satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank! Little Caesars®, the pizza chain renowned for its quality, convenience, and value, is thrilled to announce incredible nationwide value pricing on its fan-favorite Slices-N-Stix, available with two mouthwatering topping options for the breadsticks: savory bacon or fiery jalapeños. Whether you crave the classic pepperoni pizza and cheesy breadsticks or seek a flavor adventure by topping them with bacon or jalapeño, there’s a Slices-N-Stix combination for everyone.
Slice-N-Sticks featuring bacon or jalapeno breadsticks is available nationwide for just $7.99*. And for those who cherish the timeless pairing, Little Caesars is also offering Slices-N-Stix featuring breadsticks topped with cheese and seasonings for $6.99* nationwide. So, whether you’re a bacon devotee, a jalapeño enthusiast, or a breadstick traditionalist, Little Caesars has the perfect Slices-N-Stix combination to satisfy your cravings and your wallet.
“We’re thrilled to offer this incredible deal on Slices-N-Stix and the unique topping options to satisfy everyone’s cravings,” said Greg Hamilton, chief marketing officer at Little Caesars. “We know our customers love this product and appreciate the exciting flavor variety it offers at such a great price.”
Slices-N-Stix is the ultimate pizza-and-breadsticks combo, featuring four slices of Little Caesars’ famous HOT-N-READY® pepperoni pizza perfectly complemented by eight savory cheese breadsticks. Now, with the addition of bacon and jalapeño topping options for the breadsticks, pizza lovers can customize their Slices-N-Stix experience to match their cravings.
The Slices-N-Stix deal is available for a limited time at participating Little Caesars restaurants nationwide. So, head to your nearest Little Caesars today for the perfect combination of pizza and breadsticks. Save time by ordering online for Pizza Portal Pickup or delivery at LittleCaesars.com or by downloading the Little Caesars app.
*Available at participating locations. Prices may vary. Prices higher in AK, HI and third-party online sites. Plus tax.