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Miguel Cabrera Named Special Assistant to the President of Baseball Operations
October 7, 2023
Once a Tiger, always a Tiger. Following Sunday’s game, Miguel Cabrera’s next chapter will be in Detroit as a Special Assistant to the President of Baseball Operations.
Scott Harris, Detroit Tigers President of Baseball Operations:
“It’s been incredible to watch Miggy passing names on all-time leaderboards, but even more impressive to see how he’s handled the attention behind the scenes. It’s no secret that the personal spotlight isn’t super comfortable to Miggy, and there’s something to be said about the humility he carries each and every day even when fans across the league are chanting his name while wearing another team’s jersey on their backs. Lessons like how to deal with praise and pressure are exactly what we want him teaching players throughout our organization. I’m honored to have him as part of our staff, and know he will continue to make the Tigers better in his new role.”
Stanley Cup Winner Henrik Zetterberg and Hockey Pioneer Colleen Howe Inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame
October 7, 2023
Former Detroit Red Wing Henrik Zetterberg, and Colleen Howe, the late wife of legendary Detroit Red Wing Gordie Howe, were inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame (MSHOF) at a ceremony on September 14.
The event, held at MotorCity Casino’s SoundBoard, also welcomed eight other inductees from the sports world into the Class of 2023, joining renowned athletes such as Ty Cobb, Ted Lindsay, Willie Horton, and Jordyn Wieber.
Zetterberg played his entire NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings, including serving as captain for his final six seasons, and lead the team to the 2008 Stanley Cup, when he also won the Conn Smythe Trophy for his playoff performance.
“Throughout my career, I was surrounded by amazing players,” Zetterberg said of his former Red Wings teammates during the ceremony.
Known as “Mrs. Hockey,” Colleen Howe was a pioneering sports agent and manager, representing her husband, the legendary Gordie Howe (MSHOF Class of 1957) and her sons Mark (MSHOF Class of 2013) and Marty in their hockey and business interests. She was also one of the founders of the Detroit Junior Red Wings, the first Junior A team in the United States. Mrs. Howe passed away in 2009; her son Mark accepted the award on her behalf.
Other inductees in the Class of 2023 were:
• Richard “Rip” Hamilton, former Detroit Piston
• Ryan Miller, former Michigan State University hockey player
• Sierra Romero, four-time All-American softball player at the University of Michigan
• Lorenzo White, all-time leading rusher in Michigan State University football history
• LaMarr Woodley, former University of Michigan football player
• Rick Comley, former NCAA hockey coach
• Mike “Doc” Emrick, NHL play-by-play announcer
• Dawn Riley, the most honored woman in the history of United States sailboat racing
The Class was voted on by the public and the Hall of Fame’s Election Task Force, a Statewide Election Committee comprised of current and former journalists, sports executives, and representatives from smaller Sports Halls of Fame in Michigan.
Mike Ilitch was inducted into the MSHOF in 2004, followed by Marian Ilitch in 2008.
Detroit Red Wings Prospects Help Grow Sport of Hockey at Blair Elementary School
October 7, 2023
Students at Blair Elementary School spent their Monday morning with some special visitors.
All 24 members of the Detroit Red Wings’ 2023 NHL Prospect Tournament roster visited the Traverse City, Mich. Public school to run a hockey clinic in the gym, an experience that forward Amadeus Lombardi described as “really cool.”
“It’s fun to give back to the community and see how happy they were when we all came in,” said Lombardi, who was Detroit’s 113th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. “I remember being their age, and when an event like this happened, you’re all excited.”
Upon their arrival, the Red Wings prospects were greeted by students eagerly asking for high fives while chanting “Let’s Go Red Wings.” The players then went inside the gym, where they taught students the basics of hockey through multiple rotating stations.
Forward Marco Kasper said it was fun helping students learn skills like stickhandling, shooting and passing.
“The stickhandling and passing part of it is hard for a lot of kids,” said Kasper, Detroit’s eighth overall draft pick in 2022. “But we’re just trying to have them work together, have fun and make a great day for them.”
After spending the past four days competing in the NHL Prospect Tournament, Monday’s event could not have come at a better time, according to Lombardi.
“It’s nice and needed to get away from the actual hockey a little bit,” Lombardi said. “Take down the stress and relax. Spending time with kids changes your mood and makes you a little bit happier. I’m very fortunate to be in this position.”
Lombardi was also part of the group that visited Traverse Heights Elementary School for a similar hockey clinic after the NHL Prospect Tournament last September. He said participating in these clinics has helped him recognize just how special the relationship is between the Traverse City community and the Red Wings.
“Traverse City helps out with the Wings a lot, so it’s important to give back as best we can,” Lombardi said. “It’s nice to see how excited everyone is and how welcoming they are to us.”
Kevin Brown, director of community impact for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, said the presence of Detroit’s prospects at the clinic sent an important message.
“Community impact is at the heart of what we do every single day,” Brown said. “On the ice, they are performing at peak levels. And off the ice, we’re inspiring kids to dream big through events and moments like this.”
One key aspect of the clinic is encouraging students to play hockey while maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. So in addition to the interactive visit, the prospects gifted the school with several sets of Red Wings-branded equipment to help continue the advancement of the students’ life and hockey skills.
“The game of hockey is so special,” Brown said. “It gives kids opportunities to learn about teamwork and perseverance. For an event like this today, kids are getting a chance to have fun and hopefully, be inspired to continue playing the game.”
Overall, the clinic was a hit for everyone involved.
“It’s a lot of fun for us guys to come here,” Kasper said. “Especially for the young kids to meet us. I remember when I was as young as them. It would have been exciting to meet prospects and hockey players. We’re having fun and the kids are having fun. A great day for all of us.”
To learn more about the Red Wings’ dedication to providing unique opportunities that engage and develop youth throughout Michigan, click here.
This story was written by Jonathan Mills and originally posted on DetroitRedWings.com
Detroit Red Wings Sign Zach Aston-Reese to One-Year Contract
October 6, 2023
The Detroit Red Wings today signed center Zach Aston-Reese to a one-year, two-way contract.
Aston-Reese, 29, spent the entire 2022-23 season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, recording 14 points (10-4-14) and 25 penalty minutes in 77 regular-season games. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound forward also tallied one goal in six Stanley Cup playoff contests, helping the Maple Leafs clinch their first postseason series win since 2004. Aston-Reese split the 2021-22 campaign between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Anaheim Ducks, logging 15 points (5-10-15), a plus-nine rating and 28 penalty minutes in 69 games. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by Pittsburgh on March 14, 2017, Aston-Reese has compiled 80 points (42-38-80), a plus-33 rating and 124 penalty minutes in 307 games with the Penguins, Ducks and Maple Leafs since 2017-18. Additionally, Aston-Reese registered 46 points (18-28-46), a plus-26 rating and 74 penalty minutes in 62 appearances with the American Hockey League’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins from 2016-19.
Prior to turning professional, Aston-Reese played four seasons at Northeastern University from 2013-17, racking up 148 points (66-82-148), a plus-48 rating and 182 penalty minutes in 145 games. As a senior, he was selected to the NCAA First All-American Team and named Hockey East Player of the Year after leading the NCAA in goals (31) and points (63) in just 38 games during the 2016-17 season. Aston-Reese also guided the Huskies to a Hockey East Tournament championship as a junior in 2015-16. The Staten Island, N.Y., native added 50 points (16-34-50), a plus-12 rating and 188 penalty minutes in 140 games with the Des Moines Buccaneers and Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League from 2010-13.
Detroit Red Wings Release Artem Anisimov From Professional Tryout
October 3, 2023
The Detroit Red Wings today released forward Artem Anisimov from his professional tryout.
The Red Wings currently have 53 players on their training camp roster: 30 forwards, 16 defensemen and seven goaltenders. Currently at 3-2-0 through five preseason games, Detroit continues its preseason schedule with a road game against the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight (Wednesday, Oct. 4) at 7:00 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena. The game will be streamed live on DetroitRedWings.com and air on 97.1 FM.
Detroit Tigers Fans to Salute Legendary Miguel Cabrera One Final Time for “Miggy Celebration Weekend” Presented by Bally Sports +
September 29, 2023
The Detroit Tigers and the best fans in baseball will celebrate, salute and thank Miguel Cabrera – one of the greatest hitters in MLB history, a future Hall-of-Famer and Detroit sports icon – for “Miggy Celebration Weekend” presented by Bally Sports +, from Friday, Sept. 29 – Sunday, Oct. 1 at Comerica Park. The Tigers will host the Cleveland Guardians for the final home series of the 2023 season, with limited tickets remaining at Tigers.com/tickets.
“We’re looking forward to celebrating Miguel Cabrera’s legendary career with Miggy and his family and Tigers fans this weekend,” said Ryan Gustafson, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “Our fans are savoring every last moment to watch one of the greatest players in MLB history take the field, and it will be an emotional weekend at Comerica. We encourage fans to arrive early to be a part of history, as we thank Miggy for his impact on our organization, the game of baseball, and our city.”
Friday, Sept. 29 – First pitch is 6:40 p.m.
“Friday Night Party in the Park,” Roberto Clemente Award pregame ceremony, postgame Drone Show
All fans receive a unique, one-of-a-kind Miggy Comic Book Cover presented by Comerica.
Upon entering the ballpark for Friday’s series opener, fans are encouraged to visit the Comerica Landing for this season’s final “Friday Night Party in the Park” presented by Casamigos Tequila.
During a pregame ceremony, Cabrera will be honored as the Tigers’ 2023 nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, given annually to the MLB player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions.
Tigers fans can vote for Cabrera to win the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award here: https://www.mlb.com/community/roberto-clemente-award
The Detroit Youth Choir, which finished as the runner-up in 2019 on Season 14 of “America’s Got Talent,” will perform the National Anthem.
Fans are encouraged to stay in their seats following the conclusion of Friday’s game for a spectacular Drone Show presented by Meijer, and the last “Friday Night Fireworks” of the 2023 season.
Saturday, Sept. 30 – First pitch is 1:10 p.m. – Gates open at 11:00 a.m.
¡Gracias, Miggy! Pre-game ceremony
Cabrera’s record-breaking career will be celebrated prior to first pitch, with fans encouraged to be in their seats by 12:45 p.m. The ceremony will feature the Cabrera family, former manager Jim Leyland, Hall-of-Famer Alan Trammell and Tigers greats.
The first 15,000 fans receive a Miggy Print All Over Shirt sponsored by Visit Central Florida.
Sunday, Oct. 1 – First pitch is 3:10 p.m. – Gates open at 1:00 p.m.
Miggy’s Final Game Wearing the Olde English ‘D’
All fans in attendance for Cabrera’s final game will enjoy a unique way to thank and salute the future Hall-of-Famer. Ticketed Tigers fans for Sunday’s season finale will walk away with a surprise commemorative item.
Before the game, as part of Chevy Sunday Kids Days, there will be Face Painters, free rides on the Fly Ball Ferris Wheel and the Hi-Chew Carousel, and two Tigers players will sign pregame autographs on the concourse near the Big Cat Court.
A Weekend of Celebrations at Comerica Park
For all three games, Tigers fans will have the opportunity to celebrate Cabrera’s career through several Miggy-themed offerings.
Concourse activations
Food and beverage specials
Commemorative merchandise and retail items
Cabrera-themed items will be sold at The D Shop and concourse retail locations
For additional information about Miggy Celebration Weekend, visit Tigers.com/Miggy.
Teams Across the MLB Recognize Miguel Cabrera with Gifts in His Final Season
September 28, 2023
As Miguel “Miggy” Cabrera finished his last season of his 21-year baseball career, the right-handed hitter received his flowers from every team in the MLB. As a two-time American League MVP, a four-time AL batting champion, the only triple crown winner in Major League Baseball since 1967 and member of the 3,000-hit and 500-home run clubs, it was well-deserved. Here’s an overview of the 30+ gifts he received over the 2022-23 season, many of which outlined his achievements and/or staples from each respective clubs’ city.
Finally, the Detroit Tigers celebrated “Miggy Weekend,” September 29-Oct. 1 which included a weekend long series of fan-involved events, recognition from city and state officials:
Cabrera will remain in Detroit as a Tigers staff member: special assistant to the President.
A Family Tradition Spanning Generations Captures Detroit Tigers History
September 26, 2023
In 1935, four-year-old Marshall Loewenstein attended a game at Tiger Stadium and had his picture taken on the dugout steps with family friend and legendary Detroit Tiger first baseman and outfielder Hank Greenberg. For the photo, Marshall was wearing a handmade Tigers uniform that Greenberg had gifted him.
What the Loewenstein family didn’t know at the time is that this special moment would become a cherished family tradition that would continue for generations to come.
Since that day almost 90 years ago, 11 young Loewenstein children have donned the same uniform and taken their photo with Detroit Tigers, first at Tiger Stadium and then at Comerica Park. With each photo, a moment in time of Tigers history has been captured.
“Any family tradition that spans multiple generations is special, but the bond that our family feels with the Tigers is a story of Detroit sports history and timeless memories,” said Rick Loewenstein, Marshall’s son. “It’s crazy to think that this tradition has endured through the Great Depression, a World War, and countless momentous events that have significantly impacted our lives.”
Following young Marshall’s photo in 1935, Marshall’s sons Mark and Rick Lowenstein had their photos taken in 1960 and 1963 with Detroit Tiger Rocky Colavito. Marshall’s youngest son, Michael, had his photo taken with Bill Freehan in 1966.
Later, the third generation continued this Lowenstein tradition through the 1990s at Tiger Stadium and into early 2000s at Comerica Park with Loewenstein kids posing with Tiger greats such as Alan Trammell, Mickey Tettleton, Travis Fryman, Justin Thompson, Gabe Kapler, and Todd Jones.
In August 2023, the fourth generation took part in this special tradition when three-year-old Nora (Loewenstein) Roberts posed with Miguel Cabrera – or “Mr. Miggy” as she called him – during Cabrera’s historic final season in Major League Baseball.
Rick notes that as American Jews and avid baseball fans, it was especially impactful to see Jewish players, including Hank Greenberg, in the MLB. “Hank Greenberg was Jewish, and was my dad’s idol and role model. In later years, Rick’s son, Jeremy, had his picture taken with Gabe Kapler, another outstanding Jewish ballplayer.”
Over the years, the Loewenstein family has made the portraits and the child’s size jersey – now a family heirloom – viewable to the public through displays at various events and museums. The photos were featured in Sports Illustrated in 1999 and the uniform and photos were featured in 2016 at the Detroit Historical Museum’s “Chasing Dreams: Baseball and Becoming American” exhibit.
“Baseball has meant a great deal to our family and has been an important part of our lives. As a father and avid baseball fan, it’s an amazing feeling to be able to carry on a family legacy in the tradition-laden game of baseball. Our family is incredibly grateful to the entire Tigers organization for allowing us the opportunity to carry on such a meaningful family tradition,” Rick said.
Detroit Red Wings Trim Roster by Three
September 24, 2023
The Detroit Red Wings today assigned forward Emmitt Finnie to the Western Hockey League’s Kamloops Blazers and released forwards Dean Loukus and Nic Sima from their amateur tryouts.
The Red Wings currently have 54 players on their training camp roster: 31 forwards, 16 defensemen and seven goaltenders. Detroit begins its eight-game preseason schedule with a home game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 7:00 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena. The game will air on Bally Sports Detroit Extra and 950 AM.
