More than 500 metro Detroit youth recently kicked off their baseball and t-ball season this summer with the Tiny Tigers, a collaboration between the Detroit Tigers Foundation and the Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL). Tiny Tigers gives local kids ages 4-8 the opportunity to engage with others while learning the sport and other life skills such as teamwork and perseverance.

Annually, hundreds of young metro Detroiters participate in PAL’s baseball program; a part of PAL’s Team UP program, where officers from the Detroit Police Department serve as coaches and mentors to the children. Since its inception in 2008, nearly 7,000 children have enrolled in the Tiny Tigers program in partnership with Detroit PAL.

Earlier this month, participants gathered for Tiny Tigers annual Opening Day at Detroit’s Corner Ballpark – the former Tigers Stadium. One young player, seven-year-old George Latham IV of Detroit, participated in his first ever baseball game and said he was excited to make friends and learn how to play the sport. In addition to gaining experience on the baseball field, Latham formed an immediate connection with his program mentors, including Corporal Marcus Norwood. Seeing Latham and other children on the field comes full circle for Norwood, as he, too, was a participant in PAL youth baseball, before becoming a Detroit police officer and the Youth Development Officer for PAL. The personal connections made through the Tiny Tigers program are deeply impactful and can last a lifetime.

See highlights from Tiny Tigers Opening Day in this video:

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.

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“Congratulations to Moritz Seider on his well-deserved Calder Memorial Trophy as the National Hockey League’s Rookie of the Year.  Mo immediately became an impact player and set numerous Red Wings rookie records this year, and I’m proud to join our team, fans and the NHL in saluting his accomplishments.  We’re thrilled for Mo and his family, and look forward to his bright future as we all work towards our goal of bringing the Stanley Cup back to Hockeytown.”
– Christopher Ilitch, Governor, President, and CEO of the Detroit Red Wings

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The Detroit Tigers are proud to host the 20th annual Negro Leagues Weekend, presented by Comerica Bank, from June 17-19, when the Texas Rangers visit Comerica Park. This annual tradition marks the longest-running weekend celebration of its kind in Major League Baseball. Tickets for all three games during Negro Leagues Weekend are currently available at tigers.com/tickets.  

Negro Leagues Weekend will be highlighted by the 26th annual Negro Leagues Tribute Game on Saturday, June 19. The Tigers will hold a pregame ceremony to raise the “Detroit Stars” flag in center field in honor of the Detroit Stars, who became charter members of the Negro National League in 1920. Several former Negro Leagues players will also be honored during the ceremony.  

The legendary Cecil Fielder will be returning to Detroit, and interact with Tigers fans on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19, when he will also be presented the Willie Horton African American Legacy Award. In the 1990 season for Detroit, Fielder became the first player to reach the 50-home run mark since 1977, and the first American League player to accomplish the feat since Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris hit 54 and 61 home runs, respectively, in 1961.

The Tigers will distribute 2,000 complimentary game tickets to local organizations as part of the Negro Leagues Weekend Celebration.

“We’re looking forward to continuing the tradition of celebrating Negro Leagues Weekend with Tigers fans, our current players and within the community,” said Chris McGowan, President and CEO, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “The tremendous impact of the Negro Leagues is deeply-rooted in the city of Detroit, and it’s a privilege to pay homage to the Detroit Stars and former Negro Leagues players who represented our city. We are honored to fly the Detroit Stars flag in center field at Comerica Park, recognizing the great Stars players and their significant contributions to baseball. And with Tigers great Cecil Fielder also returning to Detroit, it’s going to be a fantastic weekend at the ballpark.”

“Highlighting the many African American trailblazers who have impacted both the game and our community, Negro Leagues Weekend always delivers on a wonderful celebration of baseball’s past, present, and future,” said Linda Nosegbe, Comerica Bank Vice President and Southeast External Affairs Market Manager. “Each year the Detroit Tigers present many memorable moments, and this week will be no different. For 20 years now, Negro Leagues Weekend has been special to Comerica, and we appreciate the opportunity to once again partner on this weekend of great festivities.”

Fans are encouraged to arrive at Comerica Park early to enjoy the many activities that are planned throughout Negro Leagues Weekend. DJ Mo Beatz – Big Sean’s official DJ – will spin on the Pepsi Porch prior to all three games, and a “Walk of Stars,” similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, will be set up to highlight the achievements of former Detroit Stars players. Burt’s Marketplace, a black-owned restaurant located in Eastern Market, will be hosting a barbeque takeover in the Brushfire Grill all weekend.

Negro Leagues Weekend festivities will include:

Friday, June 17 (7:10 p.m. first pitch)

• The sixth annual Negro Leagues Legacy Luncheon will be hosted at Comerica Park on Friday morning, a private event to welcome former Negro Leagues players back to Detroit and to honor Cecil Fielder.
• The Tigers, in partnership with Major League Baseball, will host a “Play Ball” clinic at Historic Hamtramck Stadium on Friday afternoon. Volunteers from the Henry Ford Community College baseball team will be on-hand to introduce 100 local children to the game through a selection of skills, drills and character building activities.
• Prior to Friday’s game, the annual “Passing of the Bat” ceremony will be held on the field, celebrating African American baseball players and their contributions to baseball. The ceremony features a symbolic “torch passing” from a former Negro Leagues player to several generations of former and current African American Tigers players. The bat is then presented to a local youth player, with Detroit Edison Public School Academy standout Gregory Pace serving as this year’s recipient. Pace is committed to play baseball at the University of Michigan, and his family and Detroit Edison teammates will be in attendance.  
• The National Anthem will be performed by Rosilyn Stearnes-Brown and Joyce Stearnes Thompson, daughters of Negro Leagues great and National Baseball Hall of Fame member Norman “Turkey” Stearnes. James DuBose, the grandson of Norman “Turkey” Stearnes, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Saturday, June 18 (4:10 p.m. first pitch)

• The Detroit Stars flag will be raised in a pregame ceremony that also recognizes several former Negro Leagues players, including Bill Hill, Eugene Scruggs, Pedro Sierra, Ron Teasley and Johnny Walker. Minnie Forbes, the former owner of the Detroit Stars, will also be a part of the commemoration. “Lift Every Voice and Sing” will be performed following the flag raising.  
• The first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive a Negro Leagues Replica Jersey, courtesy of Comerica Bank. Gates will open at 2:30 p.m.

• Tigers fans are encouraged to attend a pregame Q&A from 2:40-3:20 p.m., in the Big Cat Court presented by Comerica Bank, featuring Forbes, Hill, Scruggs, Sierra, Teasley and Walker. The panel will be hosted by Negro Leagues historian Larry Lester.  
• The Tigers will host HBCU/Greek Night in partnership with Detroit-area alumni associations and Black Greek Letter organizations, including a ticket package with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and the Detroit HBCU Network.
• Tickets remain available for fans to attend an autograph signing with Cecil Fielder on Saturday morning from 10 a.m. until Noon, in The D Shop at Comerica Park. Fans can register here.
• In partnership with the Detroit HBCU Alumni Organization and Black Greek Letter Organizations, the Tigers will host an “African Americans in Sports” panel and mix and mingle event for approximately 100 local students at Comerica Park on Saturday morning.  

Sunday, June 19 (1:10 p.m. first pitch)

• Shortly after gates open at 11:30 a.m., Fielder will participate in a fan Q&A in the Big Cat Court from 12:20-12:50 p.m. Fielder will then be recognized in a pregame ceremony for earning the Willie Horton African American Legacy Award, created in 2009 to honor African Americans who have strengthened the legacy of baseball in the African American community and have contributed to the rich history of the Detroit Tigers.  
• Prior to the game, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch and bench coach George Lombard will meet on the Comerica Park field with 15 HBCU coaches, who will be in town for the Southfield Baseball Showcase.
• Local youth players will be invited to serve as “Detroit Stars of the Game” and participate in a pregame on-field ceremony.

The Tigers will honor the Detroit Stars teams of the Negro Leagues by once again wearing Detroit Stars throwback uniforms for Saturday’s Negro Leagues Tribute Game. Popular Negro Leagues merchandise will be sold on the Comerica Park concourse by Tony Dee’s Negro Leagues Baseball Store.

For more information about the history of African American players in the Detroit Tigers organization, visit tigers.com/africanamericanheritage.

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Through a longstanding career of public service through safety, Richard Fenton, Ilitch Holding Inc.’s Vice President and Chief Security Officer, has been named a 2022 Champion of Change, as awarded by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Fenton, who has been with the Ilitch Companies since 2000, has served in numerous public safety roles; with the Wayne County Sheriff Department, at Eastern Michigan’s Interdisciplinary Technology Department and School of Police Staff and Command and the FBI National Academy, to name a few.

The Champion of Change Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated an ability and commitment to bring about positive change in the sports safety and security industry. Through progressive leadership, this individual’s achievements have made a difference in organizational effectiveness and led said organization forward into the future.

“It’s been an honor to serve in a public safety environment for more than 50 years,” said Fenton. “I’m blessed to work with an amazing group of security professionals and for an organization that has always made the safety and security of our guests and colleagues our highest priority.”

While a part of the IHI family, Fenton has received a plethora of awards, honors and accolades. Ilitch Holdings, Inc. and Fenton were honored by Governor Granholm for Fenton’s ongoing work and critical contributions to securing the State of Michigan’s homeland in 2009. In 2013, NCS4 and Major League Baseball named Fenton “Professional of the Year,” recognizing him as an outstanding leader in addressing safety and security. Fenton was named, “one of the most Influential People in Security” in 2016 by Security Magazine. Most recently, The National Hockey League and The University of Southern Mississippi NCS4 program awarded Little Caesars Arena with the 2019 Facility Achievement Award, noting that, “Little Caesars Arena the and the Detroit Red Wings were the model security group.”

Fenton will receive the Champion of Change Award during the National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition, which takes place June 28-30 in Orlando.

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With the Detroit Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera being only the 33rd player in Major League history to achieve 3,000 hits; and the 7^th player to achieve 3,000 hits and 500 home runs, the first baseman and designated hitter was honored for his milestones before Sunday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Cabrera, who is the 1st Venezuelan-born player to get 3,000 hits in MLB history, was celebrated by thousands of fans, his closest family, fellow and former teammates, and more. Known as a man of few words, Cabrera let those closest to him do the talking, and they didn’t disappoint.

“From time to time, I’ve checked in with Miggy. ‘How are you feeling? Are you happy? Do you need a day off?’” said manager AJ Hinch. “And the two common themes that he told me during his chase (to 3,000 hits): number one, he wanted to do it at Comerica in front of his fans. Number two, he wanted to do it in a win.”

Noting that 1,773 of Cabrera’s hits ended in winning games, Comerica Park roared with cheers from exciting fans. “You’re a winner, Miggy,” said Hinch.

Among many gifts during the ceremony Cabrera was presented with the game ball from April 23 — the date of the game where he hit 3,000 — a plaque commemorating the milestone and a video tribute from his oldest daughter. His jersey from the April 23 game will be displayed in the Baseball Hall of Fame Museum in Cooperstown, New York. C. Miggy was also greeted on field by Tigers Chairman and CEO Christopher Ilitch, Tigers manager AJ Hinch, Executive Vice President and General Manager Al Avila, and former teammates Alex Avila and Victor Martinez. Alex echoed a lot of fan sentiments heard in the park, “you’re one of the greatest hitters, ever.”

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Virginia Allen, a MotorCity Casino Hotel employee for the last 20 years, will now serve in one of the organization’s highest leadership positions. Formerly the Director of Security, Allen has been promoted to Vice President of Security. As a Madonna University and Wayne County Community College graduate with Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement degrees, Allen worked for her family business before joining the MotorCity Casino Hotel.

“Virginia’s experience in Security Management will ensure that we continue fostering the best environment for our customers and employees alike,” said Bruce Dall, President of MotorCity Casino Hotel.

In the new role, Allen will further develop the security operations of the venue that is home to world-class luxury hotel accommodations, fine dining, high-energy gaming and more.

“Throughout my career with MotorCity Casino Hotel, I’ve taken great pride in being part of the team entrusted with the security of our guests, associates, and the company’s assets.” said Allen, who is a Detroit native. “I’m thrilled to further my career with the MotorCity team.”

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Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider has been named the 2021-22 Red Wings Rookie of the Year by the Detroit Sports Media Association.

Seider, 21, skated in all 82 games with the Red Wings in 2021-22, notching 50 points (7-43-50) and 34 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-4, 197-pound blueliner paced all Red Wings rookies in scoring while leading the team with 43 assists, 21 power play points and 23:02 average time on ice. In all, Seider ranked among the NHL’s top rookie defensemen with seven goals (2nd), 43 assists (1st), 50 points (1st), 34 penalty minutes (7th), two power play goals (T1st), 21 power play points (1st), two overtime goals (1st), four game-winning goals (1st), 187 shots (1st) and 23:02 average time on ice (1st). His 50 points are the third-highest total in franchise history by a Detroit rookie defenseman and the most since Nicklas Lidstrom (60) in 1991-92. Additionally, Seider set a franchise record by becoming the first rookie defenseman to author an eight-game point streak (Feb. 9-March 4). Seider was named a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy and is looking to become the sixth player – and first defenseman – in franchise history to be named the NHL’s Rookie of the Year.

Originally selected in the first round (sixth overall) by the Red Wings at the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Seider recorded a pair of assists in his NHL debut on Oct. 14 vs. Tampa Bay, becoming the first Detroit skater with multiple assists in his NHL debut since Vyacheslav Kozlov did so on March 12, 1992 at St. Louis. A native of Zell, Germany, Seider was named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month for October after notching eight assists through his first nine games, making him the first Detroit rookie with at least eight assists in a calendar month since Pavel Datsyuk posted eight in 13 games in January 2002. Seider later became the second player in Red Wings history to score his first career NHL goal in overtime when he accomplished the feat on Nov. 6 at Buffalo, joining Mud Bruneteau (Dec. 14, 1935 at Toronto).

Seider will be honored by the DSMA prior to a Red Wings home game during the 2022-23 season. The DSMA Red Wings Rookie of the Year Award dates back to the 1948-49 NHL season. Previous recipients of the award include current Red Wings Dylan Larkin and Filip Hronek along with Calder Memorial Trophy winners Roger Crozier, Glenn Hall and Terry Sawchuk.

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The Detroit Tigers today announced details for “Summer Bash Weekend,” presented by Miller Lite and Bally Sports Detroit, taking place from Friday, June 10 through Sunday, June 12 at Comerica Park. The series will feature many of the favorite activities Tigers fans have come to enjoy, including interacting with current and former players, tremendous giveaway items and the celebration of Miguel Cabrera joining baseball’s 3,000-hit club. Tickets remain available at tigers.com/tickets.  

The Tigers will host the Toronto Blue Jays for Summer Bash Weekend, including a 4:10 p.m. first pitch on Saturday, June 11 and a 1:40 p.m. start on Sunday, June 12 for “Miggy Celebration Day.” Fans are encouraged to arrive at the ballpark early all weekend long to celebrate the upcoming start of summer.

“We’re excited to celebrate the upcoming start of summer with Tigers fans at Comerica Park next weekend,” said Chris McGowan, President and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “We will be welcoming back players from some of the greatest teams in Tigers history, and our fans will have the opportunity to salute Miguel Cabrera for his latest incredible milestone of reaching 3,000 career hits. We encourage fans to arrive early and enjoy what will be a tremendous atmosphere at the ballpark all weekend long.”  

On Friday, June 10, shortly after gates open for ticketed guests at 5:30 p.m., Tigers fans will be greeted to a Q&A session in the Comerica Bank Big Cat Court. Fans will have the opportunity to ask questions to some of their favorite former players representing multiple decades of Tigers baseball. Following the game, fans are encouraged to remain in their seats for an incredible fireworks display.    

Gates will open at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 11 – 30 minutes earlier than normal for a home game day – allowing for full enjoyment of pregame attractions on the concourse.

Upon entering the ballpark, fans will be welcomed by more than a dozen alumni players and coaches, and select current players, who will be signing autographs and be available for photos. Some of the most iconic teams in Tigers history will be represented, including the 1968 and 1984 World Series Championship teams, and the 2006 and 2012 American League Champions.

Former Tigers players and coaches scheduled to sign autographs and/or take pregame fan photos are listed below, and are subject to change. The first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive a “Detroit Roots” T-shirt, presented by Bally Sports Detroit.  

• Alex Avila – 2012 American League Champion
• Rajai Davis – 2014 American League Central Champion
• Andy Dirks – 2012 American League Champion
• Doug Fister – 2012 American League Champion
• Brandon Inge – 2006 American League Champion
• Austin Jackson – 2012 American League Champion
• Jim Leyland – 2006 and 2012 American League Champion
• Craig Monroe – 2006 American League Champion
• Lance Parrish – 1984 World Series Champion
• Dan Petry – 1984 World Series Champion
• Nate Robertson – 2006 American League Champion
• Dave Rozema – 1984 World Series Champion  
• Frank Tanana – 1987 American League East Champion
• Jon Warden – 1968 World Series Champion
• Alex Wilson – Pitched in 246 games from 2015-18

“Miggy Celebration Day” on Sunday, June 12 will feature a pregame on-field ceremony for Cabrera and his family, with special guests in attendance. Tigers fans will be able to salute Cabrera for joining the exclusive 3,000-hit club. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 1 p.m. to be a part of the ceremony honoring Cabrera.  

The first 10,000 fans to enter Comerica Park will receive a comic book cover, presented by Chevrolet, that commemorates Cabrera’s 3,000th career hit that he tallied at Comerica Park on April 23. The Tigers are partnering with Major League Baseball and Candy Digital to provide all fans in attendance an exclusive, free NFT ticket commemorating “Miggy Celebration Day” honoring his 3,000 hits milestone. Fans with tickets to the June 12 game will receive an email following the conclusion of the game.

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Detroit’s only permanent comedy club is set to open in June in The District Detroit. When John Tobin and Rick Bronson – who own Detroit House of Comedy and 11 other comedy clubs – noticed that surrounding cities from Royal Oak to Toledo had comedy clubs but Detroit did not, they knew they had to open one here.

Recognizing The District Detroit as the region’s premier sports and entertainment destination, Tobin says that it’s the perfect location for a club.  Not only will the Detroit House of Comedy be a place for laughter and fellowship among audiences, but it will be for fellow comedians, too.

“The comedy world is a brotherhood and a sisterhood,” said Tobin. “Comedians stick together, they grow together, and they support each other; and the Detroit House of Comedy will be an incubator for that type of growth.”

Located in the former City Theatre space adjacent to Hockeytown Cafe, the Detroit House of Comedy will accommodate up to 300 patrons spread across six levels – similar to an amphitheater – with table seating; and food and drink service will be available through Hockeytown Cafe. In addition to stand-up comedy, the venue will also feature improv and podcast performances.

“The Detroit House of Comedy is another refreshing addition to The District Detroit,” said Stefan Stration, Vice President of Development at Olympia Development. “Whether you are looking for a place to live, work, play or have a laugh, The District Detroit has something for everyone.”

Looking forward to featuring local Detroit comics as well as those touring nationally, the Detroit House of Comedy is set to open in June with more information. The current lineup includes:

·         Hans Kim – June 24 – 26

·         Sasheer Zamata – July 7 – 9

·         Shane Torres – July 14 -17

·         Ali Siddiq – July 21 – 23

·         Michael Ian Black – July 28 – 30

·         Pete Lee – August 11 – 13

·         And Then We Had Sex Podcast: The Live Experience – August 14th

·         Darius Bennett – August 18 – 20

·         Doug Stanhope – August 26

·         Josh Adams – August 27

·         Mo Mandel – September 1 – 3

Additional performances are TBA.

To learn more, visit https://detroit.houseofcomedy.net

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