The Official Site of the Detroit Tigers

Tigers in the Community

In 2008, the Detroit Tigers players and coaches made appearances throughout Metro Detroit stressing the importance of physical fitness and education. The Detroit Tigers organization, its owners, management, players and coaches are committed to providing a caring, enduring presence in the City of Detroit. The organization believes in the need to honor our city's past and invest in Detroit's future.

Tigers Pitcher Dontrelle Willis, Tigers Broadcaster Rod Allen and Bishop Charles Ellis III at Greater Grace Temple during the Tigers 2008 Winter Caravan.

Tigers Manager Jim Leyland (left) and Pitcher Dontrelle Willis with Ernestine Sanders and Clark Durant at Cornerstone School.

In 1995, the Tigers launched the annual Negro Leagues Tribute Game, the first of its kind in Major League Baseball. Now a weekend celebration, 2008 was the 14th Anniversary of this important event.

Former Negro Leagues Players were honored on the field prior to the July 26, 2008 Negro Leagues Tribute Game.		Actor Brandon T. Jackson, Joyce Stearnes Thompson (Daughter of Hall-Of-Famer Norman "Turkey" Stearnes) and Michael Winans Jr. judge the "Detroit Stars Singing Competition."
Tigers Centerfielder Curtis Granderson "Passes the Bat" to D.J. Henderson. Henderson, from Detroit Southeastern High School became the first player from the Detroit Public School League to be drafted by the Major Leagues in almost 20 years.		Melissa White, a violin soloist from the Sphinx Organization, performs the National Anthem, Saturday, July 26, 2008.
Jazz great Marcus Belgrave performs the National Anthem, Friday, July 25, 2008.
Tigers Mascot PAWS, Gerard Brooks, winner of the Detroit Stars Singing Competition, along with Elaine Lewis, Detroit Tigers V.P. of Community & Public Affairs and Suga Rae from Hot 102.7FM.

Through the "Play Baseball Detroit" program, the Tigers are reaching out to Detroit’s youth and encouraging participation in the great game of baseball.

Tigers Outfielder Marcus Thames poses with students at the Plymouth Educational Center "Play Baseball Detroit" rally.		Tigers Centerfielder Curtis Granderson poses with members of the Eagle Sports Club, beneficiary of the "Gloves For Kids" program.
Tigers Centerfielder Curtis Granderson poses with WJLB's Dr. Darrius (in blue) and youth baseball players at the Cervany Middle School "Play Baseball Detroit" rally.		Tigers Centerfielder Curtis Granderson reads to children at Eisenhower Elementary as part of the Newspapers in Education program.
Tigers Coach Lloyd McClendon conducts a "Play Baseball Detroit" clinic at Jayne Field.