NewsGranderson enjoys coming home
Tigers outfielder soaks up finer points of Chicago
By David Just / Special to MLB.com
05/06/09 10:25 PM ET
CHICAGO -- The Tigers' two-game set against the White Sox provides outfielder Curtis Granderson with an abbreviated homecoming of sorts.The fleet-footed center fielder grew up 25 minutes south of U.S. Cellular Field in Lynwood, Ill., and attended Thornton Fractional South High School. Granderson said his friends and family always are in attendance when he's in town, which makes his visits back to Chicago particularly special.
His career numbers on the South Side might be well below his usual standards, but that hasn't changed his love for the city.
"I love to come home and play here and get a chance to play against the White Sox," Granderson said. "It's my favorite city to visit, but in terms of playing, I got to give it to Anaheim. I love playing there."
Indeed, Granderson is hitting .370 with seven home runs in 73 career at-bats at Angel Stadium.
Statistics aside, Granderson loves Chicago for a host of different reasons, the most obvious being his choice of restaurants. Even though he only will be in town for two days, Granderson will make a point to get a bite to eat in his favorite neighborhood.
"It'll be tough this time, but I'll make sure to get to Greektown and get some Greektown gyros," Granderson said. "If we have some day time or happen to have an off-day, I'll definitely get a pizza, too. Fortunately, many places here are open 24 hours, so I can eat anytime."
Granderson was dismayed that the team will not be in town for the annual Taste of Chicago, which runs for 10 days in late June through the Fourth of July.
"I'd have to school the guys on how to eat there," Granderson said. "Just because you see a turkey leg and you love it, we don't all need a turkey leg. One person gets it, and then we all split it so we can try some other things."
A career in Detroit clearly has done little to affect Granderson's appreciation for the finer points of his hometown.
David Just is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
