OFFICIAL DETROIT TIGERS PRESS RELEASES

06/13/2008 2:29 PM ET
Tigers agree to terms with 24 players from Draft

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has agreed to terms with 24 players selected during the 2008 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

Additionally, the Tigers announced the club has agreed to terms with two non-drafted free agents: right handed pitcher Hayden Lackey from Texas Wesleyan and catcher Keith Hernandez from Emporia State University in Kansas.

The list of the players that have agreed to terms with the club follows:

Brett Jacobson, RHP
Alex Avila, C
Tyler Stohr, RHP
Jade Todd, LHP
Andy Dirks, CF
Anthony Shawler, RHP
Tyler Conn, LHP
Thad Weber, RHP
Robert Waite, RHP
Ben Guez, CF
Adam Frost, SS
Mike Gosse, 2B
Carmelo Jaime, 2B
Billy Nowlin, C
Brent Wyatt, SS
David Stokes, RHP
Keith Stein, CF
Tyler Weber, C
Trevor Feeney, RHP
Mark Sorensen, RHP
Bryan Pounds, 3B
Dan DeLucia, LHP
Steven Gilman, RHP
Nick Cassavechia, RHP

06/18/2008 5:06 PM ET
Tiger Woods clinic cancelled

GRAND BLANC, Mich. -- The Buick Open Tiger Woods golf clinic scheduled for Tuesday, June 24 at Comerica Park in Detroit has been cancelled due to Tiger's knee injury.

The complete price of the ticket will be refunded and the Buick Open tickets issued as part of the clinic package remain valid for admission to Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club. The tournament is scheduled for June 23-29.

"We are disappointed that the clinic had to be cancelled, but we wish Tiger the best during his rehabilitation process," said Larry Peck, Buick Golf Promotions Manager. "We encourage everyone who purchased the clinic package to come out and enjoy a great tournament at Warwick Hills next week."

Ticket refund information:
All tickets purchased via the internet and telephone will be automatically refunded in full to the credit card used for the transaction. There is no need to return any clinic tickets. Tickets purchased at the Comerica Park Box Office must be returned for refund. Include name, address and a daytime telephone number. A check will be issued for all refund requests regardless of original method of payment.

Mail to:
Comerica Park Box Office
Attn: Golf Clinic Refund
2100 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48201

06/19/2008 2:34 PM ET
Tigers honor 1968 World Champions
Autographs, 40th Anniversary replica road jerseys and other special events scheduled

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers will celebrate one of the most beloved teams in club history this Tuesday, June 24, when they pay tribute to the 1968 World Series Champion Tigers. The 40th anniversary of their victory will be celebrated as the St. Louis Cardinals, who opposed the Tigers in the 1968 Fall Classic, visit Comerica Park.

On Tuesday, the first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive a commemorative 1968 Tigers 40th Anniversary replica road jersey, courtesy of FSN Detroit and the Detroit Medical Center.

Fans will have an opportunity to meet their favorite 1968 Tigers, as members of the team will be signing autographs on the main concourse behind sections 125, 140 and 151 as well as the 300 level concourse behind section 324 from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Players and coaches scheduled to attend include: Jim Price, Gates Brown, Willie Horton, Al Kaline, Wayne Comer, Bill Freehan, John Hiller, Mickey Lolich, Tom Matchick, Dick McAuliffe, Denny McLain, Daryl Patterson, Mickey Stanley, Dick Tracewski, Jon Warden, Don Wert, Hal Naragon and Bill Behm.

The tribute will continue with a special "Year of the Tiger 1968" video feature on the scoreboard. The video will be followed by an on-field, pre-game ceremony to recognize the members of the 1968 team. In addition to all of the pre-game festivities, one member of the 1968 team will throw the ceremonial first pitch.

Tickets are available at the Comerica Park Box Office, online at www.tigers.com, over the telephone by calling (866) 66-TIGER (84437), at 32 Detroit-area Meijer stores and at Hockeytown Authentics, 1845 E. Big Beaver Road, in Troy.

06/26/2008 12:21 PM ET
Tigers in the community this Saturday

• Tigers in the Community information

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Tigers Foundation will participate in a variety of community events this Saturday.

As part of the "Play Baseball Detroit" program, the Detroit Tigers will host two baseball fundamental clinics in the city of Detroit for 100 little league players at Livius Paoli Park from 10:30-12:35 p.m. and at Clark Park from 11:30-1:45 p.m. The clinics will teach the proper fundamentals to kids from a player, trainer and coach's perspective. The clinics will be taught by current Tigers coaches Javair Gillett, Lloyd McClendon, Scott Pickens, Chuck Hernandez and former Tiger Ike Blessitt.

To support the Tigers' "Gloves for Kids" program, pitcher Zach Miner and outfielder Marcus Thames will sign autographs at ABC Warehouse in Chesterfield from 12:30-1:30 p.m. In exchange for an autograph, fans are encouraged to donate new or gently used baseball and softball equipment or a minimum of $20 to help support the Eagle Sports Club of Detroit.

Detroit Tigers infielder Ramon Santiago will appear at Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn from 11:30-12:30 p.m. to celebrate its Historic Baseball Program. In honor of vintage baseball played in Detroit dating back to 1867, the Lah-De-Dahs and the Nationals of Greenfield Village will play vintage clubs from Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Additionally, Ramon will meet and greet with players as well as sign autographs for fans who attend the game.

The Detroit Tigers, in partnership with Major League Baseball, will host the pitch, hit and run skills competition, sponsored by Aquafina from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at Comerica Park. The competition will allow youth ages 7-14 the chance to showcase their skills in throwing, batting and base running. Additionally, the winners of the event will be honored during an on-field, pre-game ceremony prior to the Tigers 7:05 p.m. game against the Rockies.

07/07/2008 12:39 PM ET
Tigers open six-game homestand Tuesday
Central Division opponents visit Comerica Park

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers open a six-game homestand on Tuesday, July 8 when the Cleveland Indians visit Comerica Park. The two-game series against Cleveland is followed by a four-game set with the Minnesota Twins.

Both games against the Indians are scheduled for 7:05 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8 and Wednesday, July 9. The Twins visit from Thursday through Sunday, July 10-13. First pitch Thursday is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. Friday's game is scheduled for 7:05 p.m., and Saturday's game begins at 3:55 p.m. The homestand concludes Sunday with a 1:05 p.m. start.

PROMOTIONS AND COMMUNITY CORNER

Wednesday, July 9: The Detroit Tigers will honor the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services during an on-field, pre-game ceremony. The event features an Immigration and Naturalization service for the United States Department of Justice. 100 individuals, including Tigers infielder Placido Polanco, will be sworn in by United States District Court Judge Gerald E. Rosen. Christopher Ilitch, President and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, will speak as part of the ceremony. Additionally, 300 tickets for the game were donated to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services by the Detroit Tigers Foundation.

Individuals from Holy Redeemer in southwest Detroit will participate in the Carlos' Compan?eros program for Tigers infielder Carlos Guillen. At every Wednesday home game, Carlos Guillen invites 20 fans to Comerica Park to watch batting practice on the field and provides tickets for the game, along with Carlos Compan?eros T-shirts. The program is in partnership with the Detroit Tigers Foundation and participating fans are identified through local not-for-profit organizations that serve the Greater Detroit community, including Southwest Detroit.

Thursday, July 10: "Christmas in July" takes place at Comerica Park. Random fans will receive presents and various popular Christmas songs will be played throughout the game. Santa PAWS will also make an appearance.

Detroit Tigers legend Willie Horton and the Detroit Tigers Foundation, will award a $5,000 scholarship to Ceirra Bell, a senior from Detroit Northwestern High School, Horton's alma mater, during an on-field, pre-game ceremony. Scholarship recipients are students who display high levels of commitment to academics, leadership, character development and volunteer involvement.

Friday, July 11: Weather permitting, the Twins series features Friday Fireworks, sponsored by Pepsi.

The Detroit Tigers Foundation has partnered with local charities to hold a 50/50 raffle at every Friday night home game this season. Friday's partner charity will be the Detroit Metro Sports Commission. Tickets will be sold throughout the 100 level concourse and at the 50/50 raffle table behind section 119 from the time gates open to the last out of the second inning. All tickets are three-for-$5 and the winning raffle ticket will be announced after the sixth inning. A raffle hotline (313-471-2050) has also been established for fans to access the winning information at any time.

The Detroit Tigers Foundation's grab bag and clubhouse collectible sale program sponsored by Starbucks Coffee Company and Potbelly Sandwich Works is also offered at every Friday night Tigers home game. Every $30 grab bag features an autographed baseball from a current or former Tiger as well as the chance to win great gifts from Starbucks and Potbelly. The clubhouse collectible sale features a wide variety of items such as batting practice and spring training worn and used items, along with media guides, programs and lamp post banners. The grab bag/clubhouse sale tables are located on the main concourse behind the wheelchair ramp at section 119.

Saturday, July 12: In partnership with the Detroit Tigers Foundation, Tigers outfielder Magglio Ordon?ez, along with his wife, Dagly, will present their inaugural Ordon?ez Family Scholarship to Emma Aviles of Detroit Western International High School in southwest Detroit. The Ordon?ez family, along with members of the Scholarship Selection Committee, will honor Emma with a $10,000 college scholarship during an on-field, pre-game ceremony. Emma will attend Madonna University in the Fall and plans to pursue a program of study in criminal justice. Additionally, Emma and her family will stay for the game courtesy of the Detroit Tigers Foundation and the Ordon?ez Family.

Sunday, July 13: Sunday afternoon's contest marks the eighth weekend of Kids Day at Comerica Park. Kids Day, sponsored by Red Robin, features free rides on the carousel or Ferris Wheel for kids age 14-and-under, face painters stationed near Gates A and B and Kids Run the Bases following the game (weather permitting), courtesy of Pepsi. Big Boy will sponsor Kids Take the Field pre-game, where children will take the field prior to the Tigers before the start of the game. Additionally, kids will also have the chance to win one of four Little Tikes Mini-Hummers, which will be given away on the field during in-game breaks on Sunday. Registration will take place at Section 119 for an opportunity to be part of the giveaway.

07/10/2008 10:23 AM ET
"Christmas in July" today, July 10, at Comerica Park

DETROIT -- "Christmas in July" takes place at Comerica Park. Random fans will receive presents and various popular Christmas songs will be played throughout the game. Santa PAWS will also make an appearance.

The Detroit Tigers Foundation will award the annual Willie Horton Scholarship to Ceirra Bell, a senior from Detroit Northwestern High School, Horton's alma mater, during an on-field, pre-game ceremony. Scholarship recipients are students who display high levels of commitment to academics, leadership, character development and volunteer involvement. Robin Ferriby of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Patricia Pickett, Principle of Northwestern High School and Jordan Field, Director of the Detroit Tigers Foundation will present Cierra the scholarship.

07/11/2008 12:22 PM ET
Tonight at Comerica Park

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers Foundation has partnered with local charities to hold a 50/50 raffle at every Friday night home game this season. Tonight's partner charity will be the Detroit Metro Sports Commission. Tickets will be sold throughout the 100 level concourse and at the 50/50 raffle table behind section 119 from the time gates open to the last out of the second inning. All tickets are three-for-$5 and the winning raffle ticket will be announced after the sixth inning. A raffle hotline (313-471-2050) has also been established for fans to access the winning information at any time.

The Detroit Tigers Foundation's grab bag and clubhouse collectible sale program sponsored by Starbucks Coffee Company and Potbelly Sandwich Works is also offered at every Friday night Tigers home game. Every $30 grab bag features an autographed baseball from a current or former Tiger as well as the chance to win great gifts from Starbucks and Potbelly. The clubhouse collectible sale features a wide variety of items such as batting practice and spring training worn and used items, along with media guides, programs and lamp post banners. The grab bag/clubhouse sale tables are located on the main concourse behind the wheelchair ramp at section 119.

Weather permitting, Friday Fireworks, sponsored by Pepsi will take place following the game.

07/11/2008 11:38 AM ET
Detroit and Ann Arbor are finalists in SportsCenter's "TitleTown USA" contest ESPN's SportsCenter coming to Detroit on Sunday, July 13, and Ann Arbor Monday, July 14

Two Michigan cities - Detroit and Ann Arbor - have been named among the 20 finalists in SportsCenter's "TitleTown USA" contest on ESPN. The "TitleTown USA" series will name the nation's top sports town through a process that included fan-generated nominations on ESPN.com, a panel of judges who pared down the nominations, and - ultimately - online voting by fans. The winning city will be unveiled on SportsCenter on Sunday, July 27 at 11 p.m. ET.

"'TitleTown USA' is another great opportunity for SportsCenter to interact with sports fans," said Mark Gross, senior vice president and managing editor, studio production. "Along the way, the series will raise some topical debate, refocus attention to the unique relationships fans have with their teams, and tell great stories that connect the heartstrings of well-known, and perhaps not-so-well-known, teams to their towns."

SportsCenter crews are currently filming segments on each of the 20 finalists. Michigan was one of only two states to have more than one city in the running (California the other: Los Angeles, San Francisco and Palo Alto.)

• Detroit's segment will be filmed at near the Tiger Statues at Comerica Park on Sunday, July 13, when the Twins take on the Tigers. ESPN reporter Wendi Nix will host the segments, which will include an interview with Al Kaline. Taping will begin at 11 a.m. and fans are encouraged to begin congregating at 10 a.m.
• Ann Arbor's segment will be filmed on Monday, July 14, at a Pep Rally at the Diag with reporter Nicole Manske. Taping will begin at noon and fans are invited starting at 11 a.m.

The segments on Detroit and Ann Arbor will be aired on SportsCenter later in the week (starting with the 6 p.m. edition and also included at 11 p.m. and 1 a.m., supplemented by programming of great sports from the city on ESPN Classic:

ESPN: Thursday, July 17 - SportsCenter profiles Detroit
• ESPN Classic: 1990 NBA Finals, Game 5: Pistons vs. Trail Blazers from Portland, Ore. (4 - 6 p.m.)

ESPN: Sunday, July 20 - SportsCenter profiles Ann Arbor, Mich.
• ESPN Classic: 1989 National Championship: Seton Hall vs. Michigan (2 - 4 p.m.); and 1998 Rose Bowl: Michigan vs. Washington State (4 - 6 p.m.)

Overall sports accomplishments were considered when naming finalists for TitleTown. Detroit's pedigree included: • Detroit Red Wings - 11-time Stanley Cup championships
• Detroit Pistons - three-time NBA Championship winners ('89, '90, '04)
• Detroit Tigers - World Series Championships in 1935, 1945, 1968 and 1984
• Home to boxing legends Thomas Hearns and Joe Louis
• Detroit Lions have produced 12 Hall of Famers and four NFL Championships
• WNBA's Detroit Shock have won two titles
• Former Detroit AFL team had six Arena Bowl appearances and won four of them
• 37 Hall of Fame hockey players have played for Detroit
• Home to great athletes: Doak Walker and Barry Sanders (football), Ty Cobb and Hank Greenberg (baseball), Bob Lanier, Isaiah Thomas and Joe Dumars (basketball) and Gordie Howe and Stevie Yzerman (hockey)

For Ann Arbor, the following notable accomplishments were considered: • University of Michigan - 52 national titles in 12 different sports
• UM football program leads the Big Ten with 42 championships
• UM hockey team has won nine NCAA titles
• 178 UM students and coaches have participated in the Olympic Games and have won medals in every Summer Olympic Games except 1896. In all but four Olympiads, UM students and coaches took home gold medals
• UM has finished in the Director's Cup Top Five in seven of the last 10 years

The 20 "TitleTown USA" finalists: Green Bay, Wis.; Louisville, Ky.; Gainesville, Fla.; Detroit; Williamsport, Pa.; Boston; Los Angeles; Columbus, Ohio; Chapel Hill, N.C.; Ann Arbor, Mich.; San Francisco; Pittsburgh; Knoxville, Tenn.; Valdosta, Ga.; Parkersburg, W. Va.; and Chicago; Lawrence, Kan.; Palo Alto, Calif.; Massillon, Ohio; and New York City. Please click here to access key highlights for each city.

For more information, and to vote in SportsCenter's "TitleTown USA" series, fans can go to Titletown on ESPN.com.

07/11/2008 10:00 AM ET
Tigers agree to terms with Ryan Perry

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Ryan Perry from the University of Arizona, the team's first pick (21st overall) in the 2008 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

Perry appeared in 31 games (six starts) with Arizona in 2008, compiling a 6-3 record, 2.89 ERA (74.2IP/24ER), one save and 72 strikeouts. He limited the opposition to a .217 batting average (60x276) with the Wildcats this past season.

A 6-4, 200-pound right-hander, Perry earned all-star honors with Orleans in the Cape Cod League during the summer of 2007. He posted a 1-2 record, 4.15 ERA (21.2IP/10ER) and 30 strikeouts in 18 appearances. Perry was tabbed the ninth-best prospect in the Cape Cod League by Baseball America.

With Perry agreeing to terms, the Tigers have now signed 34 players selected in this year's draft. Additionally, the Tigers have now agreed to terms with each of the first 17 players the club selected.

07/14/2008 3:39 PM ET
Sardinha outrighted to Triple-A Toledo

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers today announced that the contract of catcher Dane Sardinha has been outrighted to Triple-A Toledo.

Sardinha batted .167 (3x18) with a triple and two RBI in five games with the Tigers. He is batting .206 (34x165) with eight doubles, six home runs and 16 RBI in 48 games with Toledo.

07/16/2008 11:02 AM ET
Thomas optioned to Triple-A Toledo

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers yesterday optioned the contract of outfielder Clete Thomas to Triple-A Toledo. Thomas is batting .284 (33x116) with nine doubles, a triple, home run and nine RBI in 40 games during two stints with the Tigers this season.

Additionally, the Tigers yesterday recalled the injury rehab assignment of outfielder Magglio Ordonez from Single-A West Michigan. Ordonez is scheduled to be activated from the disabled list prior to tomorrow's game at Baltimore. Ordonez has been sidelined since June 29 with a pulled oblique.

07/23/2008 4:39 PM ET
Tigers host 14th Annual Negro Leagues Celebration game Saturday

DETROIT-- The Detroit Tigers will honor Negro Leagues Baseball Saturday when they welcome the Chicago White Sox to Comerica Park. A number of pre-game festivities celebrating Negro Leagues Baseball will take place, including several former Negro Leagues players signing autographs from 5-6 p.m. throughout the Comerica Park concourse. Additionally, former Negro League stars will be honored prior to the game during an on-field ceremony. For the game, the White Sox will wear throw-back uniforms of the Chicago American Giants, while the Tigers will wear throw-back uniforms of the Detroit Stars. The following is a list of players scheduled to participate in the weekend's events:

• Frank Crossan: A pitcher for the Memphis Red Sox and former roommate of 1956 Negro League all-star Charley Pride.

• Joe Douse: A pitcher for the Kansas City Monarchs in 1952 and 1953. While with the Monarchs, he struck out 15 Memphis Red Birds in a single game.

• Melvin "Buck" Duncan: From 1949 to 1956 he pitched for the Kansas City Monarchs and the Detroit Stars. Before his Negro League career, he posted a 19-1 record while pitching for the United States Army baseball team.

• Harold "Bee-Bop" Gordon: A member of the Chicago American Giants from 1950-51, the longest continuous franchise in Negro League history. He also pitched in the 1954 Negro League all-star game as a member of the Detroit Stars.

• Gene Johnson: Played first and third base for the Detroit Stars in 1956-57.

• Marvin Jones: Pitched for the Kansas City Monarchs during the 1954 and 1955 seasons.

• Cecil Kaiser: Played for the Detroit Stars from 1938-1940, the Motor City Giants in 1941, the Pittsburgh Crawfords in 1942 and the Homestead Gray's from 1945-1947.

• Alton King: Came to Detroit in 1942 and played with the Motor City Giants from 1942-1945 as their player manager. He also played for the Detroit Wolves from 1946-1949.

• James "Bullet" Moore: Played for the Detroit Stars, Motor City Giants and the Detroit Brown Bombers.

• Ron "Schoolboy" Teasley: A Detroit native, he played for the Detroit Cubs, Toledo Cubs, Toledo Crawfords, Toledo Rays, Detroit Wolves and New York Cubans from 1939 to 1948. He is a member of Wayne State University's Hall of Fame, and has worked for 20 years as an educator and baseball coach at Northwestern High School in Detroit.

07/28/2008 2:36 PM ET
Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers named Bank of America Presents the American League Player of the Week

Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera has been named the Bank of America Presents the American League Player of the Week for the period ending July 27th. Bank of America, the Official Bank of Major League Baseball, is the presenting sponsor of the American League and National League Player of the Week Awards, which reflect the company's long-standing tradition of recognizing achievements that inspire us all to seize opportunities to perform at our very best.

Last week, Cabrera hit safely in each of his six games, which included four multi-hit efforts. Overall, the 25-year-old batted .464 with a .571 slugging percentage, three doubles and a Major League-leading 13 RBI. On July 21st, he matched a career-high for hits by going 5-for-6 with two doubles and six RBI in the 19-4 win over the A.L. Central rival Kansas City Royals. The Venezuelan native Cabrera is batting .294 with 17 home runs and 74 RBI on the season. This marks Cabrera's second weekly award of the season; he shared the honor with Manny Ramirez of the Boston Red Sox on April 21st.

Other nominees were Cabrera's teammate, outfielder Magglio Ordoñez (.591, .818 SLG, 2 2B, 1 HR, 8 RBI); outfielder Jermaine Dye (.450, 1.050 SLG, 3 2B, 3 HR, 7 RBI) of the Chicago White Sox; third basemen Alex Rodriguez (.500, .818 SLG, 4 2B, 1 HR, 6 RBI) of the New York Yankees; and Boston Red Sox left-hander Jon Lester (2-0, 1.26 ERA, 14.1 IP, 14 SO).

Tourneau, the world's largest watch store, will supply Miguel Cabrera with a luxury Swiss Tourneau timepiece, suitably engraved, in recognition of his achievement as player of the week.

07/28/2008 10:06 AM ET
Tigers surpass two million in attendance
Fastest in Club history

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers, on Sunday, surpassed the two-million mark in home attendance at Comerica Park, marking the fastest the club has reached the mark, doing so in the team's 51st home game. The Tigers, also on Sunday, posted their 22nd sellout of the 2008 season and have drawn 2,028,208 this season.

The Tigers on Saturday set a single-game attendance record with 45,280 fans, the club's largest crowd ever in their nine-year history at Comerica Park. Overall, the Tigers set a three-game series attendance record this past weekend at Comerica Park, by drawing 131,463 fans for their three games with the Chicago White Sox.

07/30/2008 5:17 PM ET
Tigers acquire Kyle Farnsworth from New York Yankees
Ivan Rodriguez sent to the Yankees

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers today acquired righthanded pitcher Kyle Farnsworth from the New York Yankees in exchange for catcher Ivan Rodriguez.

Farnsworth has appeared in 45 games with the Yankees this season, posting a 1-2 record and 3.65 ERA (44.1IP/18ER).

Rodriguez hit .295 (89-for-302) with 16 doubles, three triples, five home runs and 32 RBI in 82 games for the Tigers this season.

07/31/2008 10:30 AM ET
FSN PLUS to offer spanish-language presentation of Aug. 9 Tigers-A's game
¡Fiesta Tigres! Night to be first-ever Tigers local telecast en español; Accomplished Spanish broadcaster Clemson Smith Muñiz to provide play-by-pay, noted Latino baseball historian Adrian Burgos, Jr. serves as analyst

Saturday, Aug. 9 is the Detroit Tigers annual ¡Fiesta Tigres! Night at Comerica Park and FSN Detroit will join in the celebration by providing a Spanish-language description of the Tigers-Oakland Athletics game on its auxiliary service FSN PLUS.

The Spanish-language presentation - the first ever for a Tigers local television production - will be available to most cable and satellite households throughout the FSN Detroit regional footprint (a list of FSN PLUS channel numbers is provided at the bottom of this release, or at FoxSports.com/Detroit).

The Spanish-language coverage begins at 7 p.m. with play-by-play announcer Clemson Smith Muñiz and analyst Adrian Burgos, Jr. The English-language telecast of that night's Tigers-A's game with Mario Impemba and Rod Allen airs as usual on FSN Detroit and FSN HD.

¡Fiesta Tigres! is the Tigers annual salute to the contributions of Hispanics and Latinos to the game of baseball. The team's 2008 roster includes Magglio Ordoñez, Carlos Guillen, Miguel Cabrera and Armando Galarraga (Venezuela); Placido Polanco, Fernando Rodney, Ramon Santiago, Freddy Dolsi, Aquilino Lopez and infield coach Rafael Belliard (Dominican Republic); Edgar Renteria (Colombia); and Joel Zumaya (Mexico).

"This is the perfect opportunity for FSN Detroit and the ballclub to reach out to an important segment of the Tigers fan base, while honoring the heritage of many fans' favorite players," said Greg Hammaren, Senior Vice President/General Manager, FSN Detroit. "We are proud to provide this important piece of programming to our cable and satellite providers in conjunction with the ¡Fiesta Tigres! celebration that night at Comerica Park."

"This is a historic telecast for the Tigers, and for our ¡Fiesta Tigres! celebration," said Duane McLean, Tigers' Senior Vice President of Business Operations. " We're thrilled FSN Detroit is offering the game in Spanish-language, and joining us in honoring the contributions of Hispanic players past and present."

Smith Muñiz, a native of Puerto Rico, has an extensive Spanish-language broadcasting résumé, including TV play-by-play and pre- and post-game hosting for the New York Mets, Yankees and MLB International. The longtime Spanish play-by-play voice for the New York Knicks, Smith Muñiz also serves in that capacity for the New York Jets, Monday Night Football for Univision Radio, as well as Army football. Other national duties have included working as color commentator for Super Bowl XLI and XLII, as both the English- and Spanish-language sideline reporter for Westwood One during the broadcast of the first NFL regular-season game in Mexico City in 2005, and as color commentator during the 1997 and 1998 NBA Playoffs. A former sportswriter for the Hartford Courant, the New York Daily News and Spain's largest newspaper, El País, Smith Muñiz started his Spanish-language broadcast career in 1991 with ESPN International calling Australian Rules Football before graduating to major events such as the NBA Finals, Stanley Cup Finals and World Series. He is president of Smith Muñiz Productions, a New York-based company that helps diverse clients such as MSG, HBO (Real Sports and Hard Knocks) and Major League Baseball reach the Hispanic market.

Burgos, a noted educator and author, brings a unique perspective to the Tigers Spanish-language telecast. He is an associate history professor at the University of Illinois specializing in U.S. Latino history, African-American studies, sport history and urban history. In 2007, Burgos published his award-winning book, Playing America's Game(s): Baseball, Latinos and the Color Line, that examines the impact of the incorporation of Latinos in U.S. professional baseball had on baseball's color line and racial understandings. The Latin American Studies Association selected the book for its inaugural Latino Book Award, and the Society of American Baseball Researchers named it a finalist for the best baseball history or biography in 2007. Burgos, who earned his doctorate from the University of Michigan, also was a contributing author to the 2006 book Shades of Glory: The Negro Leagues and the Story of African American Baseball. He served on the screening and voting committees for the National Baseball Hall of Fame's 2006 special election on the Negro Leagues, and consulted on the Hall's ¡Béisbol- Baseball!: The Shared Pastime project.

FSN Detroit and FSN PLUS coverage of the Tigers is available in 3.2 million cable and satellite households throughout Michigan and portions of Northwest Ohio and Northern Indiana.

FSN PLUS Channel Locations:

DIRECTV: Ch. 680
DISH NETWORK: Ch. 449
COMCAST: Ch. 900 or 901
AT&T U-VERSE: Ch. 738
BRIGHT HOUSE NETWORKS: Ch. 77
WOW!: Ch. 14
CHARTER: Ch. 88
BUCKEYE: Ch. 8 (w/converter) or Ch. 13
WYANDOTTE CABLE: Ch. 17
ALLENDALE COMMUNICATIONS: Ch. 20
CARR COMMUNICATIONS: Ch. 212
BROADSTRIPE: Ch. 18, 19, 97 (varies by community)
CITY OF NEGAUNEE: Ch. 51
D&P COMMUNICATIONS: Ch. 21
PARISH COMMUNICATIONS: Ch. 24, 26, 97, 98 (varies by community)
VOGTMANN ENGINEERING: Ch. 97
EDWARD ROSE & SONS: Ch. 3

08/04/2008 12:38 PM ET
16th annual Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) World Series
Championship games to be held at Angel Stadium

Major League Baseball will host the 16th annual Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) World Series presented by KPMG at venues throughout the Los Angeles area, including the MLB Urban Youth Academy in Compton, California, Aug. 6-17. The RBI World Series is the championship round of the RBI program, the Major League Baseball youth baseball and softball initiative presented by KPMG.

The 24 teams playing in the RBI World Series are divided in three divisions: Junior Boys (13-15 year olds); Senior Boys (16-18 year olds); and Girls Softball (19 and under). The returning champions in each division - Detroit (Junior Boys); Philadelphia (Senior Boys) and Atlanta (Girls Softball) - will defend their titles against RBI teams from Southern California, the host area, and the winners of RBI regional tournaments in six geographical regions. The Baseball Championship Games will be held on Aug. 11 at Angel Stadium.

"As we launch the 16th annual RBI World Series, it is important to note that these games feature more than just great baseball and softball," said Allan H. (Bud) Selig, Commissioner of Baseball. "This year we have been able to recognize and reward the off-field talents of many young athletes through the RBI for RBI scholarship program, jointly funded by Major League Baseball and KPMG. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I congratulate every player and coach who has reached the Series. RBI is a great example of Major League Baseball's commitment to reaching out to and providing boys and girls the opportunity to play the game and improve their lives."

In addition to the round robin RBI World Series tournament, participating teams will attend Major League Baseball games and welcome receptions that feature guest speakers such as Don Newcombe, Director of Community Relations, Los Angeles Dodgers; Sharon Robinson, daughter of baseball legend Jackie Robinson and MLB Educational programming consultant; Tom Brasuell, Vice President, Community Affairs, Major League Baseball; Tim Flynn, Chairman and CEO, KPMG; Bruce Pfau, Vice Chair, Human Resources of KPMG and Princess Palmer, Partner for KPMG.

The following is a complete list of teams participating in this year's RBI World Series presented by KPMG:

Junior Boys Teams
Anaheim (Gene Autry RBI League)
Cleveland (Cleveland Baseball Federation)
Detroit (Think Detroit/PAL)
Los Angeles (Los Angeles RBI)
Jersey City (Jersey City RBI)
Minneapolis (Minnesota Twins RBI)
Santo Domingo, D.R. (Santo Domingo RBI)
Tampa (Tampa RBI)

Senior Boys Teams
Chicago (Union League Boys & Girls Club)
Detroit (Think Detroit/PAL)
Houston (Houston RBI)
Jersey City (Jersey City RBI)
Los Angeles (Los Angeles RBI)
Miami (Florida Marlins RBI)
Philadelphia (Philadelphia Phillies RBI)
Santo Domingo, D.R. (Santo Domingo RBI)

Girls Softball Teams
Atlanta (Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta)
Denver (Colorado Rockies RBI)
Pittsburgh (Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania)
Santo Domingo (Santo Domingo RBI)
Hilo (Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Island)
Tampa (Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay)
Jersey City (Jersey City RBI)
Los Angeles (Los Angeles RBI)

Earlier this year, RBI presented by KPMG program announced the "RBI for RBI" scholarship Fund, a new initiative created by Major League Baseball and KPMG to provide financial support in the form of scholarships to selected recipients who participate in an RBI League. Six $5,000 "RBI for RBI" scholarships are being awarded to select high school seniors. This year's recipients will be recognized on Wednesday evening at the welcome reception of the RBI World Series presented by KPMG.

RBI and the RBI World Series presented by KPMG are supported by KPMG and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation - which are committed to helping expand and enhance the program. KPMG, which became the first presenting sponsor of the RBI Program in June of 2007, assists RBI with expanding and enhancing the program and through the development of financial literacy and other life skills courses. In addition to the more than 250 volunteers who supported this year's RBI Regional presented by KPMG tournaments, KPMG volunteers will assist in facilitating the 2008 RBI World Series.

"Over a thousand of our employees have served RBI this year as volunteers and have found working with these youth tremendously rewarding. We are all very proud to contribute to such a worthwhile program," said Tim Flynn, Chairman and Chief Executive of KPMG LLP. "We salute the regional winners on their achievements and wish them the best of luck in the World Series."

Since it was established in 1989, the RBI program has provided a path for many players to enter the college and professional game. More than 180 RBI participants have been drafted by Major League Clubs in the program's 19-year history. RBI alumni currently playing in the big leagues include: Carl Crawford (Tampa Bay Rays), Coco Crisp (Boston Red Sox), James Loney (Los Angeles Dodgers), CC Sabathia (Milwaukee Brewers), Justin Upton (Arizona Diamondbacks) and Jimmy Rollins (Philadelphia Phillies). Crawford (Houston RBI - '97), Loney (Houston RBI - 99) and Crisp (Los Angeles RBI - '95, 96) each played in an RBI World Series. This year, seven current and former RBI participants were selected in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft, including Atlanta RBI members Xavier Avery (2nd round Pick 50 by the Baltimore Orioles) and Joseph "Jay" Austin (2nd round Pick 56 by the Houston Astros).

"The RBI program was instrumental in my life in many ways, said Boston Red Sox Outfielder Coco Crisp. "It helped me to go to college and it was also very important in my baseball development. The RBI program should be commended on the difference it has made in the lives of so many youngsters. I'm proud to be an RBI alumnus."

RBI presented by KPMG is one of many Major League Baseball initiatives dedicated to enhancing youth participation and interest in baseball and softball. Specifically, RBI is designed to promote interest in the sport, increase the self-esteem of disadvantaged children, and encourage kids to stay in school. RBI programs have been started in more than 200 cities worldwide, and annually provide as many as 100,000 boys and girls the opportunity to play baseball and softball. For more information, please visit: www.mlb.com/rbi

08/06/2008 2:51 PM ET
¡Fiesta Tigres! honors Hispanics and Latinos contributions to baseball

DETROIT- The Detroit Tigers will honor the contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the game of baseball on Saturday, Aug. 9 when the club hosts the Oakland Athletics at 7:05 p.m. at Comerica Park.

¡Fiesta Tigres!, will feature an on-field, pre-game ceremony honoring former Tigers player Ozzie Virgil. Virgil became the Detroit Tigers first Latin-American born and Dominican Republic player on June 6, 1958, and in his home debut on June 17, he went 5-for-5 from the plate. 2008 celebrates the 50th anniversary of his Tigers' debut. Virgil, who was born in Montecristi, in the Dominican Republic, will also throw the ceremonial first pitch.

Since 1900, there have been nearly 1,300 Latino players in Major League Baseball, and nearly 500 of which were born in the Dominican Republic.

FESTIVITIES:
The ceremony also features Little League players from Southwest Detroit, who will present flags from the home countries of Tigers Hispanic Players, which include; Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Colombia and Mexico. Tigers Hispanic players, and their wives, will be introduced on the field, and an excerpt from a Major League Baseball Productions video titled "Beisbol: The Latin Game" will be shown on the scoreboard.

Players scheduled to participate in the ceremony include: Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Guillen, Placido Polanco, Miguel Cabrera, Fernando Rodney, Ramon Santiago, Aquilino Lopez, Edgar Renteria, Joel Zumaya, Armando Galarraga and Freddy Dolsi.

The ballpark will be decorated with flags from Spanish speaking countries, and banners will be displayed throughout the ballpark featuring photos of past and present Detroit Tigers Hispanic and Latino players.

ENTERTAINMENT:
There will be a variety of musical entertainers performing throughout Comerica Park. The lineup includes:

Mariachi Cora - A strolling mariachi band to perform at Gate A.

Mariachi Nuevo Zapopan - A strolling mariachi band to perform at Gate B.

Orquesta La Inspiracion - A hot salsa and jazz band to perform in Columbia Plaza from 4:30 - 6 p.m. Orquesta La Inspiracion is an 11-piece band led by long time Detroit area community activist and musician Ozzie Rivera. The band brings a fresh approach to salsa, merengue, folkloric percussion, cumba and Latin Jazz.

Benny Cruz y La Buena Vida - A five piece Latin group to perform in the Brush Fire Grill. Benny Cruz y La Buena Vida features a blend of salsa, meringue, cumbia, banda, cha-cha and mambo.

Orquesta Sencacional - A seven piece band with a blend of salsa and bachata. Orquesta Sencacional will perform at Gate C.

GIVEAWAYS:
5,000 copies of a commemorative ¡Fiesta Tigres! edition of Mi Gente Magazine will be distributed to fans as they enter the ballpark.

TICKET DONATION:
250 tickets were purchased by Tigers players to enable local community groups to attend the ¡Fiesta Tigres! celebration, including: Miguel Cabrera, Carlos Guillen, Aquilino Lopez, Magglio Ordonez, Edgar Renteria, Fernando Rodney, Ramon Santiago and Joel Zumaya. Participating community groups include: Latino Family Services, Clark Park Coalition, Matrix Theatre Company, LaSed, Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, Detroit Bees and Detroit Youth Baseball.

LINEUP OF ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS:
• The Detroit Tigers Hispanic Heritage page can be viewed on tigers.com/hispanic to chronicle the contributions Tigers Hispanic and Latino players have made to the game.

• On Friday, Aug. 8, Comerica Bank will host a luncheon for Hispanic community leaders to launch the ¡Fiesta Tigres! celebration. Former Detroit Tigers player Ozzie Virgil will be the featured guest. The private event begins at 11:30 a.m. and takes place in the Tiger Club located at Comerica Park.

• On Saturday, Aug. 9, Fox Sports Net Detroit will televise the Spanish language broadcast of the ¡Fiesta Tigres! game on FSN Plus. The Spanish-language presentation is the first ever for a Tigers local television production and will be available to most cable and satellite households throughout the FSN Detroit regional market.

"This is a historic telecast for the Tigers, and for our ¡Fiesta Tigres! celebration," said Duane McLean, Tigers' Senior Vice President of Business Operations. "We're thrilled FSN Detroit is offering the game in Spanish-language, and joining us in honoring the contributions of Hispanic players past and present."

Clemson Smith Muniz will call the play-by-play, while Adrian Burgos Jr. will be the analyst.

Smith Muñiz, a native of Puerto Rico, has an extensive Spanish-language broadcasting résumé, including TV play-by-play and pre- and post-game hosting for the New York Mets, Yankees and MLB International. The longtime Spanish play-by-play voice for the New York Knicks, Smith Muñiz also serves in that capacity for the New York Jets, Monday Night Football for Univision Radio, as well as Army football.

Burgos, a noted educator and author, brings a unique perspective to the Tigers Spanish-language telecast. He is an associate history professor at the University of Illinois specializing in U.S. Latino history, African-American studies, sport history and urban history. In 2007, Burgos published his award-winning book, Playing America's Game(s): Baseball, Latinos and the Color Line, that examines the impact of the incorporation of Latinos in U.S. professional baseball had on baseball's color line and racial understandings.

08/07/2008 3:31 PM ET
Tigers return home for 10-game homestand
Tigers celebrate ¡Fiesta Tigres! at Comerica Park, Oakland, Toronto and Baltimore visit during homestand

DETROIT - The Detroit Tigers open a 10-game homestand on Friday, Aug. 8 when the Oakland A's visit Comerica Park. The three-game series against Oakland is followed by a four-game set with the Toronto Blue Jays. The 10-game homestand concludes as the Baltimore Orioles visit Comerica Park for a three-game series.

Fri., Aug. 8- 7:05 p.m. OAK
Sat., Aug. 9- 7:05 p.m. OAK
Sun., Aug 10- 1:05 p.m. OAK
Mon., Aug. 11- 7:05 p.m. TOR
Tue., Aug. 12- 7:05 p.m. TOR
Wed., Aug 13- 7:05 p.m. TOR
Thur., Aug 14- 1:05 p.m. TOR
Fri., Aug 15- 7:05 p.m. BAL
Sat., Aug 16- 7:05 p.m. BAL
Sun., Aug 17- 1:05 p.m. BAL

PROMOTIONS AND COMMUNITY CORNER

Friday, Aug. 8:
The Detroit Tigers Foundation has partnered with local charities to hold a 50/50 raffle at every Friday night home game this season. Friday's partner charity will be the Children's Charities Coalition. Tickets will be sold throughout the 100 level concourse and at the 50/50 raffle table behind section 119 from the time gates open to the last out of the second inning. All tickets are three-for-$5 and the winning raffle ticket will be announced after the sixth inning. A raffle hotline (313-471-2050) has also been established for fans to access the winning information at any time.

The Detroit Tigers Foundation's grab bag and clubhouse collectible sale program sponsored by Starbucks Coffee Company and Potbelly Sandwich Works is also offered at every Friday night Tigers home game. Every $30 grab bag features an autographed baseball from a current or former Tiger as well as the chance to win great gifts from Starbucks and Potbelly. The clubhouse collectible sale features a wide variety of items such as batting practice and spring training worn and used items, along with media guides, programs and lamp post banners. The grab bag/clubhouse sale tables are located on the main concourse behind the wheelchair ramp at section 119.

Weather permitting, Friday Fireworks will be sponsored by Pepsi.

Saturday, Aug. 9:
The Detroit Tigers will honor the contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the game of baseball on Saturday, August 9 when the club hosts the Oakland Athletics at 7:05 p.m. at Comerica Park. ¡Fiesta Tigres!, will feature an on-field, pre-game ceremony honoring former Tigers player Ozzie Virgil. Virgil became the Detroit Tigers first Latin-American born and Dominican Republic player on June 6, 1958.

Weather permitting, Saturday Fireworks will be sponsored by Verizon Wireless and The Oakland Press.

Sunday, Aug. 10 :
Fans are welcome to join Detroit Tigers players and coaches on the field to take part in Photo Day at Comerica Park. Fans can get their picture taken with their favorite Tigers prior to the game from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

The Detroit Tigers, in partnership with FOX 2 and Gardner White Furniture will host their "Operational School Bell" in-park blue jean collection. Fans are encouraged to donate new children's blue jeans at all gates throughout Comerica Park. The collected jeans will go to the Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan to provide school clothes to underprivileged elementary students in Metro Detroit.

Sunday afternoon's contest marks Kids Day at Comerica Park. Kids Day, sponsored by Red Robin, features free rides on the carousel or Ferris Wheel for kids age 14-and-under, face painters stationed near Gates A and B and Kids Run the Bases following the game (weather permitting), courtesy of Pepsi. Big Boy will sponsor Kids Take the Field pre-game, where children will take the field prior to the Tigers before the start of the game. Additionally, kids will also have the chance to win one of four Little Tikes Mini-Hummers, which will be given away on the field during in-game breaks on Sunday. Registration will take place at Section 119 for an opportunity to be part of the giveaway.

Tuesday, Aug. 12 :
The first 7,500 kids age 14-and-under in attendance, will receive a free Detroit Tigers Youth Cap, courtesy of Northwest Airlines.

Wednesday, Aug. 13 :
Individuals from the Southwest Detroit Cyclones will participate in the Carlos' Companeros program for Tigers infielder Carlos Guillen. At every Wednesday home game, Carlos Guillen invites 20 fans to Comerica Park to watch batting practice on the field and provides tickets for the game, along with Carlos Compañeros T-shirts. The program is in partnership with the Detroit Tigers Foundation and participating fans are identified through local not-for-profit organizations that serve the Greater Detroit community, including Southwest Detroit.

In partnership with Caps for Kids and New Era, the Detroit Tigers will celebrate Wear Your Cap to School Day, and invited 16 parents and children that have been affected by cancer the opportunity to watch batting practice on the field with the chance to meet a Tigers player or coach. Additionally, an on-field, pre-game ceremony honoring cancer survivors and their siblings will take place. The ceremony will raise awareness for the Wear Your Cap to School Day event, a nationwide initiative to support the Caps for Kids Program. Caps for Kids is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing autographed headwear to children and adolescents coping with cancer.

The Tigers will turn back the clock in game three of the four-game set against the Blue Jays with 80's Night. 80's music will be played exclusively throughout the ballpark during pre-game festivities and for the in-game entertainment. Various in-game scoreboard features will have an 80's theme and 80's prizes will be distributed throughout the game. As part of 80's night, 89X will broadcast live from the Brushfire Grill from 3-7 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 14 :
To support the Tigers' "Gloves for Kids" program, outfielder Curtis Granderson will sign autographs following the game at Gate B. In exchange for an autograph, fans are encouraged to donate new or gently used baseball and softball equipment or a minimum of $20 to help support the Eagle Sports Club of Detroit.

The Detroit Tigers will celebrate the Woodward Dream Cruise. Helio Castroneves, Team Penske racecar driver and winner of the "Dancing with the Stars" contest will throw the ceremonial first pitch. After the game, cars, music and family fun will be abound on Madison Street next to Comerica Park.

The Detroit Tigers Foundation has partnered with Carlos Guillen and his charity, Fundacion Chamon Venezolanos, to host a special fundraising event at the exclusive Capital Grille in Troy from 6-11 p.m. The event is organized to be an intimate evening of dining, unique auction items and special guests. Proceeds from the event will support youth baseball in both greater Detroit and Venezuela, in addition to children with Down Syndrome and other special needs.

Friday, Aug. 15-17:
In partnership with the Youth Development Commission, Think Detroit PAL and the City of Detroit Parks and Recreation Department, the Detroit Tigers will host the Hometown Championship, a youth baseball and softball tournament for children ages 8-19. The tournament is part of the Detroit Tigers "Play Baseball Detroit" campaign. A special pre-game ceremony will take place at Comerica Park on Monday, August, 25 recognizing the winning teams. 600 tickets for the August, 25 game were donated by the Detroit Tigers Foundation. In conjunction with the tournament, a community fun day will take place on Saturday, Aug. 16 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Fun day includes PAWS, face painting, bouncers, arts and crafts. Opening ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at Maheras Gentry park located on 12550 Avondale, in Detroit.

The Detroit Tigers Foundation has partnered with local charities to hold a 50/50 raffle at every Friday night home game this season. Friday's partner charity will be the Gilda's Club of Metro Detroit. Tickets will be sold throughout the 100 level concourse and at the 50/50 raffle table behind section 119 from the time gates open to the last out of the second inning. All tickets are three-for-$5 and the winning raffle ticket will be announced after the sixth inning. A raffle hotline (313-471-2050) has also been established for fans to access the winning information at any time.

The Detroit Tigers Foundation's grab bag and clubhouse collectible sale program sponsored by Starbucks Coffee Company and Potbelly Sandwich Works is also offered at every Friday night Tigers home game. Every $30 grab bag features an autographed baseball from a current or former Tiger as well as the chance to win great gifts from Starbucks and Potbelly. The clubhouse collectible sale features a wide variety of items such as batting practice and spring training worn and used items, along with media guides, programs and lamp post banners. The grab bag/clubhouse sale tables are located on the main concourse behind the wheelchair ramp at section 119.

Weather permitting, the Baltimore series features Friday Fireworks, sponsored by Pepsi.

Saturday, Aug. 16:
Detroit Tigers pitcher Nate Robertson will appear at Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn from 11:30-12:30 p.m on Saturday, August 16 to celebrate its Historic Baseball Program. In honor of vintage baseball played in Detroit dating back to 1867, the Lah-De-Dahs and the Nationals of Greenfield Village will play vintage clubs from Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Additionally, Nate will meet and greet with players as well as sign autographs for fans who attend the game.

To support the Tigers' "Gloves for Kids" program, pitchers Casey Fossum and Aquilino Lopez will sign autographs at ABC Warehouse in Canton from 12:30-1:30 p.m. In exchange for an autograph, fans are encouraged to donate new or gently used baseball and softball equipment or a minimum of $20 to help support the Eagle Sports Club of Detroit.

PLAY campaign is a program of the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society. The program is from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on the field at Comerica Park, and promotes healthy living by teaching children and their families the importance of staying fit, being active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to prevent childhood obesity. This year's event will feature a session with the Taylor Hooton Foundation on the harmful effects of steroids and performance enhancing substances. Approximately 100 youth will participate in the program. During the event, children will rotate from five designated station, each featuring an instructional lesson of personal fitness. Scheduled to participate are Tigers Head Trainer Kevin Rand, Assistant Trainers Steve Carter and Doug Teter , Tigers team physician Dr. Stephen Lemos, strength and conditioning coach Javair Gillett, catcher Brandon Inge and outfielder Marcus Thames.

Weather permitting, Saturday Fireworks will be sponsored by Verizon Wireless and The Oakland Press.

Sunday afternoon's contest marks Kids Day at Comerica Park. Kids Day, sponsored by Red Robin, features free rides on the carousel or Ferris Wheel for kids age 14-and-under, face painters stationed near Gates A and B and Kids Run the Bases following the game (weather permitting), courtesy of Pepsi. Big Boy will sponsor Kids Take the Field pre-game, where children will take the field prior to the Tigers before the start of the game. Additionally, kids will also have the chance to win one of four Little Tikes Mini-Hummers, which will be given away on the field during in-game breaks on Sunday. Registration will take place at Section 119 for an opportunity to be part of the giveaway.

Monday, Aug. 18:
In partnership with Pulte Homes, the Detroit Tigers Alumni Association will host their annual golf outing on Monday, Aug. 18 from 9-11 a.m. at the Wyngate Golf and Country Club, located on 1975 West Gunn Road in Rochester. Proceeds from the outing benefit the Special Olympics of Michigan. For more information, call 248-652-4283.

08/11/2008 2:24 PM ET
Tigers celebrate 80's night at Comerica Park

DETROIT -- Turn back the clock to the decade everyone tries to forget, but no one can - the 1980's!

The Detroit Tigers will pay homage to the 1980's on Wednesday, August 13 at 7:05 p.m. against the Toronto Blue Jays at Comerica Park. The celebration begins at 5 p.m. in the Brushfire Grill where CIMX-FM (89X) will host a pre-game party featuring the 80's cover band "The Delivery" and the Luna Dancers from the Luna Nightclub in Royal Oak.

89X morning show personalities Dave, Chuck the Freak, and Lisa Way will lead the crowd in the seventh inning stretch singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame".

The celebration continues throughout the night as a variety of 1980's music videos will be played on the Comerica Park scoreboard prior to the game. In addition, in-stadium giveaways will include various 80's DVDs, CDs and tickets to the upcoming Def Leppard Concert at Joe Louis Arena.

Fans are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite 80's outfits to help celebrate the unforgettable decade known simply as "The 80's".

The 80's were one of the most beloved eras in Detroit Tigers history. The Tigers won the 1984 World Series, pitcher Willie Hernandez won the 1984 MVP and Cy Young awards, pitcher Jack Morris led the Tigers and the Major Leagues with 162 wins, catcher Lance Parrish led the team with 176 home runs, and shortstop Alan Trammell and second baseman Lou Whitaker won a combined seven Gold Gloves.

08/13/2008 3:02 PM ET
Tigers put Joel Zumaya on 15-day DL

The Tigers today placed righthanded pitcher Joel Zumaya on the 15-day disabled list with a sore right shoulder.

To take Zumaya's place on the club's 25-man roster, the Tigers today purchased the contract of righthanded pitcher Francis Beltran from Triple A Toledo.

Beltran is 2-5 with a 4.81 ERA (43.0IP/23ER) in 36 outings with Toledo in 2008.

08/14/2008 11:59 AM ET
Detroit Tigers to host Hometown Championship this weekend as part of the "Play Baseball Detroit" initiative

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers, in partnership with the Youth Development Commission, Think Detroit PAL, and the City of Detroit Parks and Recreation Department, will host their 13th annual Hometown Championship this weekend.

The Hometown Championship is a youth baseball and softball tournament held in Detroit for kids ages 8-19. It is supported by the Detroit Tigers "Play Baseball Detroit" campaign, which encourages kids in Detroit to join a baseball or softball team.

The opening ceremony for the Hometown Championship begins Friday, August 15 at 10:00 a.m., with 28 teams scheduled to participate. The three-day tournament concludes Sunday, August 17, and all games will be played at Maheras Gentry Park, located at 12550 Avondale in Detroit.

In conjunction with the tournament, a community fun day will take place on Saturday, August 16 at Maheras Gentry Park from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Fun day includes interaction with PAWS, arts and crafts, bouncers, and face paintings.

Additionally, the Detroit Tigers will host the winning teams during a special on-field, pre-game ceremony that will take place at Comerica Park on Monday, August 25.

08/17/2008 9:12 AM ET
Tigers put reliever Jones on 15-day disabled list

The Tigers announced today that right-handed pitcher Todd Jones has been placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Aug. 16, with a sore right shoulder.

To take his place on the roster, the club purchased the contract of right-handed pitcher Gary Glover from Triple-A Toledo.

Signed by the Tigers as a Minor League free agent on Aug. 9, Glover has tossed four scoreless innings and fanned four batters in three outings with the Mud Hens. Glover has appeared in 245 games at the Major League level with five teams during his career.

08/21/2008 4:24 PM ET
Tigers ten-game homestand features Indians, Royals, Yankees, Angels and Cabrera bobblehead giveaway

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers open a 10-game homestand on Monday, August 25 when the Cleveland Indians visit Comerica Park. The three-game series against Cleveland is followed by a three-game set with the Kansas City Royals. The 10-game homestand includes the make-up game against the New York Yankees on Labor Day, and concludes as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim visit Comerica Park for a three-game series.

Mon., Aug 25 - 7:05 p.m. CLE
Tue., Aug 26 - 7:05 p.m. CLE
Wed., Aug 27 - 7:05 p.m. CLE
Fri., Aug 29 - 7:05 p.m. KC
Sat., Aug 30 - 7:05 p.m. KC
Sun., Aug 31 - 1:05 p.m. KC
Mon., Sept 1 - 1:05 p.m. NYY
Tue., Sept 2 - 7:05 p.m. LAA
Wed., Sept 3 - 7:05 p.m. LAA
Thu., Sept 4 - 1:05 p.m. LAA

PROMOTIONS AND COMMUNITY CORNER

Monday, August 25
In partnership with the Youth Development Commission, Think Detroit PAL and the City of Detroit Parks and Recreation Department, the Detroit Tigers will honor the winning teams of the Hometown Championship, a youth baseball and softball tournament for children ages 8-19. The tournament is part of the Detroit Tigers "Play Baseball Detroit" initiative. A special pre-game ceremony will take place at Comerica Park prior to the game recognizing the three winning baseball and two softball teams.

Tuesday, August 26
Detroit Tigers legend Willie Horton will honor 40 winners from his seventh annual "Batting for Kids" development and skills competition during a pre-game, on-field ceremony at Comerica Park. The competition, in partnership with Don Bosco Hall, allows 350 Detroit area youth baseball players ages 7-14 the chance to showcase their skills in throwing, batting and base running.

Wednesday, August 27
At every Wednesday home game, Carlos Guillen invites 20 fans to Comerica Park to watch batting practice on the field and provides tickets for the game, along with Carlos Companeros T-shirts. The participating fans are identified through local not-for-profit organizations that serve the Greater Detroit community, including Southwest Detroit. This week Tigers infielder Carlos Guillen will host youths from Holy Redeemer Catholic Church.

Thursday, August 28
Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga will make an appearance at Meijer located on 34835 Utica Rd. in Fraser from 6-7 p.m. Galarraga will sign autographs as part of the promotion.

Friday, August, 29
The Detroit Tigers Foundation has partnered with local charities to hold a 50/50 raffle at every Friday night home game this season. Friday's partner charity will be ALS Association Michigan Chapter. Tickets will be sold throughout the 100 level concourse and at the 50/50 raffle table behind section 119 from the time gates open to the last out of the second inning. All tickets are three-for-$5 and the winning raffle ticket will be announced after the sixth inning. A raffle hotline (313-471-2050) has also been established for fans to access the winning information at any time.

The Detroit Tigers Foundation's grab bag sale program sponsored by Starbucks Coffee Company and Potbelly Sandwich Works is also offered at every Friday night Tigers home game. Every $30 grab bag features an autographed baseball from a current or former Tiger as well as the chance to win great gifts from Starbucks and Potbelly. The grab bag table is located on the main concourse behind the wheelchair ramp at section 119.

Weather permitting, Friday Fireworks will be sponsored by Pepsi and Metromix.com

Saturday August 30
As part of the "Play Baseball Detroit" initiative, the Detroit Tigers, 97.1 The Ticket, ABC Warehouse and the Baseball Tomorrow Fund will collect new and gently used baseball and softball equipment to help support the Eagle Sports Club of Detroit. Help the Detroit Tigers collect 500 gloves and 500 bats for underprivileged youth. Donations will be accepted at Gate A and the Luxury Suite entrance. Jeff Reiger, on-air personality at 97.1 FM The Ticket will broadcast live at Gate A from 5-6:40 p.m. Fans do not need a ticket for the game to donate items.

Weather permitting, Saturday Fireworks will be sponsored by Verizon Wireless and The Oakland Press.

Sunday, August 31
Sunday afternoon's contest marks Kids Day at Comerica Park. Kids Day, sponsored by Red Robin, features free rides on the carousel or Ferris Wheel for kids age 14-and-under, face painters stationed near Gates A and B and Kids Run the Bases following the game (weather permitting), courtesy of Pepsi. Big Boy will sponsor Kids Take the Field pre-game, where children will take the field prior to the Tigers before the start of the game. Additionally, kids will also have the chance to win one of four Little Tikes Mini-Hummers, which will be given away on the field during in-game breaks on Sunday. Registration will take place at Section 119 for an opportunity to be part of the giveaway.

Monday, September 1
A special Holiday edition of Kids Run the Bases will occur after the Tigers game, courtesy of Pepsi.

Wednesday, September 3
The first 10,000 fans in attendance, will receive a free collectible Miguel Cabrera Bobblehead, courtesy of AAA.

Individuals from the Latino Family Services Baseball will participate in the Carlos' Companeros program for Tigers infielder Carlos Guillen. At every Wednesday home game, Carlos Guillen invites 20 fans to Comerica Park to watch batting practice on the field and provides tickets for the game, along with Carlos Companeros T-shirts. The program is in partnership with the Detroit Tigers Foundation and participating fans are identified through local not-for-profit organizations that serve the Greater Detroit community, including Southwest Detroit.

In honor of Roberto Clemente Day at Comerica Park, the Detroit Tigers, in partnership with Major League Baseball annually recognize a player who best exemplifies the game of baseball through sportsmanship, community involvement and positive contributions to his team; many characteristics embodied by the late Roberto Clemente. This year, during an on-field, pre-game ceremony, the Tigers will name right-fielder Magglio Ordonez the 2008 Roberto Clemente Award recipient, presented by Chevrolet. Ordonez will be presented with a $7,500 donation from Chevrolet to the charity of his choice.

08/27/2008 6:28 PM ET
Tigers to honor Detroit junior boys RBI championship team Friday, Aug. 29 at Comerica Park

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers will honor the Detroit junior boys baseball team during an on-field, pregame ceremony Friday, Aug. 29 at Comerica Park. The Detroit team won their third consecutive Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) World Series title, marking the first boys team in history with three-straight titles, on Aug. 11, by defeating Tampa Bay 7-3 at Angels Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

As World Series Champions, Detroit was awarded the John Young Trophy, which is named for the founder of the RBI program.

The RBI program is a youth baseball and softball initiative created to give kids in greatest need the chance to extend their participation in baseball while providing them with a forum to learn important life skills.

The Detroit RBI program is administered by Think Detroit PAL and Orchards Children's Services. It serves more than 2000 youth playing on more than 100 teams in Detroit, under the direction of Think Detroit PAL CEO Dan Varner; Orchards Children's Service CEO Mike Williams; Co-Baseball Commissioners Mike Bradley, from Think Detroit PAL, and Denny Borse, from Orchards Children's Services.

The 24 teams, who played in the RBI World Series were divided in three divisions: Junior Boys (13-15 year olds); Senior Boys (16-18 year olds); and Girls Softball (19 and under). The RBI World Series provides some of the top youth players from the United States and abroad a special opportunity to showcase their skills and interact with their peers from other communities.

Since it was established in 1989, the RBI program has provided a path for many players to enter the college and professional game. More than 180 RBI participants have been drafted by Major League Clubs in the program's 19-year history. RBI alumni currently playing in the big leagues include: Carl Crawford (Tampa Bay Rays), Coco Crisp (Boston Red Sox), CC Sabathia (Milwaukee Brewers), Justin Upton (Arizona Diamondbacks), Jimmy Rollins (Philadelphia Phillies) and James Loney (Los Angeles Dodgers).

Additional information on the 2008 RBI World Series can be found on www.mlb.com/rbi

08/29/2008 2:03 PM ET
Tigers remind fans of Labor Day Parade on Sept. 1

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers are reminding fans, who plan on attending the Monday, September 1 game vs. the New York Yankees at 1:05 p.m., to be aware of the Labor Day Parade that will take place downtown, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

The annual Labor Day Parade will start at 9:30 a.m. and will step off at Woodward and Mack Avenue and end at Hart Plaza. The Parade should finish at approximately 11 a.m.

Gates at Comerica Park will open at 11 a.m.

08/31/2008 2:43 PM ET
Tigers to unveil replica Statue of Liberty Monday at Comerica Park
Fans invited to take photos

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers will unveil its customized replica Statue of Liberty sculpture, decorated in a blue and orange motif, on Monday, September 1, when the New York Yankees visit Comerica Park at 1:05 p.m. The statue will be located at Gate A, near the Comerica Big Cat Food Court. Gates open at 11 a.m. and fans are encouraged to take photos of this unique piece of art.

The statues appeared at various 2008 Major League Baseball All-Star events located throughout the city of New York, including the DHL All-Star FanFest, the All-Star Game Gala at the Museum of Natural History and the All-Star Game Red Carpet Parade.

Major League Baseball commissioned a replica Statue of Liberty representing every MLB team. The sculpture was produced by MLB licensee Forever Collectibles and stands eight and a half feet tall. The sculpture, which is made of resin, was fabricated in China and weighs 250 pounds.

Major League Baseball has auctioned forty-one of the MLB themed Statue of Liberty replicas that appeared throughout New York City as part of the 79th MLB All-Star game celebration. Profits from the sale of the statues will be donated to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Official Charity of Major League Baseball.

Commemorative MLB All-Star game programs featuring 2008 Tigers' All-Star Carlos Guillen, and MLB All-Star baseballs, will be available for purchase at Gate A, next to the Statue of Liberty.

09/02/2008 1:26 PM ET
Magglio Ordoñez named Detroit Tigers' recipient of the 2008 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevy

Magglio Ordoñez today was named the Detroit Tigers' recipient of the 2008 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevy. He is one of 30 Major League Club nominees for the national 2008 Roberto Clemente Award, which is given annually to the Major League Baseball player who combines outstanding skills on the baseball field with devoted work in the community. Tomorrow will mark the seventh annual Roberto Clemente Day, which was established by Major League Baseball in 2002 to honor the legacy of Roberto Clemente.

The Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevy, is part of Chevy's official sponsorship of Major League Baseball, and recognizes those players who best represent the game of baseball through sportsmanship, community involvement and positive contributions to their teams. The award is named for Clemente, a 12-time All-Star and Hall of Famer who died on New Year's Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. This award perpetuates Clemente's legacy and character by recognizing current-day players who truly understand the value of helping others. Fans are encouraged to participate in the selection of the national winner of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevy. From Sept. 3rd through Oct. 5th, 2008, fans can log on to www.chevy.com/clemente and vote for one of the 30 Club nominees.

Since joining the organization in 2005, Ordoñez established his presence in Detroit with not only his on-field achievements, but also with a variety of contributions to the Detroit community. Before ever taking the field with the Tigers, Ordoñez agreed to donate $100,000 annually for his entire contract period, and under his direction, the donation is utilized in support of education and youth baseball programs and initiatives throughout the community. Many of his other contributions have been geared toward Southwest Detroit, a historically predominant Hispanic community.

In conjunction with the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan, Ordoñez established the Ordoñez Family Scholarship. The $2,500 annual college scholarship benefits a graduating high school senior from Southwest Detroit, and is renewable for up to four years.

Recently, Ordoñez and his wife raised over $10,000 for baseball and softball field renovations in the greater Detroit community, serving customers as celebrity baristas at a local Starbucks store. Additionally, he has committed to funding the 2009 renovation of three-to-four baseball fields with Think Detroit PAL at a recreation center in Southwest Detroit.

Ordoñez, who has been recognized by the Southwest Detroit Business Association for his commitment to the local Hispanic community, also supports many Detroit Tigers community initiatives and programs. During ¡Fiesta Tigres!, an annual tribute to celebrate the contributions of Hispanic players to the game of baseball, he purchased tickets and donated them to Hispanic American families that may not otherwise be able to afford a day at the ballpark.

Additionally, he is an active participant of the Tigers Dreams Come True program, giving his time to meet with fans that visit Comerica Park who currently have or are facing life-threatening medical conditions.

"I am honored to be nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award," Ordoñez said. "My family and I believe that it is very important to support the local community and we hope these programs help people across the area." Ordoñez will be recognized by the Tigers on Wednesday, Sept. 3 during an on-field, pregame ceremony.

The fan vote winner will be tallied as one vote among those cast by the selection panel, which includes Vera Clemente, wife of the late Hall of Famer, and Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. Participating fans automatically will be registered for a chance to win a trip to Game Three of the 2008 World Series, where the national winner of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevy will be announced.

As the official sponsor of the Roberto Clemente Award, Chevy will donate $7,500 to the charity of choice of each of the 30 Club recipients. Chevy also will donate $30,000 and a Chevy vehicle to the national winner's charity of choice and an additional $30,000 will be donated by Chevy to Roberto Clemente Sports City, a not-for-profit organization in Carolina, Puerto Rico, designed to provide recreational sports activities for children.

Comerica Park, 48201

2009 Tentative Home Schedule

Tentatively, it looks like the Cubs, Brewers and Rockies will be paying a visit to Comerica Park in 2009.

* Posted on September 8, 2008 at 3:54 PM

09/03/2008 10:24 AM ET
Tigers extend working agreement with West Michigan Whitecaps through 2014 season

DETROIT --- The Detroit Tigers announced today the club has extended its working agreement with Single-A West Michigan for four seasons, extending the agreement through the 2014 season.

West Michigan has been one of the club's Single A affiliates since 1997. The Whitecaps clinched a berth in the Midwest League playoffs for the ninth time as a Tigers affiliate in 2008. West Michigan won the Midwest League title in 1998, 2004, 2006 and 2007.