Tigers give thanks by giving back

Tigers give thanks by giving back
Granderson, Ordonez among players contributing

By Jason Beck / MLB.com

11/25/09 4:00 PM EST

DETROIT -- The Tigers know they have a lot of reasons to be thankful, despite a heartbreaking finish to an exciting season. With a city and a region in hardship, the support they received throughout the year is one big reason to give thanks.

With the 2009 campaign long over, the Tigers' effort to give back continues into the holiday season.

While the real-world challenges become more and more apparent across Michigan, the Tigers spent 2009 trying to lend a hand off the field. Some efforts were individual, including the work from All-Star center fielder Curtis Granderson that fellow Major League players recognized by honoring him with the Marvin Miller Man of the Year award. Others were team efforts, through such programs as Play Baseball Detroit and the Gloves for Kids programs.

The Tigers hope to not just help, but inspire.

"Working with the Detroit Tigers Foundation, the Detroit Action Team and the various other programs, along with my own Grand Kids Foundation, I have seen first-hand impacts being made in Detroit and other inner cities throughout Michigan," Granderson said upon receiving Man of the Year honors last month. "I am excited at being able to continue to help enhance the educational experience for many of Michigan's students.

"I want to help others realize that they do not have to be rich and famous to make a positive impact in their community. Volunteering just one hour a week at any community organization or school can make a difference."

The Detroit Tigers Foundation awarded over $200,000 in grants to 15 charitable organizations, providing funding for projects that included the improvement of 20 baseball and softball diamonds. Four area baseball and tee-ball programs were expanded, thanks in part to foundation grants, reaching over 68,000 students. One particular $25,000 grant will fund the construction of a barrier-free baseball diamond to be used by more than 68,000 special-needs kids.

Gloves for Kids, the Tigers' season-long drive to collect new and gently used baseball and softball equipment, resulted in more than 3,400 donated pieces of equipment. Most went to the 600 players in Detroit's Rosedale Grandmont Little League, which also received a $5,000 grant from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund.

Granderson's own work through his Grand Kids Foundation helps students and schools in Michigan's inner cities by purchasing school supplies and books, establishing baseball programs, providing equipment and helping improve facilities. His fundraising efforts included a charity basketball game in January, featuring local athletes and celebrities such as Kid Rock, and an October wine-tasting event that included a bachelor auction with Granderson, Edwin Jackson and Ryan Perry.

Granderson's next big goal for the foundation is to establish a college scholarship for local students.

Granderson became an author this year with the release of All You Can Be, a children's book that tells his story of growing up in Chicago and encourages kids to build and chase their own dreams.

The book, which hit shelves this summer, became a part of Michigan's library system earlier this month through a donation by Granderson and the publisher.

Fellow Tigers outfielder Magglio Ordonez used his head to undertake his act of charity in June, when he had his long hair cut off and auctioned for charity. The proceeds provided around $6,000 to Imerman Angels, a Chicago-based nonprofit group that helps connect those battling cancer with people who have survived it and provide inspiration.

Both Granderson and Ordonez were nominated for the Jefferson Awards for Public Service by All Stars Helping Kids, a San Francisco-based charity founded by Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott.

The Tigers and their players also made their contribution through tickets. The Tigers donated more than 124,000 ducats through the MLB Commissioner's Initiative for Kids and the Players Give Back programs.

The Tigers' charitable efforts will carry into the holidays. Team mascot PAWS delivered Thanksgiving baskets to underprivileged families in Detroit on Tuesday through the United Way Child Welfare agency. The Tigers and SportService will adopt families in need and treat them to a holiday dinner in the Tiger Club in December, along with a surprise shopping trip to a local mall.

"The Tigers organization takes great pride in supporting our community and positively affecting the lives of others, especially during the holiday season," said Elaine Lewis, Tigers vice president of community and public affairs.

PAWS will also make charitable visits for families in December. He'll visit the City of Southfield Pavilion on Dec. 9 to take part in a Bikes for Kids party with Variety, the Children's Charity. On Dec. 17, he'll join the Silverliners at Metro Airport for a "Trip to the North Pole" with pediatric cancer patients.

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

That's another reason to keep lovin' our Tigers!

I still think Grandy is important to the Tigers.

Yeahhh. I do too. He performs better, and holds all types of charity events. I don't know of any other baseball player that started a charity organization...

And as they found in the past, as goes Grandy, so goes the team! He is an important ingredient, or they would not have signed him like they did!

So he had a somewhat off year, but I would rather play with him, than against him!

For sure. He and Miggy both are involved in trade talks

That's not what we need. That makes it sound like we're trying to rebuild, when, last I checked, we were one game away from the playoffs. I would call up some young talent to fill some holes, and then we can let them season and we could have a good year again this coming year. I say no changes unless they are crucial to keeping JV or someone else that's vital.

Hopefully Inge comes back with the same power

i really want Lyon and Laird back. Lyon got his game together for the last half of the season and could close.

Laird made up for his bat with put outs on steals, and calling great games. Also with Alex Avila catching more games, Laird should hit better.

I also still like Everett. He is a cheap SS considering his fielding skills.

Let Rodney go elsewhere for his big bucks.

We have some good arms that may make the team pitching wise!

Also, Sizemore may be good at 2nd or SS, if he heals ok.

I just hope they fixed up Inge and that he can be the player we say the 1st half of 2009. If not, we have backup 3rd basemen. Brent Dlugach can play 2nd, SS or 3rd base.They have Kelly down as being able to play 1st, SS, 3rd, RF, CF and LF! Very versatile! See Depth Chart.

GoGetEmTigers wrote:

i really want Lyon and Laird back. Lyon got his game together for the last half of the season and could close.

Laird made up for his bat with put outs on steals, and calling great games. Also with Alex Avila catching more games, Laird should hit better.

I also still like Everett. He is a cheap SS considering his fielding skills.

Let Rodney go elsewhere for his big bucks.

We have some good arms that may make the team pitching wise!

Also, Sizemore may be good at 2nd or SS, if he heals ok.

I just hope they fixed up Inge and that he can be the player we say the 1st half of 2009. If not, we have backup 3rd basemen. Brent Dlugach can play 2nd, SS or 3rd base.They have Kelly down as being able to play 1st, SS, 3rd, RF, CF and LF! Very versatile! See Depth Chart.

Yeah. I think we could do without Laird and Rodney personally. Avila is really good in my eyes, and we could bring up Ryan to back him up, and still have Inge and Raburn as emergency catchers.

I the versatility we have this year. Santiago, Carlos Guillen, Raburn, Inge, Dlugach, Kelly, Sizemore, Goodness!

We need Polly's glove baddd! We need to keep him.