Why are the called the Tigers?
Detroit’s original minor league baseball team was officially known as the Wolverines. The club was also referred to as the Tigers, the nickname for the members of Michigan’s oldest military unit, the 425th National Guard infantry regiment, which fought in the Civil War and Spanish-American War.
When Detroit joined the newly formed American League in 1901, the team received formal permission from the regiment, which was known as the Detroit Light Guard, to use its symbol and nickname.
Why am I excited to see their city?
Again, another city up North that I’ve never been to and am keen to see how it goes.
Known as the Capital of the rust belt, Detroit had a thriving automotive industry in the 20th century, and the residents probably thought the goodtimes would never end – until all of their jobs were shifted down South to Mexico, where labour is cheap and quality is arguably just as good (just don’t ask Trump).
My mate Reegs who has been up there reckons it’s a pretty good time downtown, he still sighted leaving the joint as a top three highlight. That being said, I’m keen to see some Motown history, some of the neighbourhoods that have been rebuilt into a thriving art scene, and enjoying some bagels (Reegs reckons they’re some of the best).
What is a tradition at their ballpark?
A tradition that I can really get behind here (and the first of 3 youtube videos for), at the beginning of the 8th inning), the Tigers stadium will pump over the speaks one of my favourite songs, “Don’t Stop Believing”!
Something to do with the line “Just a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit” – Ya think?
Who is a famous fan?
Will the real Detroit fans please stand up, please stand up, please stand up!
The famous fan I’ve got for the Tigers is non-other than the man who is ice cold and put white rappers on the map in the 90’s, While some say he’s trashy, he remains a polarising figure to this day.
No, no, no, I never cued up Vanilla Ices music!
I’m talking about the real Slim Shady himself – EMINEM!
Cue the goddamn music!
A fun/weird fact about the Tigers?
The Detroit Tigers are one of only three remaining teams (the other being Cleveland and Chicago Cubs) to be charter members of the American League.
This dates back to 1901, which makes them 116 years old at time of writing!
To put this into perspective, some of the events that happened whilst the Detroit Tigers existed included:
- The colonies of Australia (now states) came together to form one country officially called “The Commonwealth of Australia”
- New York is the first US State to require all automobiles have license plates
- The first prototype motorcycle was drawn up
- Chuck Taylor (who would later have the trademark Converse shoes) was born
Thirty before 30 