| Saying goodbye to an old friend is never easy.
Nevertheless, the Ballpark at the Corner was sent off in classy and
memorable fashion tonight. Oh yeah, and the postgame ceremonies were
pretty good too.
I've been to Tiger Stadium numerous times. Its architecture and
vibe made it unique and personal, as a fan. I watched the
Tigers win the World Series in 1984 at Tiger Stadium. And unlike many
people my age, I remember it like it was yesterday. I met Ernie
Harwell before a Tigers game at The Corner one year, and still have and cherish
his autograph and conversation. I nearly caught two fly balls duirng
BP (batting practice). Thus, I have my own personal memories of
the corner of Michigan and Trumball.
I was priveleged to have the honor of working the Tigers game this afternoon
for Jackson's Sportsradio 1450 WIBM, but wasn't sure how I would react
once the big final moment came. And all I can say is that the Tigers
gave me memories that will last a lifetime.
I cheered out loud in the studio when Luis Polonia lead the game off with
a bang -- a solo home run to give the Tigers a 1-0 lead right off the bat
(pun intended). And the rest of the game consisted of employees and coworkers
all stopping by asking the same question: "What's the score?". This
question was usually followed by the statement "They HAVE to win this final
game!".
For some reason during the 8th Inning I did something I don't normally
do. I left the 1450 studio and walked across the building to the AM
970 WKHM studios where there is a TV, and I put the Tigers radio feed into
cue so I could sit down and watch the game on TV. I had not planned
to do this until the 9th Inning, so I could see the last pitch, but for some
reason I felt compelled to watch starting at the Top of the 8th. I
remember getting goosebumps when I saw Gabe Kapler wearing a numberless
uniform in honor of Ty Cobb -- baseball needs more moments like that.
By the middle of the 8th Inning two of my other coworkers had joined me in
the room, chatting and watching the game. And in the bottom of the
8th I let out a cry. A blow had been struck that will stick in my memory
forever.
With the bases loaded, Tigers outfielder Robert Fick unloaded on a fastball
and walked into Tigers history with a towering Grand Slam that bounced off
the roof of the second deck in right field. All eyes in the room were
on the TV, and all eyes were the size of saucers. One of my coworkers,
who isn't even from Michigan or a Tiger fan, could only blurt out something
about almost going over the roof. All three of us stood there, realizing
that we has just all seen the defining moment in the final game ever at Tiger
Stadium. I can't imagine missing that Grand Slam now.
The postgame festivities were classy and memorable too. I'll never
forget the sight of Mark "The Bird" Fydrich jogging out to the pitcher's
mound with a plastic baggie, scooping up dirt to keep as a momento.
I got goosebumps when Al Kaline emerged onto the field. But the most
fitting moment was seeing Alan Trammel and "Sweet" Lou Whitaker jog onto
the field, together, as the fans shouted "Looouuuuuuuuu!!!". It couldn't
and shouldn't have been any other way.
But of all the moments... of Ernie Harwell's distinct voice choking up as
he said goodbye to what basically was his ballpark for so many years... of
the passing of the flag from former Tigers to current and future Tigers...
of all those moments, the image of Fick belting a fastball over the right
field stands for a Grand Slam is the best and most memorable.
Thank you Robert Fick, for one final, fantastic memory of Tiger Stadium.
Let's hope the Tigers give us similar memories in Comerica Park.
-- Rik A. Kyser. |