TIGERS HOST PIRATES AND BLUE JAYS IN SIX-GAME HOMESTAND AT COMERICA PARK
Homestand Features Yoenis Cespedes Bobblehead, Kinsler’s Kids and Tigers Patriotic Hat
DETROIT – The Tigers host the Pittsburgh Pirates for a three-game series (June 30-July 2) and will finish up the homestand with a three-game weekend series against the Toronto Blue Jays (July 3-5). Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s games are scheduled for 7:08 p.m., while Thursday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s games start at 1:08 p.m.
Get your Tigers tickets for the 2015 season at Comerica Park now! Tickets are available at the Comerica Park Box Office, online at tigers.com and by phone at (866) 66-TIGER (84437). For complete ticket information including season, group and suites visit tigers.com/tickets or call 313-471-BALL (2255).
STARS AND STRIPES: Join the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park and celebrate America’s independence during the week of June 30-July 5. The ticket package includes an upper box infield ticket as well as a Detroit Tigers Fourth of July t-shirt. For more information regarding the ticket package visit tigers.com or to order 15 or more tickets please contact Matt Capone at matt.capone@detroittigers.com.
#VOTETIGERS
- All-Star Voting: Voting continues for Major League Baseball’s 86th All-Star Game held at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. MLB’s All-Star Balloting Program is the largest of its kind in professional sports and this year will be conducted exclusively online. Fans around the world can cast their votes for position starters 35 times by visiting tigers.com/vote. Voting is open now through July 2 and fans are encouraged to vote early and often. Miguel Cabrera regained his lead for first baseman this past week, while Yoenis Cespedes is closing in on an outfield start. Other Tigers players are near the tops of their position lists, so make your 35 votes count and VOTE TIGERS!
TRAFFIC UPDATES:
- For traffic updates fans can find alerts and alternative routes at tigers.com, and visit tigers.com/ballparkapp to download the MLB.com Ballpark app., and fans can follow @tigers on Twitter. We recommend tuning to WWJ 950 AM for up-to-the-minute updates on traffic alerts and closures.
- Fans can also check with the Michigan Department of Transportation and the City of Detroit Department of Transportation for real-time road closures and detours at www.michigan.gov/mdot and download the MiDrive app. and you can also visit www.m-1rail.com.
PAWS TRACKS TO COMERICA PARK:
- Please remember to avoid delays, that it’s best to arrive early to Comerica Park.
- Traffic patterns may be modified at the discretion of law enforcement agencies.
- Tigers gameday and event traffic patterns go into effect a minimum of three hours prior to start time.
Tuesday, June 30 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates at 7:08 p.m. Gates Open at 5:30 p.m.
The Play Baseball Detroit Day at Comerica Park is an on-field ceremony designed to help bring recognition and exposure to all of the components of the Play Baseball Detroit program. “Play Baseball Detroit” is a comprehensive urban youth baseball outreach program dedicated to encouraging and supporting youth baseball and softball programs in the greater Detroit region. The multifaceted program features equipment collections, school rallies, youth clinics and a competitive tournament to encourage and develop our region’s young athletes into the baseball stars of tomorrow. Launched in 2008 with the financial assistance of Detroit Tigers players, the program continues to be funded by the Detroit Tigers Foundation, an affiliate of Ilitch Charities. Play Baseball Detroit Day program will feature youth ball players from the Tiny Tigers, Baseball FUNdamentals, Detroit Tigers Hometown Championship and Team Tigers programs. The ceremony also features Juan Carlos Sanchez the 2015 Team Tigers Coach of the Year, an award to recognize a Team Tigers Coach for his/her dedication and commitment to Youth Baseball or Softball, and Jimmy Settles the 2015 Champions Award Winner recognizing an individual for his/her long standing dedication and profound impact on the Game of baseball and softball.
Verlander’s Victory for Veterans: When Justin Verlander takes the mound at Comerica Park, he strives for victory. This season, his outings on the hill take on a new meaning. For each of his home starts, Verlander hosts Veterans from Veterans Affairs Medical Centers throughout the state of Michigan. These Veterans sustained injuries or illness in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom or in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. The Veterans along with their families cheer on the Tigers from the comfort of Verlander’s personal luxury suite. After serving our country, the special day provides American veterans the opportunity to enjoy a Tigers game with their family. Veterans share 18 luxury suite tickets and parking passes in the Tigers Parking Garage. Food and beverage is provided for the guests courtesy of Verlander. Veterans receive a personalized welcome letter from Verlander and a Verlander’s Victory for Veterans t-shirt. When you see Verlander on the mound, he is not only playing for his team and Tigers fans around the world, he is also playing for America’s heroes.
Kinsler’s Kids: Through the program, the Kinsler family hosts 90 guests in partnership with The Birthday Party Project who brings joy to homeless children through the magic of birthdays.During the summer months, The Birthday Party Project will celebrate its monthly birthday parties at Comerica Park with all the bells and whistles. All guests are treated to a Detroit Tigers game, receive ballpark fare dinner, a cupcake and a Kinsler’s Kids t-shirt. The children celebrating their birthdays that month also receive a personalized authentic Detroit Tigers jersey and an autographed photo signed by Ian Kinsler. The children and families are selected by The Birthday Party Project in conjunction with Coalition on Temporary Shelter.- The game ball will be delivered by Specialist Derek Allgier of the United States Army from Genoa, OH. Specialist Allgier recently returned from deployment in the Middle East. During his first deployment in South Korea, he received an Army Achievement Medal Award. He has proudly served the United States Army for three years.
- The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by University of Michigan’s head football coach, Jim Harbaugh.
- The national anthem will be performed by vocalist, Michael Greene.
Wednesday, July 1 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates at 7:08 p.m. Gates Open at 5:30 p.m.
- Willie Horton Scholarship Award Ceremony: The Tigers created this annual scholarship in 2000 in honor of hometown hero and former Tiger Willie Horton. Each year, a $5,000 scholarship is awarded by the Detroit Tigers Foundation, an affiliate of Ilitch Charities, to a senior from Detroit’s Northwestern High School, Horton’s alma mater. Scholarship recipients are students who display high levels of commitment to academics, leadership, character development and volunteer involvement. The 2015 Willie Horton Scholarship winner is LaShay Hamilton. LaShay’s accomplishments include: 3.92 grade point average, 1st in her graduating class, Class Valedictorian, National Honor Society, Principal’s Award, Northwestern High School Softball Player, Gleaner’s Food Bank Volunteer, and Michigan Youth in Government Cabinet Member. Willie Horton is scheduled to participate in the ceremony.
- Buses for Baseball: Through Buses for Baseball, the Detroit Tigers and the Major League Baseball Players Trust host the Munger Lions at Comerica Park. The Tigers provide complimentary tickets, bus transportation by way of the Fox Sports Detroit Fan Express, and the opportunity to watch batting practice. Major League Baseball Players Trust provide food vouchers for the team and arrange a meet and greet with Tigers players.
The first 10,000 fans will receive a Yoenis Cespedes Bobblehead, courtesy of Frito-Lay.- The game ball will be delivered by Petty Officer Second Class Nelson Maczuga of the United States Navy from Wixom, MI. PO2 Maczuga recently returned from deployment in the Western Pacific. He has been awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He has proudly served the United States Navy for three years.
- The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by Tigers fan E. Powell Miller.
- The national anthem will be performed by vocalist Amber Grand.
Thursday, July 2 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates at 1:08 p.m. Gates Open at 11:30 a.m.
- Naturalization Ceremony: 60 individuals will be sworn in as American citizens during a pre-game ceremony on the field at Comerica Park. The oath will be administered by Judge Denise Page Hood through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. The new citizens and their family members receive complimentary tickets courtesy of the Detroit Tigers to enjoy America’s Favorite Pastime after officially becoming a citizen of the United States. God Bless America will be performed as part of the ceremony by vocalist Michael Greene.
- The game ball will be delivered by Captain Michael Gomez of the United States Army from Grand Rapids, MI. Captain Gomez has served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has been awarded a Meritorious Bronze Star, three Army Commendation medals, an Iraqi Campaign medal, an Afghanistan Campaign medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service medal, a National Defense Service medal, an Army Service medal, three Overseas Service medals, a NATO medal, a Meritorious Unit Citation, Air Assault Wings, and a Gold German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge. He has proudly served the United States Army for eight years.
- The national anthem will be performed by the United States Army Field Band Brass Quintet.
Friday, July 3 vs. Toronto Blue Jays at 7:08 p.m. Gates Open at 5:30 p.m.
Detroit Tigers Foundation 50/50 Raffle: The Detroit Tigers Foundation 50/50 Charity Raffle continues at Comerica Park this season. This weekend, the raffle will happen on Friday and Saturday. The partner charity for this weekend’s 50/50 raffle is the South Oakland Shelter, which works with a diverse range of people struggling with homelessness, including first-time homeless individuals and families, the chronically homeless, veterans, domestic violence victims, and people battling substance abuse, mental health issues, and frequently both. Tickets will be sold on a digital platform and are three for $5, 10 for $10 and 40 for $20. The winner will be announced on the Comerica Park scoreboard before the end of the game. The 50/50 Charity Raffle program has raised more than $970,727 for charity with the single largest one-game prize of the program being $17,039.50.- The game ball will be delivered by Major Matthew Wernert of the United States Army from Eastpoint, MI. Major Wernert has served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has been awarded two Bronze Stars, a Combat Action Badge, and a Meritorious Service Medal. He has proudly served the United States Army for 11 years.
- The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by Tigers fan Jon Bacon.
- The national anthem and O’Canada will be performed by World War II veteran Harold Lanning.
- Friday Night Fireworks: A special version of Independence Day fireworks will be presented by Pepsi (weather permitting).
Saturday, July 4 vs. Toronto Blue Jays at 1:08 p.m. Gates Open at 11:30 a.m.
- Armed Forces Recognition Ceremony: The Detroit Tigers celebrate the dedication and sacrifice of current and former members of the Armed Forces on Independence Day. Members of the Armed Forces and Veterans are invited to the field at Comerica Park and are recognized for their service to the United States Armed Forces prior to the start of the game. Nearly 500 service members and Veterans are invited to participate in the pregame ceremony. John Lamphere, Disabled American Veterans, Detroit Regional Office representing all Veterans and Lieutenant Colonel Doug Champagne, 127th Operations Group Commander from Selfridge Air National Guard Base representing all active service members each throw a ceremonial first pitch. Staff Sergeant Mario Jimenez of the 127th Wing of the United States Air Force sings the National Anthem and “God Bless America”. A Joint Services honor guard will present the colors during the National Anthem. All service members and Veterans who participate in the on-field recognition receive a patriotic Detroit Tigers t-shirt.
- The game ball will be delivered by Staff Sergeant Garrett Pillow of the United States Air Force from Fenton, MI. SSgt Pillow recently returned from deployment with the U.S Army in support of Operation Enduring Freedom where he served as a Blackhawk Crewchief. He has proudly served the United States Army for 4 years.
- Detroit Tigers Foundation 50/50 Raffle: The Detroit Tigers Foundation 50/50 Charity Raffle continues at Comerica Park this season. This weekend, the raffle will happen on Friday and Saturday. The partner charity for this weekend’s 50/50 raffle is the South Oakland Shelter, which works with a diverse range of people struggling with homelessness, including first-time homeless individuals and families, the chronically homeless, veterans, domestic violence victims, and people battling substance abuse, mental health issues, and frequently both. Tickets will be sold on a digital platform and are three for $5, 10 for $10 and 40 for $20. The winner will be announced on the Comerica Park scoreboard before the end of the game. The 50/50 Charity Raffle program has raised more than $970,727 for charity with the single largest one-game prize of the program being $17,039.50.
MVP (Military Veteran’s Program): While MVP – Mario Impemba’s salute to those who served is typically held on Monday home games, the July 4 game is a special edition of the program in honor of Independence Day. The group of 30 Veterans and guests receive a lower-bowl ticket to the Tigers game, a “MVP” t-shirt, a voucher for a BBQ dinner and an autographed photo of Tigers broadcaster Mario Impemba. The Veterans and guests arrive to the ballpark in style in the Fox Sports Detroit Fan Express. On July 4, in partnership with Fox Sports Supports, the Tigers partner with Folds of Honor. Folds of Honor seeks to meet this need by providing annual educational scholarships to the military families of those who have been killed or disabled while in active duty. 
These scholarships help support private education tuition, tutoring and educational summer camps for children K-12, as well as higher education tuition assistance for spouses and children.- The first 10,000 fans 21-and-over will receive a Tigers Patriotic Hat, courtesy of Miller Lite.
Sunday, July 5 vs. Toronto Blue Jays at 1:08 p.m. Gates Open at 11:00 a.m.
On-Field Photo Day: From 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. all fans are invited down to the field for a special opportunity to take photos of their favorite Tigers players and coaches. Fans are encouraged to take selfies with their favorite players in the background and tag them on Twitter and Instagram using #TigersSelfies. Please note that this is not an autograph event and posed photos are not permitted. Photo Day is presented by Ballpark and Meijer.- PAWS for Applause: The PAWS for Applause program is a partnership between the Detroit Tigers and the Observer & Eccentric Newspapers. It’s a campaign that celebrates youth who volunteer their time and resources to make the community better. During the 2015 Tigers season, fans have the opportunity to submit an essay to the O&E Newspapers to nominate a young person in their community for doing something to make their community better. The winner will be recognized on-field prior to the first pitch on Sunday’s game.
All kids 14-and-under will receive an Ian Kinsler poster, courtesy of Meijer.- All Sunday home games are Kids Days at Comerica Park. All kids 14-and-under will receive a free promotional item as part of the “Every Kid, Every Sunday” giveaway guarantee, enjoy free rides courtesy of Kroger on the Comerica Bank Carousel or the Fly Ball Ferris Wheel, take part in free face painting, have the chance to win a bicycle and are invited down to the field for Kids Run the Bases courtesy of Aquafina and Meijer following the game, weather permitting.
- Topps baseball cards will be distributed to all kids at all gates.
- The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by Dr. Steven Zavinsky, representing Red Robin.
- The national anthem will be performed by the Temple Israel Shabbat Singers and O’Canada will be performed by Cantor Michael Smolash.
- God Bless America will be performed by Rachel Miltmore prior to the bottom of the seventh inning.