The Old English D took over Breslin Center on Wednesday afternoon, as Tigers fans young and old came to catch a glimpse of their favorite team.
While the crowd anxiously waited to hear from the players, MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon, MSU baseball coach David Grewe, Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero and others spoke briefly about what the 2006 Tigers did for not only the community, but also the entire state.
"We saw last year that the roar was restored, and it was awesome!" Grewe said. "I'd like to thank Jim Leyland and the Tigers for all they did for Tigers fans this year."
After the comments, the voice of the Tigers Dan Dickerson, introduced coaches Gene Lamont and Lloyd McClendon, and players Brandon Inge, Craig Monroe, Placido Polanco, Chris Shelton, Justin Verlander, Vance Wilson and manager Jim Leyland to the Breslin Center crowd, which filled about a quarter of the lower-bowl seats.
"Everyone's been thanking the Tiger ballclub for last year," Leyland said. "But we'd like to thank you.
"This franchise has a chance to win, we have a lot of pieces in place and we thank God for Tiger fans."
After Leyland stepped away, Dickerson fielded questions from fans to players and coaches.
"It was a great accomplishment," outfielder Craig Monroe said of winning the pennant. "For what it felt like in '02 and '03, we can't enjoy what happened in '06 without going through '02 and '03 … now we're reaping the benefits of sticking together."
Coming off the heals of 12 consecutive losing seasons, Leyland said not many expected the Tigers to win the American League.
"I knew there was some talent on the team — that's why I took the job. I thought we had the opportunity to do something … but I did not, obviously, think that this team would win the American League Championship," Leyland said.
"You could see Comerica Park coming alive," Tigers third base coach Gene Lamont said about the overwhelming fan support as the team entered the postseason for the first time in 19 years. "People bragged about coming to Tiger games."
After the program, fans were still buzzing around the Breslin Center concourse buying baseball cards and other memorabilia.
"It was cool for them to come out here," journalism senior Peter Melkus said. "It gets me excited for the season."
While fans such as Melkus are waiting anxiously for next year, Leyland is not taking last season's success for granted.
"I'm concerned of championship hangover," he said, but added, "that's not going to happen with the Tigers this year."
