#3

Former Tiger player and manager Alan Trammell and me at Comerica Park in 2004. Photo Day is annual event at the ballpark that allows the fans to get close to the players (and maybe even get a picture with a player or manager or coach).

Today's Detroit Free Press has a solid article by Drew Sharp about honoring Alan Trammell during the World Series. During August 2005, I suggested to friends that it wouldn't be surprising for Trammell to step aside at the end last season, move to a front office position, and allow someone else to "run the show." By the end of the season, though, things had become terrible and their was little choice but to show Tram the door.

If you're a Tigers fan and have enjoyed this run, take the time to read the article. You know, bringing back the Ghosts of '84 turned out to be a pretty solid bridge to bringing back a coach who left the organization just a couple years before '84. Ironically, he had managed or coached most of the homegrown talent the Tigers had on that last World Championship team. Tram respects Leyland, Leyland respects Tram, et. al.

Honor Lolich, as Sharp suggests; and honor Tram. It may not smooth things totally over, but when we see Tram and Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez embrace, we'll know that things are getting better. And Tram can become an assistant to Mr. Dombrowski next summer and things will improve.