Two for the Price of One

Great Up the Middle

In a couple weeks, the Detroit Tigers will be retiring Alan Trammell's #3. It probably should have happened YEARS ago; however, the Tigers unofficial policy is that the team does not retire a number unless the player is going into the Hall of Fame.

In the midst of a lousy season, albeit one we knew would be that way, the Tigers had two members of the 1984 World Championship team inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Alan Trammell and Jack Morris. So, the Detroiters are holding ceremonies to retire their respective numbers. 

Trammell played his whole career, minus a season, with the same second basemen, Lou Whitaker. You know this, even if you're not a baseball or Tiger fan. Nearly 20 years together, Lou and Tram were a beautiful combination. Whitaker's career numbers rival some of the best second sackers ever, but for some reason, he has never gotten any HOF love. At all.

While there was hope the duo would enter the HOF together, it didn't happen in 2018. Yet, the Tigers can still turn this into something great. On August 26, when the Tigers retire the #3 of Alan Trammell, they could do something for the greatest keystone combination ever: also retire the #1 worn by Lou Whitaker.

First, the Tigers do not need to announce they are going to do this. Anyone going to the game specifically because it's Tram's day will be elated. Second, they will be getting something right for a change. The Tigers should retire the numbers of the players who were great while they played for the Motor City team. Whitaker and Trammell go together like peanut butter and jelly! The Tigers could get something right and get two for the price of one on August 26.

Come on, Tigers, make this happen!