TIGERS EXERCISE 2012 CLUB OPTION ON JOSE VALVERDE

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced that the club has exercised the club option on righthanded pitcher Jose Valverde for the 2012 season.

Valverde posted a 2-4 record, 2.24 ERA (72.1IP/18ER), 49 saves and 69 strikeouts in 75 outings for the Tigers during the 2011 season. He established a Tigers single-season record with his American League leading 49 saves. Valverde joined Todd Jones (42 saves in 2000) as the only two pitchers in franchise history to register 40-or-more saves during a single season.

He was selected the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Year in 2011, an honor that recognizes the most outstanding relief pitcher during the regular season as voted on by a panel from Major League Baseball.

Jose Valverde will be back with the Tigers in 2012.
Photo By Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine

Valverde converted all 49 of his save opportunities during the season, marking the longest such streak during a single season in Tigers history. He surpassed Guillermo Hernandez who converted 32 straight save opportunities for the Tigers April 6-September 23, 1984. Valverde became only the third pitcher in major league history to be perfect in all of his save opportunities during a single season while posting 40-or-more saves. Eric Gagne converted all 55 of his save chances for the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 2003 season, while Brad Lidge converted all 41 of his save opportunities for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008.

Signed by the Tigers as a free agent on January 26, 2010, Valverde has been selected to the American League’s all-star squad in both of his seasons with the club (2010-11). He has appeared in 135 games during his two seasons with the Tigers, posting a 4-8 record, 2.59 ERA (135.1IP/39ER), 75 saves and 132 strikeouts.

Valverde has appeared in 514 games over the course of nine seasons at the major league level with the Arizona Diamondbacks (2003-07), Houston Astros (2008-09) and Tigers (2010-11). He is 23-27 with a 3.02 ERA (521.1IP/175ER), 242 saves and 602 strikeouts during his major league career.

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Justin Verlander named Sporting News’ 2011 MLB Player of the Year

October 28 – Justin Verlander has been named Sporting News' 2011 player of the year. In voting done by 289 major league players (177 players from the AL and 112 from the NL), Verlander was the first pitcher to win the award since the Los Angeles Dodgers' Orel Hershiser in 1988. The award is presented by Gillette Odor Shield.

Verlander stood out in 2011 among even his most dominant peers with a 24-5 record, 250 strikeouts and 2.40 ERA.

"He's had one of the best seasons for a pitcher. Ever," New York Yankees ace CC Sabathia said.

"He's pretty incredible," Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira said after Verlander struck out 11 New York batters in the ALDS. "He's throwing 100 mph in the eighth inning. That's impressive. I don't know if there's anyone else in baseball, especially a starter, that can do that."

Justin Verlander - Sporting News MLB 2011 Player of the Year
Photo by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine

Verlander's maturation process in the majors wasn't immediate. After a stellar 2006 season (17-9, 3.63 ERA) that earned him the rookie of the year honors, Verlander had a strong 2007 (18-6, 3.66) but a rocky 2008 (11-17, 4.84) before he really started to dominate hitters in the fashion he did this year.

"One of my favorite lines is you can't make a senior out of a freshman," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "It takes time. ... You have to go through different experiences before you really get to (your) peak. I think Justin has taken it step by step. He had the big year in 2006. Then he went through a little bit of a humbling period. He's made adjustments mentally, he's made some adjustments physically. He's figured some things out. ... He's matured a lot."

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“WILLIE HORTON DAY” OCTOBER 18

 HORTON HONORED ACROSS THE STATE ON HIS BIRTHDAY
FOR PAST ACHIEVEMENTS

DETROIT – For the eighth consecutive year, the state of Michigan will recognize one man's ability to overcome obstacles and achieve a lifetime of success when "Willie Horton Day" is celebrated on Tuesday, October 18. Willie is the fourth person in Michigan history to be given a day, with the third being Rosa Parks.

Horton, who serves as a Special Assistant to Tigers President, CEO & General Manager David Dombrowski, received this honor in 2004 when former Governor Jennifer Granholm signed House Bill No. 5200, which permanently declared October 18 of each year to be known as "Willie Horton Day." The legislature chose to recognize the seven-time all-star for his humanitarian efforts in the city and the state. The date of the honor also coincides with Mr. Horton’s birthday.

The youngest of 21 children, Horton was born on October 18, 1942 in Arno, Virginia. At the age of nine, Horton's family moved to Detroit. By 13, he was turning the heads of area baseball scouts and on August 6, 1961, he became a member of his hometown team when he signed his first professional contract with the Tigers after an outstanding career at Detroit's Northwestern High School.

His 18-year big league career included 14 seasons with the Tigers and he was an important part of the 1968 World Championship team. A lifetime .273 hitter, Horton had 1,993 hits, 325 home runs and 1,163 RBI over 2,028 games.

Among the many honors he has received in his lifetime, Horton's uniform number 23 was retired and a statue in his likeness was unveiled by the Tigers on July 15, 2000 and stands among the Tigers Hall of Famers. On August 6, 2004, Detroit Northwestern High School named their newly constructed baseball and softball fields as the Willie Horton Baseball and Softball Diamonds. A monument in Horton's honor was installed at the fields in 2005.

On June 14, 2006, the Army honored Willie with one of the highest Military awards given to a civilian, the Order of Saint Maurice. He was the first professional athlete to earn the honor and his loyal support and distinguished contributions have been ongoing for many years to our Military.

Horton remains active in the community, working in partnership with Don Bosco Hall to host the annual Willie Horton Batting for Kids event at Comerica Park. The event allows youth ages 7-14 the chance to showcase their skills in throwing, batting and base running on the field at Comerica Park. Winners are honored each year in a pregame ceremony.

Additionally, Horton sponsors a $5,000 scholarship that is awarded annually to a high school senior from his alma mater, Detroit Northwestern High School. 

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TIGERS HOST GAME FIVE OF THE ALCS v THE TEXAS RANGERS TODAY

FIRST PITCH TODAY AT 4:19 P.M. AT COMERICA PARK

DETROIT – The American League Central Division Champion Detroit Tigers will continue the American League Championship Series against the Texas Rangers today at Comerica Park.  Gates will open at 2:00 p.m. and first pitch is scheduled for 4:19 p.m.

Thursday, October 13, 2011 - Texas Rangers (Probables: Justin Verlander vs. C.J. Wilson)  @
4:19 p.m. (Gates open at 2:00 p.m.)

·        All fans will receive a Detroit Tigers Rally Towel, courtesy of Pepsi MAX and Frito Lay.
 
·        Former Detroit Tiger and 1984 World Series Champion Lou Whitaker will throw out the first pitch prior to today's game.

·        The national anthem will be performed by the Motown legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group, The Four Tops. Members of the United States Navy will serve as Honor Guard.

·        Game Ball Delivery: Master at Arms First Class Petty Officer Arthur Allen Stoddard of the United States Navy from Waterford, Michigan will deliver the game ball.  He has served three tours of duty including deployments to the Persian Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan, Cuba and aboard the USS George H. W. Bush.  He has received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal of Heroism and a Joint Senate Resolution Certificate.  Master at Arms First Class Petty Officer Stoddard has proudly served the United States Navy for 12 years.

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TIGERS HOST GAME FOUR OF THE ALCS V THE TEXAS RANGERS THIS AFTERNOON

FIRST PITCH TODAY AT 4:19 P.M. AT COMERICA PARK

DETROIT – The American League Central Division Champion Detroit Tigers will continue the American League Championship Series against the Texas Rangers today at Comerica Park.  Gates will open at 2:00 p.m. and first pitch is scheduled for 4:19 p.m.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011 - Texas Rangers (Probables: Rick Porcello vs. Matt Harrison)  @
4:19 p.m. (Gates open at 2:00 p.m.)

·        All fans will receive a Detroit Tigers Rally Towel, courtesy of Xfinity from Comcast.
 
·        Former Detroit Tiger and 1984 World Series Champion Chet Lemon will throw out the first pitch prior to today's game.

·        The national anthem will be performed by Founding and current member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, Alto Reed. Members of the United States Marine Corps will serve as Honor Guard.

·        Game Ball Delivery: Sergeant Shaun Oates of the United States Marines Corp from Detroit, Michigan will deliver the game ball.  He has completed three combat deployments including two tours in Iraq and most recently a tour of duty in Afghanistan.  Among his many awards, he has received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Iraqi and Afghan Campaign Medals and Good Conduct Medal.  Sergeant Oates has proudly served the United States Marines for 11 years.

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TIGERS HOST GAME THREE OF THE ALCS v THE TEXAS RANGERS TONIGHT AT COMERICA PARK

DETROIT – The American League Central Division Champion Detroit Tigers will continue the American League Championship Series against the Texas Rangers tonight at Comerica Park. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. and first pitch is scheduled for 8:05 p.m.

Tuesday, October 11 2011 -  Texas Rangers (Probables: Doug Fister vs. Colby Lewis)  @
8:05 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)

·        All fans will receive a Detroit Tigers Rally Towel, courtesy of HealthPlus of Michigan.
 
·        Former Detroit Tigers infielder and 1984 World Series Champion Darrell Evans will throw out the first pitch prior to tonight's game.

·        The national anthem will be performed by the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin. Members of the United States Marine Corps will serve as Honor Guard. A 150 x 300 foot American Flag will be presented on the outfield grass during the singing of the national anthem.  

·        Game Ball Delivery: Current Detroit Tigers pitcher and member of the 2006 American League Championship team Joel Zumaya will deliver the game ball to the pitcher’s mound prior to tonight’s game.

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INJURY UPDATE ON MAGGLIO ORDONEZ

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the following injury information on Magglio Ordonez:

Magglio Ordonez underwent X-rays and a CT Scan this morning in Arlington, TX, which diagnosed a re-fracture of his right ankle at the site that was previously surgically repaired.

He originally suffered a right ankle fracture on July 25, 2010. He underwent a surgical procedure to stabilize the fracture on August 25, 2010, a procedure performed by Dr. Phillip Kwong of the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles, CA.

The re-fracture of his right ankle will end the 2011 season for Ordonez.

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American League Championship Series Schedule

American League Championship Series  

Game 1 DET @ TEX

 Saturday, October 8

 FOX

 TBA

Game 2 DET @ TEX

 Sunday, October 9

 FOX

 TBA

Game 3 TEX @ DET

 Tuesday, October 11

 FOX

 TBA

Game 4 TEX @ DET

 Wednesday, October 12

 FOX

 TBA

Game 5 TEX @ DET*

 Thursday, October 13

 FOX

 TBA

Game 6 DET @ TEX*

 Saturday, October 15

 FOX

 TBA

Game 7 DET @ TEX*

 Sunday, October 16

 FOX

 TBA

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TIGERS HOST GAME FOUR OF ALDS v YANKEES TONIGHT

DETROIT – The American League Central Division Champion Detroit Tigers will continue the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees tonight at Comerica Park. All gates will open at 6:30 p.m. First pitch will be at 8:37 p.m.  

Tigers Pitcher Rick Porcello
Photo by Matt Harding
In Play! Magazine

October 4 – New York Yankees (Probables: Rick Porcello vs. A.J. Burnett) @ 8:37 p.m. (Gates open at 6:30 p.m.)

·        All fans will receive a Detroit Tigers Rally Towel, courtesy of Chevrolet.

·        Former Tigers pitcher Todd Jones will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before tonight's game.

·        The national anthem will be performed by Michigan-based country rock national recording artist Ty Stone. Members of the United States Border Patrol will serve as Honor Guard.

·        Ty Stone will play a pregame acoustic set on the field.

·        Game Ball Delivery: Avionic Electrical Technician 3rd Class Ashlee Leppert of the United States Coast Guard from Sterling Heights, Michigan will deliver the game ball.  In six years of service, AET3 Leppert has been stationed in Sector San Juan, Air Station Borinquen, Puerto Rico and Air Station Detroit.  She has deployed to Cuba and Haiti and was recently in New York City providing Presidential Security at the United Nations Meeting. AET3 Leppert has received the Letter of Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Medal.

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TIGERS TO HOST GAME THREE OF ALDS AGAINST NEW YORK YANKEES TODAY AT COMERICA PARK

DETROIT – The American League Central Division Champion Detroit Tigers will continue the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees, Monday, October 3, at Comerica Park. All gates will open at 6:30 p.m. First pitch will be at 8:37 p.m.  


Monday, October 3 – New York Yankees (Justin Verlander vs. CC Sabathia) @ 8:37 p.m. (Gates open at 6:30 p.m.)

·        All fans will receive a Detroit Tigers Rally Towel, courtesy of BallPark and Meijer.

·        Former Tigers pitcher Kenny Rogers will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before tomorrow night’s game.

·        Special guest Jeff Daniels will play his original song “Tiger Fan Blues” from the top of the Tigers dugout prior to starting lineup announcements.

·        The national anthem will be performed by Selected of God Choir. An over-sized American flag will be on display in centerfield during the national anthem. Members of the United States Air Force will serve as Honor Guard.

·        Michigan-based country band Annabelle Road will play a pregame acoustic set on the Main Concourse near the Big Cat Court.

·        Game Ball Delivery: Master Sergeant Corey Hartzler of the United States Air Force from Saint Clair, Michigan will deliver the game ball.  In 19 years of service in the Air Force, he has been deployed 12 times with his more recent tour of duty served in Iraq to support Operation Iraqi Freedom as a Combat Aviation Advisor.  He has previously served in Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. He meritoriously received the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

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