DON KELLY RECEIVES 10TH MAN AWARD

DON KELLY TO RECEIVE THIRD ANNUAL 10^TH MAN AWARD FROM THE DETROIT BASEBALL SOCIETY

DETROIT- Don Kelly, whose versatility and all-around skills again made him an invaluable Tigers handyman, has been named the 2013 Tenth Man Award Winner in a vote by The Detroit Baseball Society.

Kelly will be honored at the 13th Annual Detroit Baseball Dinner, set for 6 p.m., Jan. 25, at Bloomfield Hills Country Club.

The 33-year-old Kelly played six different defensive positions for the Tigers in 2013, and appeared in 112 games. He worked primarily in the outfield, but also played third base, second base, and first base, and even filled in as designated hitter.

He hit six home runs, had 23 RBIs, batted .222, and was a frequent pinch-runner for manager Jim Leyland’s team, which advanced to the American League Championship Series.

It is the second time in the award’s three-year history that Kelly has been honored. The 2012 winner was Quintin Berry.

“Don Kelly was always able to make a smooth transition to any position in which he was needed,” said Steve Clarfelt, president of The Detroit Baseball Society. “He is a true class act and we are honored to name Don Kelly as our Tenth Man Award winner.” 

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MAX SCHERZER NAMED “KING TIGER” BY MAYO SMITH SOCIETY

Max Scherzer was named the recipient of the 2013 “King Tiger” award, given annually by the Mayo Smith Society. It is the first “King Tiger” award of Max Scherzer’s career. The award takes into account each player’s on-field accomplishments and off-field endeavors. Members of the Mayo Smith Society complete their voting over a month-long period during the offseason. 

Scherzer, 29, led the American League with 21 wins and an .875 winning percentage, while he was second with 240 strikeouts, 10.08 strikeouts per nine innings, 25 quality starts, and a .198 batting average against, fifth with a 2.90 ERA, and tied for fifth with 214.1 innings pitched.  

Scherzer established a franchise record, winning 13 straight decisions to begin the season as a starter. In addition, he became just the second pitcher in American League history to fan six-or-more batters in his first 18 outings to begin the season, joining Pedro Martinez who struck out six-or-more batters in 29 straight outings to begin the season in 2000. (Source: Elias Sports Bureau)

Off the field, Scherzer and wife Erica May created a program called “Scherzer’s Superstars”, which brings eight young people and their matches from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Detroit to Comerica Park to watch batting practice, receive complimentary Scherzer's Superstars t-shirts and have the opportunity to meet Max before enjoying a Tigers game. Through the program, Scherzer hopes to instill excitement in the game of baseball with the children, and thank the mentors for volunteering their time to serve as a positive role model for the Detroit community.

He is also actively involved with Dreams Come True, Play Baseball Detroit, Autographed Memorabilia Donation Programs, Gloves for Kids and the Tigers Winter Caravan. Additionally, Scherzer is an advocate and spokesman for Pennies for Paws, a coin collection campaign to support the Wildlife Without Borders Tiger Conservation Fund of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Mayo Smith Society, founded in 1983 and named for the manager of the Tigers 1968 World Series championship club, is a nationwide organization of Tigers fans. Since 2004, the society has voted on King Tiger winners based on players’ on-field and off-field endeavors, picking up a tradition from 1964-80 when the presidents of individual Tigers fan clubs had voted for their own King Tiger awardees. Mayo Smith Society representatives plan to make the King Tiger presentation to Scherzer during the organization’s annual trip to Lakeland, Florida, for Spring Training.

Past King Tiger winners as voted on by the Mayo Smith Society:

2012: Miguel Cabrera
2011: Justin Verlander
2010: Miguel Cabrera
2009: Justin Verlander
2008: Miguel Cabrera
2007: Magglio Ordonez
2006: Kenny Rogers
2005: Placido Polanco
2004: Carlos Guillen, Ivan Rodriguez (tie) 

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TIGERS AGREE TO TERMS WITH OUTFIELDER RAJAI DAVIS

DETROIT- The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has agreed to terms with outfielder Rajai Davis on a two-year contract. 

“Rajai’s style of play adds another dimension to the makeup of our ballclub,” said Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski. “His speed, defense and bat provide us with more depth and versatility.”
 
Davis, 33, batted .260 (86x331) with 16 doubles, two triples, six home runs, 24 RBI and 45 stolen bases in 108 games with the Toronto Blue Jays during the 2013 season. He finished second in the American League with 45 stolen bases in the 2013 season.

Originally signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an amateur free agent in 2001, Davis has played eight seasons at the Major League level with the Pirates (2006-2007), Giants (2007-2008), Athletics (2008-2010) and Blue Jays (2011-2013). During his eight seasons in the majors, Davis has hit .268 (652x2431) with 133 doubles, 25 triples, 27 home runs, 224 RBI and 268 stolen bases in 821 games.

Davis has stolen 40-or-more bases four of the last five seasons and has finished top five in the American League with stolen bases in those four seasons. The righthanded hitter batted .319 (37x116) against lefthanded pitching in 2013 and has batted .294 (236x802) against lefthanded pitching during his career.

To create a spot on the 40-man roster, the Tigers have designated righthanded pitcher Luis Marte for assignment. 

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TIGERFEST IS BACK AT COMERICA PARK

TICKETS GO ON SALE FRIDAY, 

 DECEMBER 13 AT 10 A.M.
19TH ANNUAL WINTER FAN FEST SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, JAN. 25

Detroit Tigers players and coaches return to Comerica Park on Saturday, January 25 to take part in the 19th annual TigerFest. Fans can purchase tickets for Detroit’s annual winter baseball event on Friday, December 13 beginning at 10 a.m. on tigers.com/tigerfest or by calling 866-66-TIGER.

TigerFest will take place from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The cost of admission, which includes all TigerFest attractions, is $25 for adults and $14 for kids 12-and-under.  All fans will receive a TigerFest branded t-shirt upon entry.

Event Activities for all Fans:
·        Autograph booths featuring current Tigers players and coaches, including one kids-only line.
·        Main stage, featuring updates on the 2014 season by Tigers players, coaches, and members of the front office, including a special “Fan Conference” Q & A Session.
·        Tigers player photo area, located in the visitors clubhouse, where fans can take pictures with Tigers players.
·        Self-guided tour through the Tigers Home Clubhouse, including an archival display featuring historical baseball artifacts.
·        Take batting practice in an underground batting tunnel.
·        Visitors dugout will be open for fans to visit and take photos.
·        Self-guided tour, which includes stops in the Ernie Harwell Media Center, luxury suite, the Champions
        Club, and select Detroit Tigers executive offices.
·        Detroit Tigers ice sculptures, including LIVE sculpting demonstrations by Ice Sculpture Ltd..
·        David Chandler and the staff from Chandler Bats will operate an authentic bat lathe and provide LIVE baseball bat carving demonstrations all day.
·        Learn more about Detroit Tigers season and group ticket plans, Fantasy Camps and experiences, and official Detroit Tigers Spring Training Vacations.
·        Detroit Tigers Authentics featuring one-of-a-kind authentic signed items and game-used memorabilia.
·        Unique Tigers items at the Tigers Foundation Fire Sale.

Event Activities for Children:
The Detroit Tigers Kids Zone featuring:
·        Kids-Only autograph booth
·        Miniature Comerica Park stage hosted by Radio Disney personalities and featuring Tigers player book readings, games and interactive activities.  Special bleacher seating is available for parents and kids.
·        Free face painting and caricatures
·        Baseball-themed games and activities for kids
·        Video game bullpen
·        Official 2014 Kids Club enrollment

Additional information, including players scheduled to appear, will be announced in early January.

Most access areas within the event will be heated and covered; however, the Tigers encourage all fans to dress according to the weather as some passageways are not be protected from seasonal elements. 

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TIGERS AGREE TO TERMS WITH JOE NATHAN

DETROIT- The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has agreed to terms with righthanded pitcher Joe Nathan on a two-year contract with a club option for the 2016 season. 

“We are pleased to be adding a premier closer to our ballclub,” said Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski. “Joe solidifies the back end of our bullpen and fills what we identified as a big need on our pitching staff.”
 
Nathan, 39, compiled a 6-2 record, 1.39 ERA (64.2IP/10ER) and 43 saves in 67 outings for the Texas Rangers during the 2013 season. He fanned 73 batters during the year, while he limited opponents to a .162 (36x222) batting average.

In 13 seasons at the Major League level with the San Francisco Giants (1999-2000, 2002-03), Minnesota Twins (2004-2011) and Texas Rangers (2012-13), Nathan has posted a 57-30 record, 2.76 ERA (858.2IP/263ER) and 341 saves in 714 career outings. He has struck out 912 batters over his career, while limiting opponents to a .201 batting average (625x3104).

Nathan has converted 90 percent of his save chances over his career, which marks the highest conversion rate of any active Major League pitcher with at least 200 career saves. The six-time All-Star (2004, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013) is tied for 10^th on the all-time Major League saves list with his 341 saves. He has converted 19x19 save opportunities at Comerica Park and converted 36x36 save opportunities during his career against the Tigers.

Nathan will wear jersey number 36 with the Tigers.

To create a spot on the 40-man roster, the Tigers have designated infielder Dixon Machado for assignment. 

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MISTER FISTER GONE!

DETROIT TIGERS ACQUIRE ROBBIE RAY, IAN KROL
AND STEVE LOMBARDOZZI FROM WASHINGTON  NATIONALS IN EXCHANGE FOR DOUG FISTER

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers announced tonight that the club has acquired lefthanded starter Robbie Ray, lefthanded reliever Ian Krol and utility player Steve Lombardozzi from the Washington Nationals in exchange for righthanded starter Doug Fister.

“We are excited to be adding three solid players to the organization,” said Tigers President, CEO and General Manager, David Dombrowski. “Robbie is a premium pitching prospect, Ian adds a quality lefthanded young arm for the bullpen and Steve provides our ballclub with versatility in several roles as a switch-hitting utility-man. This affords us the opportunity to move the lefthanded arm of Drew Smyly into the starting rotation where we are confident he will do well. We would like to thank Doug for everything he has done for the Tigers organization. He is an exceptional player and individual and we wish him all the best going forward."

Ray, 22, split the season between Single A Potomac and Double A Harrisburg. He posted a 6-3 record, 3.11 ERA (84.0IP/29ER) and 100 strikeouts in 16 games started with Potomac. He started in 11 games for Harrisburg, posting a 5-2 record, 3.72 ERA (58.0IP/24ER) and 60 strikeouts. Originally drafted in the 12^th round of the 2010 MLB First-Year Player Draft by the Nationals, he was rated as the #5 prospect in the Washington organization for 2014 by Baseball America.  

Lefthanded reliever Krol, 22, made his Major League debut on June 5 with the Nationals after being acquired from Oakland before the start of the 2013 season. He appeared in 32 games for Washington during the 2013 season, posting a 2-1 record, 3.95 ERA (27.1IP/12ER) and 22 strikeouts. He appeared in 26 games between Double A Harrisburg and Triple A Syracuse, posting a 1-1 record, 1.21 ERA (29.2IP/4ER) and 36 strikeouts.

Lombardozzi, the 25-year-old switch-hitter, batted .259 (75x290) with 15 doubles, one triple, two home runs and 22 RBI in 118 games played in 2013. He saw action at second base (48 games), third base (four games) and left field (23 games) this season for the Nationals, compiling a .989 fielding percentage. He has hit .264 (186x705) with 32 doubles, four triples, five home runs and 50 RBI in 257 games over three seasons with the Nationals at the Major League level.

Fister, 29, posted a 14-9 record, 3.67 ERA (208.2IP/85ER) and 159 strikeouts in 33 appearances (32 games started) for the Tigers in 2013. After being acquired from the Seattle Mariners on July 30, 2011, Fister posted a 32-20 record, 3.29 ERA (440.2IP/161ER) and 353 strikeouts in 70 appearances (68 games started) with the Tigers. 

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TIGERS AGREE TO TERMS ON ONE-YEAR CONTRACT WITH DON KELLY

DETROIT- The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with infielder/outfielder Don Kelly, thus avoiding arbitration.

Kelly saw action in 112 games with Detroit during the 2013 season, batting .222 (48x216) with six doubles, one triple, six home runs and 23 RBI. He saw action in six different positions for the Tigers – first base (four games), second base (three games), third base (22 games), left field (38 games), center field (25 games) and right field (22 games).

In five seasons with the Tigers, Kelly has batted .232 (204x880) with 23 doubles, six triples, 23 home runs and 88 RBI over 880 games.

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TIGERS - 18TH ANNUAL JACKIE ROBINSON CONTEST

TIGERS ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS FOR THE 18^TH ANNUAL
JACKIE ROBINSON ART, ESSAY AND POETRY CONTEST
Winners receive complimentary tickets and are honored during pregame ceremony at Comerica Park

DETROIT- The Detroit Tigers are currently accepting submissions for the 18th Annual Detroit Tigers Jackie Robinson Art, Essay & Poetry Contest. Now through February 28, middle and high school students from the metro Detroit area may enter the contest by entering an original work of art, an essay or a poem in honor of Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson.

On April 15, 1947, Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball during his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers. As a way of celebrating the momentous and historic event, and keeping the memory of Robinson alive, the Tigers host an annual art, essay and poetry contest in his honor.

Contest criteria:
ART: Create an artistic expression that captures the spirit of Jackie Robinson’s nine values of success: courage, determination, teamwork, persistence, integrity, citizenship, justice, commitment and excellence. Artwork can be a painting, drawing, or rendering, no larger than 22”x28.”

ESSAY: Write an essay that chronicles, “How can one or more of Jackie Robinson’s nine values of success help build peace and prevent conflict?” Essays should be typewritten, double-spaced and limited to one page.

POETRY: Write a poem that explores one-or-more of Jackie Robinson’s nine values of success. Poems should be typewritten, double-spaced and limited to one page.

To enter, contestants must submit an original piece of art, an essay or poem by 5:00 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2014. An official entry form must accompany each submission. Items may be mailed or delivered to:  

Detroit Tigers, Inc.
Attn: Sam Abrams
2100 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201

For more information, including the official entry form, visit tigers.com/education or call Sam Abrams at 313-471-2363.

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