TIGERS AGREE TO TERMS WITH JUSTIN VERLANDER ON FIVE-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION

Five-Time All-Star’s deal through the 2019 season with a vesting option for 2020

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has agreed to terms with righthanded pitcher Justin Verlander on a five-year contract extension through the 2019 season with a vesting option for the 2020 season.

Verlander, 30, compiled a 17-8 record, 2.64 ERA (238.1IP/70ER) and 239 strikeouts in 33 starts with the Tigers during the 2012 season. He topped the American League with six complete games, 238.1 innings pitched and 239 strikeouts, while he finished second with a 2.64 ERA, .217 batting average against, 7.25 hits per nine innings and 3.98 strikeouts per walk, tied for third with 9.0 strikeouts per nine innings and tied for fourth with 17 wins.

“Justin is one of the premier pitchers in baseball and we are thrilled to keep him in a Tigers uniform for many years to come,” Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said. “Justin has been a Tiger for his entire career and he is on pace to be one of the greatest pitchers in this illustrious franchise’s history.”

A five-time American League all-star selection (2007, 2009-12), Verlander has posted a 124-65 record, 3.40 ERA (1,553.2IP/587ER) and 1,454 strikeouts in 232 starts during his major league career. Detroit’s first-round selection in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft in 2004, he is currently fifth all-time in club history with 1,454 strikeouts and 10th with 124 wins.

Verlander was selected the American League Most Valuable Player and unanimously selected the American League Cy Young Award winner in 2011. He became the 10th pitcher in major league history to win both the Most Valuable Player and Cy Young Awards during the same season, joining Don Newcombe (1956), Sandy Koufax (1963), Bob Gibson (1968), Denny McLain (1968), Vida Blue (1971), Rollie Fingers (1981), Guillermo Hernandez (1984), Roger Clemens (1986) and Dennis Eckersley (1992).

He was selected the American League Rookie of the Year with the Tigers in 2006. Verlander joined Don Newcombe to become only the second player in history to win the Most Valuable Player, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year Awards. Newcombe was the National League Rookie of the Year in 1949 and he earned both the National League Most Valuable Player and Cy Young Awards in 1956.

Verlander led all American League Pitchers with 24 wins, a 2.40 ERA and 250 strikeouts during the 2011 season to become just the second Tigers pitcher to ever lead all three categories during a single season. He joined Hal Newhouser (1945) in accomplishing the feat.

He has led the American League in strikeouts in each of the last two seasons, fanning 250 batters in 2011 and 239 batters during the 2012 season. Verlander is the first Tigers pitcher to lead the league in strikeouts in back-to-back seasons since Jim Bunning did so in 1959 and 1960.

Verlander fired the first no-hitter in Comerica Park history on June 12, 2007 versus Milwaukee, marking the sixth no-hitter in Tigers history. He tossed the second no-hitter of his career on May 7, 2011 at Toronto, the seventh no-hitter in Tigers history. Verlander joined Virgil Trucks as the only two pitchers in Tigers history with multiple no-hitters. Trucks threw two no-hitters for the Tigers during the 1952 season. According to STATS LLC, Verlander became the 27th pitcher to record two career no-hitters in the American or National League.

He is scheduled to start on Opening Day in Minnesota on Monday afternoon, marking the sixth straight season (2008-13) Verlander has been tabbed the club’s Opening Day starter by Jim Leyland. It marks the longest such streak by a Tigers pitcher since Jack Morris started 11 straight Opening Days (1980-90).

For each of his home starts, Verlander hosts Veterans from the John D. Dingell Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Detroit and the Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System. The Veterans, along with their families, watch the game from Verlander’s personal luxury suite. Veterans receive a personalized welcome letter from Verlander, while all guests receive a Verlander’s Victory to Veterans T-shirt and are welcomed on the scoreboard during the game.

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TIGERS TO HONOR ’68 TEAM AS PART OF 2013 SPECIAL EVENTS LINEUP

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced their 2013 lineup of special events that will include a tribute to the 1968 World Championship team on Saturday, May 25.  Members of the ’68 World Series-winning team will be honored in a pregame on-field ceremony. The first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive a commemorative ’68 team coin, a keepsake to remember the team’s tremendous accomplishments.

Returning fan favorites include: the 19^th Annual Negro Leagues Tribute Game (April 27); 43^rd Annual Polish-American Night (May 24); 3^rd Annual Classic Car Show (June 8); Christmas in July (July 31); 8^th Annual Fiesta Tigres (August 3); and the ever-popular Stars Wars Night (September 14). Visit tigers.com for the complete 2013 home schedule, special events and promotional lineup.

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FIRST-EVER BASEBALL BRUNCH SET FOR MARCH 16 INSIDE TIGER CLUB AT COMERICA PARK

Enjoy Delicious Buffet and Meet The Easter Bunny and PAWS

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers, in conjunction with The Delaware North Company, and The Parade Company are pleased to announce the first-ever Baseball Brunch with The Easter Bunny and Detroit’s favorite mascot PAWS will take place on Saturday, March 16 in the Tiger Club offering scenic views of the baseball diamond at Comerica Park.

Brunch tickets will include a delicious buffet prepared by Delaware North's award-winning chefs, a picture with the Easter Bunny and PAWS, a Tigers’ goody bag filled with surprises and much more. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket will benefit The Parade Company.

Tickets for the event are $35 for Adults (12 years and older); $20 for Children (5-12 years of age) and

Children under 4 are FREE. There are two seatings being offered: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. To purchase tickets visit www.theparade.org  

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TIGERS AGREE TO TERMS WITH SEVEN PLAYERS

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has agreed to terms with the following seven players on contracts for the 2013 season: righthanded pitchers Luke Putkonen and Bruce Rondon, lefthanded pitchers Duane Below, Darin Downs and Kyle Lobstein, catcher Ramon Cabrera and infielder Jeff Kobernus.

With seven players agreeing to terms today, the Tigers now have 26 players on the club’s 40-man roster under contract for the 2013 season.

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THE DETROIT TIGERS ENERGY SQUAD WANTS YOU!

ENTHUSIASTIC AND MOTIVATED MEMBERS WANTED TO ENGAGE TIGERS FANS

DETROIT – Are you full of energy?  Can you bring a crowd to its feet?  If so, the Detroit Tigers want you to join the Detroit Tigers Energy Squad.  The Tigers are currently looking to add energetic, fun and engaging members to the 2013 Detroit Tigers Energy Squad – a promotions, entertainment and fan interaction team.  

The Energy Squad is at the forefront of leading fan activities at Tigers baseball games. They welcome fans to Comerica Park, distribute promotional giveaway items and exude positive energy during home games.  Energy Squad members work alongside PAWS, Detroit’s favorite mascot, pose for pictures, lead fan dances atop the dugouts, hand out prizes and entertain the crowd.  

Applicants for the Detroit Tigers Energy Squad must be 18 years of age or older and extremely confident in their performance, improvisational and interpersonal skills.  All candidates should enjoy working in a highly visible environment.  Candidates should possess the ability to remain on their feet for the entire game, in all types of weather.  

Auditions will be held by invitation only on Saturday, February 23. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, February 20. For more information, or to apply, visit www.tigers.com/jobs. The Detroit Tigers are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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TIGERS ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS FOR 17TH ANNUAL

WINNERS RECEIVE COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS, HONORED DURING PREGAME CEREMONY

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers are currently accepting submissions for the 17th Annual Detroit Tigers Jackie Robinson Art, Essay & Poetry Contest. Now through March 8, 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 winners will receive five complimentary tickets and be honored during a special on-field, pregame ceremony held at Comerica Park on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 before the Tigers host the Kansas City Royals.

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, March 8, 2013. 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 www.tigers.com/education or call Sam Abrams at 313-471-2363.

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2013 DETROIT TIGERS WINTER CARAVAN READY TO ROLL

TIGERS PLAYERS AND COACHES TO VISIT FANS ACROSS THE STATE

DETROIT – The 2013 Detroit Tigers Winter Caravan, presented by FOX Sports Detroit and Pure Michigan, is set for Thursday, January 24 and Friday, January 25, and features an exciting lineup of appearances in Detroit and around the state of Michigan. Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski, Vice President/Assistant General Manager Al Avila, Manager Jim Leyland, coaches, players, broadcasters and Detroit’s favorite mascot PAWS, will take part in a two-day journey traveling in two buses and an additional dozen vehicles, across the region, spreading baseball fever to fans of all ages.

"These are exciting times for Tigers fans with great anticipation for the upcoming season, and it all starts with the Winter Caravan," said Elaine Lewis, Vice President of Community and Public Affairs. "We once again are expecting outstanding participation from our players, manager and coaching staff to engage with fans throughout the state of Michigan and Northwest Ohio."

Metro Bus
Thursday, January 24
1:00-2:30 p.m.                GM Heritage Center
                        GM Heritage Center                                                      6400 Center Drive, Sterling Heights
·        Tigers players will tour a showcase of heritage, classic, race car and concept vehicles

1:30-2:15 p.m.                Red Robin
                        Red Robin                                                    31805 John R. Road, Madison Heights
·        Two tigers players will serve as celebrity waiters for customers at Red Robin
·        OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
1:35-2:05 p.m.                Holocaust Memorial Center
                        Holocaust Memorial Center                                 28123 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills
·        Tigers players will receive an orientation of the Holocaust Memorial Center

2:30-3:45 p.m.                The Detroit Arsenal Family and MWR at the US Army Garrison
                        US Army Garrison                                                       6501 E. 11 Mile Road, Warren
·        Tigers players will tour the Ground Systems Power and Energy Lab (GSPEL), a new one-of-a-kind facility that addresses the emerging power and energy challenges facing the Army’s next generation of ground vehicles
·        Players will observe and participate in a tactical robot demonstration
·        Players will participate in an interactive question and answer session with soldiers, Veterans and employees

3:15-4:30 p.m.                 West Bloomfield Police Department
                        West Bloomfield Police Department                 4530 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township
·        Tigers players will attend a meet and greet with officers of the West Bloomfield Police Department to give thanks for their service to the community and to honor fallen Sergeant Patrick O’ Rourke

4:00-4:40 p.m.                 Royal Oak Fire Station #2
                        Royal Oak Fire Station #2                                            31000 Woodward Ave, Royal Oak
·        Tigers players will attend a meet and greet dinner with firefighters of Royal Oak Fire Station #2 to give thanks for their service to the community

4:00-6:00 p.m.                Palladium 12 Theatre in Birmingham
                        Palladium 12 Theatre in Birmingham                          250 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham
·        Rally featuring Tigers players will include an interactive question and answer session, games, raffle prizes, giveaways and more
·        FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (Program begins at 5:00 p.m.)

4:00-6:00 p.m.                Royal Oak Middle School
                        Royal Oak Middle School                                         709 N. Washington Ave., Royal Oak
·        Interactive question-and-answer session with parents and students about anti-bullying
·        The winners of the Detroit Tigers Anti-Bullying Essay/Story Contest in partnership with Detroit Newspapers in Education and Michigan K.I.D.S will be announced
·        FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (tickets no longer available)

5:15-6:00 p.m.                Hockeytown Authentics
                        Hockeytown Authentics                                                1845 East Big Beaver Road, Troy
·        Fans have the opportunity to take a photo with two Tigers players
·        A collection to benefit fire victims will be administered by the American Red Cross  
·        OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Friday, January 25
10:00-11:30 a.m.        United States Coast Guard
                        United States Coast Guard                                                  110 Mount Elliott Street, Detroit
·        Tigers will headline a rally, including an interactive question and answer session with members of the U.S. Coast Guard and Veterans from the Tuskegee Airmen and Montford Pointe Marines

10:30-11:00a.m.        Dunkin Donuts
                        Dunkin Donuts                                                              29285 Southfield Road, Southfield
·        Two tigers players will serve as celebrity baristas for customers at Dunkin Donuts  
·        OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.           DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan
                        DMC Children's Hospital of Michigan                                       3901 Beaubien Street, Detroit
·        Playroom visit with patients

11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.        North American International Auto Show
Cobo Hall, General Motors Display Area                                     One Washington Blvd., Detroit
·        Fan rally and parade, including an interactive question and answer session in the Chevrolet Display Area
·        OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.        United States Customs and Border Protection
                        United States Customs and Border Protection, Fort Street Cargo Facility     2810 West Fort St., Detroit
·        Tigers players will receive an orientation of United States Customs and Border Protection operations
·        Players will participate in a rally and interactive question and answer session for officers and employees

1:00-2:30 p.m.                 DTE Energy
                        DTE Energy                                                                   1 Energy Plaza, Detroit
·        Tigers players will participate in a rally and interactive question and answer session for employees

2:30-3:45 p.m.                GM Renaissance Center Wintergarden
                        GM Renaissance Center Wintergarden                                      400 Renaissance Center, Detroit
·        Tigers headline an employee rally, including an interactive question and answer session
·        In partnership with Think Detroit P.A.L., GM employees will donate baseball and softball equipment to benefit local area youth
·        A jersey will be presented to recognize the launch of 13 new Chevrolet products in 2013

2:45-3:00 p.m.                Wayne State University Center for Latino and Latin American Studies
                        Wayne State University                                                             5045 Anthony Wayne Drive, Detroit
·        Tigers players will participate in a roundtable discussion and Q&A session with Wayne State University students and teachers from the Greater Detroit Hispanic community
·        Tigers players will share their experience as Latinos in Major League Baseball with students at Wayne State University at the recently renovated Latin American cultural room, Salon de Nuestra Cultura

2:50-3:25 p.m.                Manoogian Mansion
Manoogian Mansion                                                          9240 Dwight Street, Detroit
·        Mayor Dave Bing will share the history of the Manoogian Mansion for Tigers players and personnel
               
North Bus

Thursday, January 24
11:00-1:00 p.m.                Northern Michigan Regional Chamber Alliance Luncheon
                        Cadillac Grill                                                                                7839 E. 46 ½ Rd., Cadillac
·        Tigers players will participate in the Northern Michigan Regional Chamber Alliance luncheon, hosted by the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce
·        Silent and live auction to benefit Detroit Tigers Foundation

1:00-1:45 p.m.                Sweet Shop
                        Sweet Shop, Cadillac                                                   111 South Mitchell Street, Cadillac
·        Tigers players will make candy and greet employees to celebrate the Sweet Shop’s 50^th anniversary

2:00-3:00 p.m.                Pepsi
                        Pepsi Marketing and Equipment Center                                                 6200 Taylor Drive, Flint
·        After a tour of the facilities, Tigers players will unveil a special new vending machine to commemorate the 2012 American League Championship

3:30-6:00 p.m.                Christian Youth Fellowship Association Rally
                        Temple Theatre                                                            201 North Washington Avenue, Saginaw
·        Tigers players will participate in a community rally benefitting the Christian Youth Fellowship Association featuring the American League Championship Trophy

5:00-7:30 p.m.                Great Lakes Bay Hispanic Leadership Institute Banquet
                        Saginaw Valley State University – Curtis Hall                                     7400 Bay Road, Saginaw
·        Tigers players and personnel will participate in the Hispanic Leadership Graduation Banquet
Friday, January 25
7:30-10:30 a.m.                Soaring Eagle Casino Community Rally
                        Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort                            6800 East Broadway Road, Mt. Pleasant
·        Tigers players will participate in a community rally featuring the American League Championship Trophy hosted in partnership with the Soaring Eagle Casino, Central Michigan University Athletics, Central Michigan University Alumni Association, Mt. Pleasant Chamber of Commerce and Mt. Pleasant Convention and Visitors Bureau

11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.        Midland Center for Arts Community Rally
                        Midland Center for Arts                                                                        1801 Saint Andrews Street, Midland
·        Tigers players will participate in a community rally which will include a special Dreams Come True presentation hosted in partnership with the Midland Center for Arts, Dow Gardens and the Midland Chamber of Commerce

11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.        21^st Annual Snowfest
                        Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth                                       730 South Main Street, Frankenmuth
·        Tigers players will participate in the 21^st Annual Snowfest and recognize the 150 year anniversary of the Frankenmuth Brewery
·        In partnership with Zehnder’s and Pepsi, scarves, hats and gloves will be collected for donation to the Salvation Army of Saginaw County 

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