Tigers came to town...
This entry was posted on 1/20/2007 6:36 PM and is filed under uncategorized.
Last Thursday afternoon was cool. Even though my left foot was killing me post bunion surgery, I sang the National Anthem for a couple thousand adoring Tiger fans at the Tiger Caravan event at Monroe County Community College. Bob Vergies (the stadium announcer) and I had a chance to catch up. He did a great job rousing up the crowd. I sat with the dignitaries on the stage. We all felt for him when he was told to "stretch it out for another 30 minutes".....yikes. I've been in that situation before..it's nervewracking. Bob, as usual, showed everyone what a great and talented guy he is. And he's extremely busy too, which is a blessing in this business!
Once the players arrived, the children in the audience went nuts. Fox Sports Detroit announcers Mario Impemba and Rod Allen introduced the caravan. The players and coaches were asked a few questions and some great prizes were given away. I was really touched when Magglio Ordonez told the crowd that he had promised his son that he would hit a home run for him at that game against Oakland that sent the team to the World Series. Imagine what that little boy must have felt. I love hearing stories like that. I shook hands with Gary Sheffield and welcomed him to Detroit. I also chit chatted with Geremy Bonderman, Nate Robertson, Curtis Granderson and Mike Maroth, and the team vice president Al Avila, and coach Jeff Jones (from the Toledo Mudhens). I must say that Curtis and Mike are extremely nice guys. Curtis asked me..."Are you the WINKER?" I said...."Yep, that's me!" Mike asked me who I always wink at so of course I told him the story about how the wink started with my kids, and now it's become a habit. They both told me that they always look forward to when I sing because they are always looking for the wink... (COOLNESS! someone actually noticed!)
It was neat to be able to talk a little bit with the team....during games, we're on the field but at opposite ends. People assume that I know all the players personally because I'm there so much. Not true. There is so much happening behind the scenes, and the pre-game is scheduled down to the minute. Bob V and I talked about that very issue while we were sitting there. People often ask him to get autographs and they want to know what the players are like....he's way up top! Not easy for him to yuck it up or hang out because he's working!
My foot was throbbing by the time I got home, but it was worth it. It was a great event, and I was glad to be a part of it. I'm really looking forward to the 2007 season.
I'm blessed that this is my 20th year singing for the team. Geez, am I getting that old? NOT!
