Tigers fans celebrate return of MLB postseason: live updates

Today the MLB postseason returns to Detroit for the first time in 10 years.

The Detroit Tigers — in the midst of a miraculous two-month streak that saw them advance from 10 games out of the playoffs in early August to the final wild-card spot in the American League — host the Cleveland Guardians today for Game 3 of the ALDS at Comerica Park (April 15). :08 p.m., TBS).

It will be the first playoff game at Comerica Park since 2014, when the Tigers were defeated by the Baltimore Orioles in the ALDS. With over 41,000 fans in the park, a tense atmosphere is expected as the Tigers now have home advantage after Monday's 1-1 draw.

Before the game, the Tigers invite fans to a free pregame block party in front of Comerica Park on Witherell Street. The gates will open at 12:00 p.m.

Follow our live updates from Detroit as we cover the fan experience downtown.

This story will continue to be updated.

2:45 p.m.: Novi Man saw Carpenter's home run in person

There wasn't much that could stop Eric Rychlinski from Wednesday's game. The 36-year-old bartender from Novi was at the game in Cleveland on Monday when Carpenter hit the magical home run in the ninth inning.

“We went crazy!” Rychlinski said, grinning as he remembered the silence that reigned over Cleveland Stadium. “You could have heard a pin drop in the stadium. It was incredible.”

He added: “I had a feeling.”

The dedicated Tigers fan was prepared for Wednesday's game. He brought a baseball glove.

“I'm hoping to hit a home run,” he said, adding that a Carpenter home run would be especially nice.

-Tresa Baldas

2:22 p.m.: “It's a Memory,” worth $775 to the Grand Rapids family

For the Sowle family from Grand Rapids, taking the family to the Tigers playoff game wasn't exactly cheap. But the $775 they spent on four tickets was totally worth it.

“It's a reminder,” said Mike Sowle, a police officer who also once worked as a police officer in Detroit.

Returning to the Motor City on Wednesday was not only exciting for dad, but perhaps most exciting for his 8-year-old son, Nolan.

“He watched almost every single game, even when it was hopeless,” said the boy’s mother, Jen Sowle, who recalled her son’s obsession with the team.

No matter where they went in the summer, she said, Nolan insisted they find a radio or television to watch the game — even when the family was camping.

The whole family joined the Tigers. Mom, Dad and Nolan's 11-year-old brother James.

It was hard not to.

As Mom put it, “They just kept pushing.”

The kids have a message for the Tigers today: “Smash them!”

-Tresa Baldas

2:14 p.m.: “Never leave a game early”

Margaret and Charles Stanhouse of Romulus have a philosophy when it comes to watching the Tigers.

“We never leave a game early – because you never know,” said Margaret Stanhouse – a 61-year-old dentist who took the day off to watch her beloved Tigers.

She said it was her husband who taught her the importance of persevering in a game.

Charles Stanhouse said he learned that determination growing up in northwest Detroit, where he played Little League and Babe Ruth baseball as a child.

It was drilled into him: “It ain’t over until it’s over.”

And if anyone proved that, it was the Tigers, he said.

As his wife put it, “If you leave a game early, it’s a shame.”

-Tresa Baldas

It's a historic day in downtown Detroit. So, of course, we sent our On Guard reporter and columnist, ML Elrick, around the park to capture the scene.

He talks to Tigers fans, vendors, security guards, box office workers and more, giving us insight into why October baseball is so special in the Motor City.

Check out the video playlist below for the latest from Elrick. We'll be adding more throughout the day.

-Brian Manzullo

2:04 p.m.: “Underdogs have to come from somewhere”

Eric has photos of Kevin and the bubble guy.

Nothing made Kevin Allen Lamb's mother happier than Tigers baseball. They weren't wins or a pennant push. Instead, the Oxford native said it's her ability to bring her family together.

And so, a year after her death, when it became clear that the Tigers would face Cleveland – home to much of the Lamb family – Kevin, 39, knew he had to be there.

Luckily, his cousin Nolan Ryan (not the baseball legend, but a fan himself) was in town for work. So the two, who hadn't seen each other in years, drank a few beers at the classic Elwood Grill before the first pitch.

“What she loved about baseball wasn't what we cared about, it was that it brought us together,” said Kevin, wearing Tigers gear and angering his Cleveland-loving cousin.

They squeezed themselves into one of the wooden tables as crowds of fans streamed past. A man in a Miguel Cabrera jersey brought a bucket of bubbles and blew them in front of Ford Field. People laughed, clapped and walked into Comerica Park.

This moment, as this team takes on a fabled opponent on a beautiful day in what is quickly becoming a successful sports city, cannot be ignored.

“It’s a reminder to embrace the unexpected and leave room for surprises. The world can be difficult and challenging, but also extraordinary,” said Kevin. “Miracles come from somewhere, underdogs have to come from somewhere… We're in Detroit on a Wednesday and we're reminded that we live in a country that honors baseball.”

-Dave Boucher

1:51 p.m.: Longing for a Tigers World Series win “from birth”

Jordan Delling walked down Woodward Avenue with his son and smiled as he made his way to the Tigers game.

The 40-year-old father was born the year the Tigers won the 1984 World Series.

The die-hard Tigers fan has waited his whole life for another big win.

Admittedly, he says, “We didn’t expect them to get this far.”

But all the comeback victories this year have changed that — especially after Carpenter's stunning home run the other day in Cleveland.

“It was a fun ride. That gives you hope now,” said Delling, grinning from ear to ear.

His 11-year-old son Jackson agreed.

“Ever since I was born, I wanted to watch the Tigers win the World Series,” said Jackson, himself a Little Leaguer.

He is also hopeful.

“Go Tiger!” He shouted.

– Tresa Baldas

2:45 p.m.: Novi Man saw Carpenter's home run in person

2:22 p.m.: “It's a Memory,” worth $775 to the Grand Rapids family

2:14 p.m.: “Never leave a game early”

2:04 p.m.: “Underdogs have to come from somewhere”

1:51 p.m.: Longing for a Tigers World Series win “from birth”

Related Posts

Kate Middleton's touching conversation with cancer-stricken teenager who has just weeks to live is revealed – royal family news

Will Altcoins Hit $0.72?

Kanye West and Bianca Censori's Marriage on the Rocks

Leave a Reply Cancel reply