Detroit City Wire

Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde, who grew up in Brasher Falls, N.Y., has always supported the MLB franchise in his state of residence. This year, he is particularly enthusiastic about cheering for the Detroit Tigers as they clinched an American League Wild-Card spot.

“It’s amazing,” Lalonde said about the Tigers' achievement this season. “It’s pretty neat that it’s the Tigers and Detroit, but certainly a lesson on believability watching that group.”

The Detroit Tigers secured their playoff position with a 4-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park last Friday. This win marked the end of a significant second-half run and ended a decade-long postseason drought for the team.

Lalonde highlighted the significance of both the Tigers and Red Wings being under Ilitch ownership, noting shared values and approaches between the teams. “What a resource to be owned by the same group under the same umbrella and able to lean on those guys," he said.

Andrew Copp, originally from Ann Arbor, Mich., has been an avid Tigers fan recently. “Back when I played baseball, I probably paid attention a little bit more,” Copp admitted. “I did go to the first playoff game at Comerica Park against the Yankees though, that was cool. I think everyone, not just the local guys, is pulling pretty hard for [the Tigers] in the locker room.”

Ben Chiarot also commented on Detroit sports fans' enthusiasm. “I think you saw that last year with the Lions and our run toward a playoff spot,” Chiarot said. “It’s a great sports city, especially when a team is having some success. It’s a fun place to be as an athlete.”

The Tigers will face off against the Houston Astros in a best-of-three American League Wild Card Series starting with Game 1 at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday afternoon.