Detroit Tiger Fantasy Camp Luncheon
Hello all! Spring is beginning to get to me … and to prove it, I let Kevin (of our Sports Talk 60 crew) talk me into attending the Fantasy Campers Luncheon at Comerica Park with him today. I was his guest, as Kevin has played in this event for the last few years.
Every year the Detroit Tigers host a Fantasy Camp, where you can play baseball under the watchful eye and coaching of some of the Tiger all time “greats”. When I say “greats”, it does have something to do with their stats and the way they played, but it also is a dedication to the fans, that they prove, by doing these events year after year.
This is a chance for us fans to wear a Tiger uniform and play on the same field as the “real guys”. This year I will dust off my cleats and oil my glove to play in my first fantasy camp.
We sat at the luncheon with Jon Warden of the 1968 Tiger World Series team. He was 4-1 that year with a 3.62 ERA in 28 games. It was a treat to sit and listen to this man who truly loved the game, the fans and the fantasy camp. I noticed that Mr. Warden didn’t just say hello to everyone; he called them by their name when he said hello. This man has been doing this camp since the early 90’s, drives up from his residence in Ohio and knows the campers name. He was like a family member as he sat at our table and talked, told jokes and laughed the whole time.
What a thrill it was to be there and enjoy the company of some ex-Tigers who give their time to do this and the fantasy campers who play year after year. There are ten, twenty and a thirty year campers. Just imagine, thirty years of going to Lakeland in January or Comerica. These are truly Tiger fans. The players that come back and do these camps like Jon Warden, Dave Rozema and Dan Petry to name but a few ,deserve our thanks. They could’ve stayed retired, but they choose to keep the spirit of their days alive for us fans with stories, knowledge and their skills.
It was a great day and I can’t wait til my first fantasy camp this year. Thank you Kevin, for including me today.
Oh, yeah the 2010 Tigers are looking good.
Well I have to say “you’re welcome” for the luncheon. Sitting with the group of “Alumni” who have also done the Fantasy Camps and listening to their stories are just as interesting as talking to the former Tigers. Some have been going to the camps for 10, 20, even 30 years. That’s a lot of friends to make, and the Tiger Greats who are there treat everyone with respect whether talking, taking pictures, or signing autographs.
For anyone interested in the camps, check out the Tigers website under fantasy camps. I personally like the camps at Comerica Park since I don’t really have any ties to the Florida Stadium. You get to play in a professional ballpark, workout in the same batting cages as the pros, hang out and change in the same areas the visiting teams use, and make new friends, especially with the Tigers who are there to coach. I will be going back!!
I’m not sure about John, but when I get to talk to the players and coaches who we grew up watching, I get this feeling like I am a kid again. And that’s what baseball and the Tigers are all about!!
Comment by KevfromtheManKave — March 27, 2010 @ 11:23 am
yes i agree that then kid in all of us comes out. It is a part of your childhood.
Comment by john — March 27, 2010 @ 3:43 pm
That would eb awesome. I always wanted to do that myself. It is kind of pricey but I bet worth it. who’s knows, maybe I will, Can I play on the Sports Talk 60 team lol
Comment by james — March 27, 2010 @ 10:59 pm
That sounded like a great time.
Comment by larry — March 30, 2010 @ 10:28 pm
It was
Comment by john — April 1, 2010 @ 8:04 pm
sounds cooooool
Comment by james — April 11, 2010 @ 9:48 pm