Granholm Declares “Detroit Tigers Week” 

Michigan’s Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has declared Detroit Tigers Week in Michigan beginning Saturday, October 21, in honor of the Tigers’ 2006 successful season that has culminated with their appearance in the 2006 World Series, against the St. Louis Cardinals. 

  
“The Detroit Tigers’ success has bred energy, vitality and enthusiasm in every Michigan community, restoring the legendary Tiger roar throughout our great state,” Granholm said.  “The Old English ‘D’ on the jersey represents much more than just a storied baseball franchise.  It carries with it the hopes and dreams of all the faithful fans who through thick and thin have stuck by their team.” 
 

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm

Granholm’s proclamation singles out team owner Mike Ilitch for his profound loyalty to both the Detroit Tigers and the city of Detroit; Dave Dombrowski, president and general manager, for assembling this year’s winning team and building the foundation that will lead the Detroit Tigers to victory in coming years; and, Jim Leyland (of Perrysburg, Ohio) for guiding the team to its best record since 1987.

Granholm has placed a friendly wager with Missouri Governor Matt Blunt in support of the Tigers in their match-up with the St. Louis Cardinals in the fall classic that began Saturday in Detroit, when St. Louis won 7 to 2 (Los Tigres del Norte won the second, 3 to 1).
 

If the Tigers win the World Series, Governor Granholm will send a Little Caesars pizza and a case of Vernor’s ginger ale to Governor Blunt to be enjoyed at his desk while wearing a Detroit Tigers jersey and holding a “Jim Leyland is my Tiger” sign.  Blunt will call the Mitch Albom Show on WJR Radio (760 AM) that same day and sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during Albom’s syndicated broadcast.

Little Caesars Pizza was founded by Detroit Tigers’ owner Mike Ilitch, and Vernor’s was concocted by Detroit pharmacist James Vernor and remains a popular beverage in Michigan.
 
If the Cardinals win the Series, Gov. Granholm will put on a St. Louis Cardinals’ jersey, read a chapter from “Three Nights in August,” enjoy a Missouri-branded steak with her choice of Missouri wine, Budweiser beer, or Fitz’s rootbeer, and participate in a radio interview on the Cardinals’ flagship station KTRS, the Big 550, with host McGraw Millhaven.
 
The governor’s official proclamation can be found at www.michigan.gov