Tigers honor '84 WS championship anniversary
DETROIT -- From the moment on Dec. 10, 2017, that Alan Trammell learned he had been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame alongside his teammate and friend Jack Morris, the former Tigers shortstop embarked on a whirlwind tour for nearly nine months, alternating hats as a new Hall of Famer, a current special assistant in the team's front office, an ambassador for Detroit’s last World Series championship team and a lifelong baseball man. Once last season ended, Trammell finally had a chance to catch his breath and get some rest.
This weekend, Trammell will trek back down memory lane and celebrate one of the greatest successes of his career and the most successful season in Tigers history. It might seem like he’s repeating himself. This time, however, it’s about the team.
“That never gets old. I stand by that comment,” Trammell said. “It’s always good to see your old teammates and to reminisce. We know as we get older the old saying, 'Father Time is undefeated.' Thinking about good times, I don’t know if anybody ever gets tired of thinking about good times like that. Hopefully, we have many more years to cherish those moments together. It’s going to be fun, and I look forward to that.”
The Tigers will commemorate the 35th anniversary of their 1984 World Series championship with a weekend of celebrations during their series against the Washington Nationals.
Fans who arrive early for Friday’s series opener at Comerica Park will get a chance to hear Trammell and Lou Whitaker recount their days as baseball’s ultimate double-play duo during a question-and-answer session. The chat will begin at 6 p.m. ET near the Big Cat Court. The Tigers will also give away a Whitaker and Lance Parrish mini-bat to the first 10,000 fans who pass through the gates.
On Saturday, the Tigers will hold another question-and-answer session with the 1984 squad -- this time including 20 team members -- beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET The first 10,000 fans in attendance for the 4:10 p.m. game will receive a bobblehead of Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 3:30 p.m. to watch an on-field ceremony honoring the '84 team members.
Fans who want to make a day of it downtown can catch Trammell signing autographs at The D Shop at Comerica Park on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon ET. Fans can bring personal items to be autographed by the Hall of Famer and authenticated by Major League Baseball. Prices range from $70 for an autographed baseball or photo to $85 for a premium item, with $40 for an inscription.
Collectively, the giveaways offer fans a chance to recognize not just the Hall of Famers, but also the various contributors to the team. A handful of familiar faces from the club are still contributing to the Tigers, from Trammell and Kirk Gibson as special assistants in the front office, to Lance Parrish in the farm system as Class A West Michigan manager, to Gibson, Morris and Dan Petry on Fox Sports Detroit broadcasts.
The celebration could also put a timely spotlight on Whitaker, who may be up for Hall of Fame consideration again next offseason when experts put together the Modern Baseball Era ballot for consideration by a committee of peers. Whitaker was not elected when Trammell and Morris were added.
The Hall of Fame inductions of Trammell and Morris last summer gave some overdue recognition to the club. Until then, the only member of the 1984 Tigers in Cooperstown was Anderson. If Trammell has his way, they’ll make room for another member next year.
Whitaker’s case has become a strong cause for Trammell, his double-play partner for two decades.
“My style is not to say things and all that, but in this case, I’m going to say it, that I’m a strong backer of Lou Whitaker,” Trammell said, “And I’m hoping -- hopefully soon -- that he can get on the ballot and go from there. I think it’s a great story. I think he’s well deserving.”