While Michigan weathers a polar vortex in anticipation of spring, sunshine and baseball, the Tigers are offering an up-close, behind-the-scenes look back at last season to warm hearts and raise hopes ahead of Spring Training.
The documentary -- titled “2024: Against All Odds” -- is a 50-minute collection of interviews and game footage that trace the Tigers’ incredible journey from Spring Training to Opening Day, to the heart of the season, then the insane sprint from a mathematical long shot in mid-August to a September charge all the way to an AL Wild Card spot and a playoff series win. By focusing on the entire season, rather than just the late run, the video captures the range of emotions that players and team officials went through during the season and shows how the ups and downs prepared the team for the Cinderella story to follow, converting a 0.2 percent postseason chance into their first playoff berth in 10 years. Memorable broadcast calls from Dan Dickerson, Jason Benetti, Greg Gania and Andy Dirks are sprinkled in throughout.
The team’s journey is also viewed through individual stories. While Tarik Skubal’s historic pitching Triple Crown season gets well-deserved attention, Colt Keith’s trek from a long-term contract in January to the challenges of his rookie season is also tracked, providing a worthy subplot.
The telling moments include manager A.J. Hinch talking early in the season about riding momentum when it builds and players’ superstitions, and how belief has to start with the players. Hinch and players also reflect on their comeback win over the Royals on the night they honored Hall of Famer Jim Leyland, whose belief in the team proved prophetic. Their walk-off victory over the Yankees in the Little League Classic also gets the spotlight, including Tyler Holton racing kids up the hill in Williamsport before riding down the hill on a cardboard sled.
Of course, highlights from the Tigers’ postseason run get a long look over the second half of the documentary, the belief seemingly building with each video clip until Skubal faces Lane Thomas with the bases loaded in Game 5 of the AL Division Series. While a lot of sights will look familiar, some are new, providing an in-depth look.
To watch “2024: Against All Odds,” go to the Tigers’ YouTube page at youtube.com/tigers. The video debuts on Thursday at 5 p.m. ET and will be available on demand.