Detroit Tigers players and coaches appearances announced for 2012 Winter Caravan
DETROIT – The 2012 Detroit Tigers Winter Caravan, presented by Verizon Wireless and FOX Sports Detroit, is set for Thursday, January 19 and Friday, January 20, and features an exciting lineup of appearances in Detroit and around the state of Michigan. Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski, Vice President/Assistant General Manager Al Avila, Manager Jim Leyland, coaches, players including Alex Avila, Miguel Cabrera, Brandon Inge, Jose Valverde and Justin Verlander, broadcasters and Detroit’s favorite mascot PAWS, will take part in a two-day journey traveling in two buses and an additional dozen vehicles, across the region, spreading baseball fever to fans of all ages.
"Coming off the AL Central Division Championship, and the exciting season it was, we're thrilled to get baseball at the top of our minds again with the Winter Caravan," said Elaine Lewis, Vice President of Community and Public Affairs. "We've identified new locations and there are more public stops. What is most impressive is how nearly the entire 40-man roster of players and our coaching staff are set to return to Detroit in the middle of winter, embrace the caravan, and engage the fans."
Media are encouraged to attend each stop on the caravan as there will be numerous photo and b-roll opportunities. Additionally, select stops will have specific media availabilities, which will allow for interviews with Tigers personnel.
Players at all stops are subject to change.
Metro Bus
Thursday, January 19
1:00-2:00 p.m. DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan
DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan 3901 Beaubien Street, Detroit
· BALESTER, BOESCH, CABRERA, FISTER, HOFFMAN, IMPEMBA, JACKSON, OLIVER, SANTIAGO, SCHERZER, STOHR, VALVERDE
· Individual room visits with patients
· Note: Media may cover a short visit with patients in the hospital lobby, but are not permitted to cover individual room visits
1:30-2:00 p.m. The Henry Ford
Henry Ford Museum 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
· LAMONT, LEYLAND, McCLENDON
· Tigers manager and coaches will take a preview tour of the Driving America Exhibit, which opens to the public January 29
2:00-3:10 p.m. Henry Ford Hospital
Henry Ford Hospital-Main Campus 2799 West Grand Blvd., Detroit
· AVILA (AL), BALESTER, BOESCH, CABRERA, HOFFMAN, IMPEMBA, OLIVER, SANTIAGO, STOHR, VALVERDE
· Tigers will headline an employee rally and participate in an interactive question and answer session with employees
3:00-5:00 p.m. Palladium 12 Theatre in Birmingham 10th Anniversary Celebration
Palladium 12 Theatre in Birmingham 250 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham
· BALESTER, CABRERA, HOFFMAN, IMPEMBA, OLIVER, STOHR, VERLANDER
· The Uptown Palladium 12 in Birmingham will be celebrating their 10th anniversary with a fan rally featuring Tigers players
· First 200 guests will receive a free hot dog, Pepsi and a movie pass compliments of Uptown Entertainment
· Rally will include an interactive question and answer session, raffle prizes, giveaways and more
· FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (Program begins at 4:00 p.m.)
5:00-6:00 p.m. Hockeytown Authentics
Hockeytown Authentics 1845 East Big Beaver Road, Troy
· BOESCH, VALVERDE
· Fans have the opportunity to take a photo with two Tigers players in exchange for a minimum donation of two non-perishable food items to benefit The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division.
· OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
5:15-6:00 p.m. The Parade Company
The Parade Company Studio 9500 Mount Elliott, Detroit
· ALLEN, JACKSON, SCHERZER
· Tigers will headline a private rally for employees and volunteers of The Parade Company who provide Detroit with marquee events, including America’s Thanksgiving Parade
5:30-6:15 p.m. Detroit Fire Department, Engine 40
Engine 40 Firehouse 13939 Dexter Ave., Detroit
· BALESTER, CABRERA, HOFFMAN, IMPEMBA, LAMONT, LEYLAND, McCLENDON, OLIVER, STOHR
· Tigers players will attend a meet and greet dinner with firefighters of Engine 40 to give thanks for their service to the community
Friday, January 20
10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Combined Regional Emergency Services Training Center (CREST)
CREST Center, Oakland Community College, Auburn Hills Campus
2900 Featherstone Road, Auburn Hills
· ALLEN, AVILA (AL), BALESTER, BOESCH, CABRERA, FISTER, HOFFMAN, JACKSON, LAMONT, LEYLAND, McCLENDON, OLIVER, SANTIAGO, SCHERZER, STOHR, VALVERDE, VERLANDER
· Tigers players and coaches will participate in a fire practical scenario (search and rescue in a smoke-filled room) or a police simunition scenario (bank robbery scenario)
12:30-1:40 p.m. Comerica Bank
Comerica Bank, Auburn Hills Operations Center 3701 Hamlin Road, Auburn Hills
· AVILA (AL), BALESTER, CABRERA, HOFFMAN, KEATING, LAMONT, LEYLAND, McCLENDON, OLIVER, SANTIAGO, STOHR, VERLANDER
· Tigers headline an employee rally, including an interactive question and answer session and raffle
· Employees are encouraged to donate new children’s and adult winter mittens or gloves to benefit Mittens for Detroit
1:05-1:40 p.m. Meijer
Meijer of Auburn Hills 800 Brown Road, Auburn Hills
· ALLEN, FISTER, JACKSON, VALVERDE
· Meijer customers get a special surprise as Tigers players and broadcasters serve as celebrity Meijer crew members by working in the bakery, deli counter or bagging groceries at the checkout lane
· OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
1:00-1:45 p.m. The Detroit Shoppe at Somerset Mall
The Detroit Shoppe, Somerset Mall 2800 West Big Beaver, Troy
· BOESCH, SCHERZER
· Tigers players will appear at The Detroit Shoppe to play Detroit Tigers trivia with fans
· The customer who spends the most at the store between 10:00 a.m-1:00 p.m. will win a special grand prize, courtesy of the Detroit Tigers and Somerset Collection.
· All proceeds from purchases in The Detroit Shoppe on this day will benefit the Detroit Tigers Foundation, an affiliate of Ilitch Charities
· OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (Store doors open at 10:00 a.m.)
2:20-3:05 p.m. U.S. Army Garrison-Detroit Arsenal Division
U.S. Army Garrison-Detroit Arsenal 6501 E. 11 Mile Road, Warren
· AVILA (AL), BALESTER, CABRERA, HOFFMAN, KEATING, OLIVER, SANTIAGO, STOHR, VERLANDER
· Tigers players will participate in a rally which includes an interactive question and answer session and raffle for U.S. Army Garrison and Selfridge Air National Guard Base soldiers and employees
· Not open to the public
2:00-3:00 p.m. Joe Louis Video Memorial Room Presentation
COBO One Washington Blvd, Detroit
· JACKSON, LAMONT, LEYLAND, McCLENDON
· Tigers players and coaches will participate in a presentation in honor of the Joe Louis Video Memorial Room followed by an interactive question and answer session with those in attendance
· Special guests will include legendary trainer Emanuel Steward and famous boxers Hilmer Kenty and Tommy “Hitman” Hearns as well as members of the Michigan Chapter of Negro Leagues Baseball Players
2:00-3:15 p.m. Comerica Bank
Comerica Bank Center (Michigan Market Headquarters) 411 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit
· ALLEN, BOESCH, FISTER, SCHERZER, VALVERDE
· Tigers headline an employee rally, including an interactive question and answer session and raffle
· Comerica Bank and the Detroit Tigers will announce a community grant program to benefit Michigan high school sports
· Employees are encouraged to donate new children’s and adult winter mittens or gloves to benefit Mittens for Detroit
3:00-4:20 p.m. Garden Fresh
Garden Fresh Salsa Headquarters 1220 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale
· AVILA (AL), BALESTER, CABRERA, HOFFMAN, KEATING, OLIVER, SANTIAGO, STOHR, VERLANDER
· Tigers players and coaches will be greeted by Garden Fresh executives for a taste test of Garden Fresh Salsa’s top three salsas to determine the Tigers’ favorite salsa
· Tigers players will participate in an employee rally, including an interactive question and answer session and raffle
3:20-3:55 p.m. Fox Theatre Archive Presentation
Fox Theatre 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit
· LAMONT, LEYLAND, McCLENDON
· Tigers coaches will view a presentation of special items from the Ilitch Holdings Archives
3:30-4:30 p.m. North American International Auto Show
Cobo Hall, General Motors Display Area One Washington Blvd., Detroit
· ALLEN, BOESCH, FISTER, JACKSON, SCHERZER, VALVERDE
· Fan rally and parade, including an interactive question and answer session in the General Motors Display Area
· OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (Parade throughout show floor begins at 3:30 p.m. and rally begins at 4:00 p.m.)
4:10-4:40 p.m. MotorCity Casino Hotel Tour
MotorCity Casino Hotel 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit
· LAMONT, LEYLAND, McCLENDON
· Tigers coaches will take a behind the scenes tour of MotorCity Casino Hotel
West Bus
Thursday, January 19
1:50-2:25 p.m. Lingenfelter Collection
Lingenfelter Collection 7819 Lochlin Drive, Brighton
· AVILA (ALEX), BELLIARD, BELOW, BENOIT, BROOKENS, CROSBY, DICKERSON, INGE, JONES, KELLY, PORCELLO, RABURN, ROJAS, SCHLERETH, THOMAS, TURNER, WILK, WORTH, YOUNG
· Tigers players and personnel will tour the private high-end car collection
· Individuals from Team Joseph and Ele’s Place will be invited to participate along with the winner of the Tigers online contest for car enthusiasts
3:45-6:00 p.m. Michigan State Capitol
Michigan State Capitol Building 7320 South Canal Road, Lansing
· AVILA (ALEX), BELLIARD, BELOW, BENOIT, BROOKENS, CROSBY, DICKERSON, DOMBROWSKI, INGE, JONES, KELLY, PORCELLO, RABURN, ROJAS, SCHLERETH, THOMAS, TURNER, WILK, WORTH, YOUNG
· Tigers get a behind the scenes tour of the Michigan State Capitol building followed by a rally and reception
Friday, January 20
9:30-10:35 a.m. West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast
Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital 100 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids
· BELLIARD, BENOIT, DOMBROWSKI, WORTH
· Tigers players and personnel will participate in the West Michigan Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast, hosted by DeVos Children’s Hospital
· After breakfast, Tigers players and personnel will visit patients at DeVos Children’s Hospital
9:55-10:35 a.m. Hudsonville Creamery
Hudsonville Creamery, Holland 345 E. 48th Street, Holland
· AVILA (ALEX), BELOW, BROOKENS, CROSBY, DICKERSON, INGE, JONES, KELLY, PORCELLO, RABURN, ROJAS, SCHLERETH, THOMAS, TURNER, WILK, YOUNG
· After a tour of the facilities, Tigers players will participate in special surprise announcement
12:00-1:30 p.m. Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo
Bernhard Student Center 1903 West Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo
· AVILA (ALEX), BELLIARD, BELOW, BENOIT, BROOKENS, CROSBY, DICKERSON, DOMBROWSKI, INGE, JONES, KELLY, PORCELLO, RABURN, ROJAS, SCHLERETH, THOMAS, TURNER, WILK, WORTH, YOUNG
· Tigers players and personnel will participate in luncheon with the Western Michigan Alumni Association
· Luncheon will feature a keynote address by Tigers President, CEO and General Manager, David Dombrowski and an interactive question and answer session and raffle with players and coaches
· Tickets for the luncheon are $10 and are available by calling the WMUFAMILY Experience Office at (269) 387-8746
3:05-4:00 p.m. Google
Google Offices, Ann Arbor Division 201 S. Division Street, Ann Arbor
· AVILA (ALEX), BELLIARD, BELOW, BENOIT, BROOKENS, CROSBY, DICKERSON, DOMBROWSKI, INGE, JONES, KELLY, PORCELLO, RABURN, ROJAS, SCHLERETH, THOMAS, TURNER, WILK, WORTH, YOUNG
· Tigers players and personnel will participate in a rally with Google employees featuring an interactive question and answer session and raffle
Media Availabilities
Wednesday, January 18
5:00-5:30 p.m. West Michigan Whitecaps Banquet
DeVos Place Convention Center 303 Monroe Avenue Northwest, Grand Rapids
· DOMBROWSKI, FISTER, PORCELLO, SANTIAGO
6:05-6:25 p.m. Toledo Mud Hens Fandemonium
Toledo, Ohio – Fifth Third Field 406 Washington Street, Toledo, OH
· BELOW, JONES, KELLY, LAMONT, LEYLAND, McCLENDON, TURNER
Thursday, January 19
12:00-12:45 p.m. Detroit Tigers Media Reception
Tiger Den at Comerica Park 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit
(Enter through main administrative lobby located on Montcalm Avenue)
· AVILA (AL), AVILA (ALEX), BALESTER, BELLIARD, BELOW, BENOIT, BOESCH, BROOKENS, CABRERA, CROSBY, FISTER, HOFFMAN, INGE, JACKSON, JONES, KELLY, LAMONT, LEYLAND, McCLENDON, OLIVER, PAULEY, PORCELLO, RABURN, ROJAS, SANTIAGO, SCHERZER, SCHLERETH, STOHR, THOMAS, TURNER, VALVERDE, VERLANDER, WILK, WORTH, YOUNG
5:20-6:00 p.m. Michigan State Capitol
Michigan State Capitol Building, House Library (H252) 215 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing
· AVILA (ALEX), BELLIARD, BELOW, BENOIT, BROOKENS, CROSBY, DICKERSON, DOMBROWSKI, INGE, JONES, KELLY, PORCELLO, RABURN, ROJAS, SCHLERETH, THOMAS, TURNER, WILK, WORTH, YOUNG
Friday, January 20
11:55 a.m.-12:20 p.m. Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo
Bernhard Student Center, Rooms 157-159 1903 West Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo
· AVILA (ALEX), BELLIARD, BELOW, BENOIT, BROOKENS, CROSBY, DICKERSON, DOMBROWSKI, INGE, JONES, KELLY, PORCELLO, RABURN, ROJAS, SCHLERETH, THOMAS, TURNER, WILK, WORTH, YOUNG
Note: This is a partial list of caravan stops