Tigers to Host White Sox, Yankees and Indians During 10-Game Homestand at Comerica Park

DETROIT - The Tigers return to Comerica Park from a six-game road trip to begin a 10-game homestand Friday night. The Tigers will open the homestand against the Chicago White Sox (April 17-19), while the New York Yankees will visit for a four-game series (April 20-23) and the homestand concludes with three games against the Cleveland Indians (April 24-26). First pitches for the first three games of the homestand against the White Sox are scheduled for 1:08 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday's games against the Yankees start at 7:08 p.m. and the series concludes with a 1:08 p.m. game on Thursday. On Friday, April 24, the game against the Indians starts 7:08 p.m. while Saturday and Sunday's contests begin at 1:08 p.m.

Get your Tigers tickets for the 2015 season at Comerica Park now! Tickets are available at the Comerica Park Box Office, online at tigers.com and by phone at (866) 66-TIGER (84437). For complete ticket information including season, group and suites visit tigers.com/tickets or call 313-471-BALL (2255).

APRIL WEEKDAY VALUE PACK
The Detroit Tigers are offering a weekday value pack that includes four tickets, four hotdogs, four bags of chips and four sodas starting at $76. Offer is available for all four games against the New York Yankees on April 20-23.

CHAMPIONSHIP JERSEY SERIES
The Detroit Tigers are offering a special package that includes an upper reserved, upper box infield or lower baseline box ticket and a 1968 Al Kaline Replica Jersey (available in Medium/XL only) for all four games against the New York Yankees on April 20-23. This package is available online only at tigers.com/specialevents.

Friday, April 17 vs. Chicago White Sox at 1:08 p.m. Gates Open at 11:30 a.m. (Probables: LHP David Price vs. RHP Jeff Samardzija)
·  Aquafina School Incentive Days: During six select games this season, the Detroit Tigers Foundation and Aquafina will host over 10,000 students from area schools to reward and thank students as part of the annual Detroit Tigers School Incentive and Reward Program. For more than 60 years the Tigers organization has hosted members of school safety patrol squads and more recently, rewarded students for maintaining perfect attendance for a marking period. On April 17 as part of the school incentive program, 1,000 backpacks will be given away to students, courtesy of Aquafina.
· The first 10,000 fans will receive a Fleece Lined Knit Hat, presented By FOX Sports Detroit and April in the D.
· In a pregame ceremony, the Detroit Tigers will honor Victor Martinez, who is the recipient of a Silver Slugger award and was named Designated Hitter of the Year, Ian Kinsler, who was selected by Wilson as Defensive Player of the Year at second base and Miguel Cabrera, who was named as Player of the Month in September 2014.
· Prior to the game is the first session in the Class Outside Series. Career Day speakers will include Melissa Duhaime from PepsiCo, Mike Lorenc from Google, Kathleen Borschke from the Fulkerson Group, Stan Fracker from the Detroit Tigers, Courtney Welch and Tony Lamerato from FOX Sports Detroit.
· The ceremonial first pitches will be thrown out by a Detroit Tigers Kid's Club member and AAA's Teen Safe Driving Winner, Katrina Badour.
· The national anthem will be performed by the Pansophia Academy Choir of Coldwater, Michigan.

Saturday, April 18 vs. Chicago White Sox at 1:08 p.m. Gates Open at 11:30 a.m. (Probables: RHP Anibal Sanchez vs. LHP Chris Sale)

·  MLB's Autism Awareness Initiative: The Detroit Tigers have partnered with Major League Baseball and Jack's Place for Autism to raise awareness of autism. The goal of the program is to heighten awareness among baseball fans of autism and the necessary research for treatment and a possible cure. The efforts are focused in April, Autism Awareness month. Representatives from Jack's Place for Autism along with beneficiaries of Jack's Place will have an informational table on the concourse April 18-26 and will be featured in a pre-game ceremony on the field at Comerica Park.
· The Little Ceasars Amatuer Hockey League will be recognized in a pregame ceremony. There will also be a presentation of the Comerica Bank Grand Slam Grant.
· The first 10,000 fans will receive a 2015 Magnet Schedule, courtesy of Comerica Bank.
· The national anthem will be performed by the McIntyre Elementary School Choir of Southfield, Michigan.

Sunday, April 19 vs. Chicago White Sox at 1:08 p.m. Gates Open at 11:30 a.m. (Probables: RHP Shane Greene vs. LHP Jose Quintana)

· Kids Opening Day: For the third straight year young Tigers fans will get an Opening Day of their own, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Prior to the game there will be a special on-field clinic teaching children from participating charities how to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. Winners from the tigers.com essay contest will take part in special activities including Kids Take the Field prior to the game. Additionally, all Kids 14-and-under will receive a Tigers Team Baseball Card Set, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network.
· A ceremonial first pitch will be thrown out by an 8-year-old tigers.com essay contest winner and Tiger fan named Jack.
· The national anthem will be performed by 13-year-old Caleb Carroll of West Bloomfield, Michigan and God Bless America will be performed during the seventh inning stretch by members of the Detroit Children's Opera Theater Chorus.
· This will be the first Sunday of Kids Run the Bases following the game, weather permitting.
· The South Oakland A's will be honored as the team of the game.

Monday, April 20 vs. New York Yankees at 7:08 p.m. Gates Open at 5:30 p.m.

•  Jackie Robinson Day / Detroit Tigers Jackie Robinson Art, Essay and Poetry Contest and Most Valuable Diverse Business Partner Award (MLB): In keeping the memory of Jackie Robinson alive and celebrating the 68th Anniversary of Robinson breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball, the Detroit Tigers hosted the 19th Annual Detroit Tigers Jackie Robinson Art, Essay and Poetry Contest. Tigers players are scheduled to join contest winners and Jackie Robinson Foundation Alumni and Scholars from the University of Michigan as they are honored during a special pre-game ceremony on the field at Comerica Park. The contest was open to middle and high school students from the Detroit metropolitan area. Students entered the contest by submitting an original essay, poem or work of art in honor of Jackie Robinson. The winners of the contest are:

ART
•  Paige MacDonald (8th grade), of Bloomfield, representing Berkshire Middle School
•  Brittany Richmond (12th grade), of Lincoln Park, representing Lincoln Park High School

ESSAY
•  Delaney Troup (7th grade), of Clinton Township, representing, Salk School
•  Kathleen Power (10th grade), of Jackson, representing Hanover - Horton High School

POETRY
•  Jordan Troup (6th grade), of Troy, representing, Boulan Park Middle School
•  Janee' Wiseman (9th grade) of Detroit, representing Renaissance High School

• The contest winners are joined on the field by Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholar Alumni Shani Allison, Alexis Dishman, Elizabeth Gill, Lauren Fladger and Amber Spears.
•  Jackie Robinson Most Valuable Diverse Business Partner Award (MLB): In 1998, Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig, authorized the creation of the Diverse Business Partners program, an economically driven business initiative established to cultivate new and existing partnerships with minority- and women-owned businesses, by increasing opportunities for minorities and women to participate in the procurement activities of Major League Baseball.  Larry Brinker, Sr., CEO of Universal Glass and Metals is presented the Jackie Robinson Most Valuable Diverse Business Partner award (MVDBP) during an on-field, pregame recognition. Universal Glass and Metals is a subsidiary of the Brinker Group which is recognized for providing best in class performance, experience and quality workmanship on a full range of commercial contracting services. Universal Glass and Metals is a full service glass and glazing contractor recognized for producing high performance systems and timely service. The Detroit Tigers has partnered with Universal Glass and Metals since the days of Tiger Stadium.  
•  Mario's MVP Program: On Monday home game during the 2015 season, Tigers broadcaster, Mario Impemba invites 30 Veterans of all eras and their families to come down to the ballpark on the FOX Sports Detroit Fan Express and enjoy a Tigers game. Each Veteran is given a special "MVP" t-shirt, game ticket and food voucher thanks to Mario Impemba and the Detroit Tigers Foundation, an affiliate of Ilitch Charities. Guests from the After the Impact Ranch, a program of the Eisenhower Center will attend the game on April 20 and will have the opportunity to meet Impemba prior to the game at the FOX Sports Detroit stage in the Brushfire Grill at 5:40 p.m.

· The first 5,000 fans will receive a Tigers Navy Knit Hat, courtesy of Carhartt.
· The ceremonial first pitches will be thrown out by Anthony Dirrell the WBC World Super Middleweight Champ, a representative of FOX Sports Detroit and a representative of Belfor.
· The national anthem will be performed by the Regina High School Choral Ensemble of Warren, Michigan.
· The Detroit Tigers are offering a special ticket package for the Detroit Goodfellows that includes a mezzanine ticket, an exclusive Detroit Tigers hoodie and a $3 donation to the Detroit Goodfellows. The Old Newsboys' Goodfellow Fund of Detroit is a 100-year-old charity that includes 300 members whose sole mission to ensure that there is "No Kiddie without a Christmas." This package is available online only at tigers.com/specialevents.
·  D Shop Gift with Purchase: Beginning April 20, fans spending $200 or more on women's apparel in the D Shop will receive a free Dooney & Bourke Cosmetic Bag. This offer is while supplies last.

Tuesday, April 21 vs. New York Yankees at 7:08 p.m. Gates Open at 5:30 p.m.

· The "Women in Sports" event, hosted by Jennifer Hammond of FOX 2 News, will explore the expanding role of women in the professional sports industry. The panel will feature Vice President of Marking for the Detroit Tigers Ellen Hill Zeringue, Cause Marketing Manager for the Detroit Lions Samantha Bourque, Wayne State University's Assistant Athletics Director for Marketing and Promotions Nicole Blaszczyk, Varsity Volleyball Coach for Kalamazoo College and author Jeanne Hess and Director of Marketing and Sales Promotions for FOX Sports Detroit Lauren Prober. The Detroit Tigers are offering a special ticket package that includes an upper reserve or mezzanine ticket, an adult value meal (hot dog, chips, pop) and an exclusive "Women in Sports" t-shirt. This package is available online only at tigers.com/specialevents.
· The ceremonial first pitches will be thrown out by a representative from MillerCoors and a representative from Belfor.
· The national anthem will be performed by vocalist Kathy Scarlett Moore.

Wednesday, April 22 vs. New York Yankees at 7:08 p.m. Gates Open at 5:30 p.m.

·  Law Enforcement Night: The Detroit Tigers are offering a special ticket package that includes an upper box infield, mezzanine or lower baseline box ticket, a 2015 Detroit Tigers/Law Enforcement Challenge coin as well as a $10 donation to the National Law Enforcement Museum. This package is available online only at tigers.com/specialevents.
· The national anthem will be performed by vocalist Brendan Moore, a detective in the Ferndale Police Department. The colors will be presented by the Kent County Metro Honor Guard and at the conclusion of the national anthem a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Blackhawk helicopter will be doing a flyover.

Thursday, April 23 vs. New York Yankees at 1:08 p.m. Gates Open at 11:30 a.m.

·  Aquafina School Incentive Days: During six select games this season, the Detroit Tigers Foundation and Aquafina will host over 10,000 students from area schools to reward and thank students as part of the annual Detroit Tigers School Incentive and Reward Program. For more than 60 years the Tigers organization has hosted members of school safety patrol squads and more recently, rewarded students for maintaining perfect attendance for a marking period. On April 17 as part of the school incentive program, 1,000 backpacks will be given away to students, courtesy of Aquafina.
·  Breaking Barriers Essay Contest: "Breaking Barriers: In Sports, In Life" is a national literacy and character education program in partnership with Scholastic. The program uses baseball-themed activities to provide students of diverse backgrounds in grades four through eight with strategies to deal with barriers and challenges in their lives, while at the same time conveying the significance of Jackie Robinson's breaking Baseball's color barrier in 1947. A major component of the program is a national essay contest in which students write about overcoming these obstacles using the values demonstrated by Jackie Robinson: commitment, citizenship, courage, determination, excellence, justice, persistence, teamwork, and integrity. This year one of the 10 national winners is a Michigan resident, Debra Moraitis, an 8th grade student from West Hills Middle School in Bloomfield Hills. Debra and her class meet with Sharon Robinson, daughter of Jackie Robinson and a Tigers player in a special pregame presentation where Debra will be recognized for her excellent essay. Debra is also recognized in a pregame ceremony on the field of Comerica Park with Sharon Robinson and a Tigers player. Debra along with her teacher and class enjoy the afternoon Tigers game courtesy of the Detroit Tigers.
· The ceremonial first pitches will be thrown out by sports car driver Dane Cameron, a representative from Belle Tire and Tigers fan Maurice Allen.
· The national anthem will be performed by the Bay City Western High School Select Choir.

Friday, April 24 vs. Cleveland Indians at 7:08 p.m. Gates Open at 5:30 p.m.
NEGRO LEAGUES WEEKEND

·  Second Annual Legacy Luncheon Presented by Comerica Bank: Comerica Bank will host a special luncheon in the Tiger Club at Comerica Park beginning at 11:30 a.m. The event will honor 1984 World Champion Lou Whitaker as the recipient of the 2015 Detroit Tigers African American Legacy Award.
·  Ninth Annual Detroit Stars Singing Competition: The Tigers have partnered with Radio One for the ninth annual Detroit Stars Singing Competition. The competition will take place at the Big Cat Court starting at 5:30 p.m. 10 finalists will be judged by celebrities Lee Thomas of FOX 2 News and former World Series Champion, Lou Whitaker. The winner receives a grand prize of $2,000, will be recognized on the field prior to Friday's game against the Indians and will have the opportunity to sing the anthem at a future Detroit Tigers game.
·  "Passing of the Bat Ceremony": The Tigers are continuing their celebration of African Americans and their numerous contributions to the game of baseball with the "Passing of the Bat" ceremony, which embodies the past, present and future contributions of African American ballplayers to the game of baseball. The ceremony features former Tigers Willie Horton, Jake Wood, Lou Whitaker, The Incredibles youth baseball team, and high school standout Nick Plummer.
· The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown out by the Great Grandson of National Baseball Hall of Famer Norman "Turkey" Stearnes, Antonio Embry.
· The national anthem will be performed by Joyce Stearnes Thompson and Rosilyn Stearnes-Brown, daughters of Norman "Turkey" Stearnes.
· A series of banners will be displayed throughout the weekend chronicling the history of African American players with the Detroit Tigers.
· Negro Leagues merchandise will be sold by Tony Dee's Negro Leagues Baseball Store and Apparel throughout the weekend near Gate A.

Saturday, April 25 vs. Cleveland Indians at 1:08 p.m. Gates Open at 11:30 a.m.

• The first 10,000 fans will receive a Detroit Stars Scarf, courtesy of Comerica Bank.
• As part of the Negro Leagues Weekend events, the Tigers are hosting select former Negro Leagues players for a question and answer session prior to the game in the Big Cat Court at 11:45 a.m.
• Eight former Negro League players and a former Negro League owner will be recognized during a very special pre-game on-field ceremony. Members include: Melvin Duncan, Eugene Scruggs, Bill Hill, Charlie Davis, Walt Owens, Pedro Sierra, Minnie Forbes and Ron Teasley..
• The ceremonial first pitches will be thrown out by Charice Key, a representative of Comerica Bank and a former Negro Leagues player Jake Sanders.
• The national anthem will be performed by the Achievers Ladies Ensemble from the Detroit School of the Arts.

Sunday, April 26 vs. Cleveland Indians at 1:08 p.m. Gates Open at 11:30 a.m.
• Prior to the game, the Tigers will host a question and answer session with 1984 World Champion Lou Whitaker in the Big Cat Court as part of the Negro Leagues weekend events.
• The Tigers will present 1984 World Champion Lou Whitaker with the 2015 Detroit Tigers African American Legacy Award during a special pre-game on-field ceremony.

All kids 14-and-younger will receive a David Price Poster, presented By Meijer. The poster features a fun and unique picture of Price and his French Bulldog, Astro.
· All Sunday home games are Kids Days at Comerica Park. All kids 14-and-under will receive a free promotional item as part of the "Every Kid, Every Sunday" giveaway guarantee, can enjoy free rides courtesy of Kroger on the Comerica Bank Carousel or the Fly Ball Ferris Wheel, can take part in free face painting, have the chance to win a bicycle and are invited down to the field for Kids Run the Bases courtesy of Aquafina and Meijer following the game, weather permitting.
· The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown out by Legacy Award Winner, Lou Whitaker.