Lately something has come to my attention that I just can't ignore. It has a little to do with the Tigers' road trip but a lot more to do with humanity itself. Self indulgence, thy name is Twitter.
I joined Twitter last July for one main purpose, to comment on the Tigers in real time in a hopefully light-hearted and humorous way. I see Twitter for what it should be, a place where people can go to have a chuckle and feel vindicated in their shared interests and opinions. For the most part, those are the types of people I follow and the tweets I write. However, a large number of social media junkies see Twitter as a place to be down right cruel in an anonymous fashion. It's much easier to be mean, petty, and critical of others when they can't see your face. For years I was a Girls on the Run coach and we teach the girls about this sort of thing. They can spot it a mile away. It's called Cyber Bullying. Just because you don't personally know someone doesn't mean you aren't cyber bullying them.
When the Tigers swept in Baltimore and Boston, Twitter was all fun and games for the Tigers. There were Zubaz pictures and triumphant tweets about conquering playoff foes. Twitter was serving its purpose. We got to see hilarious pictures of our favorite players and get a glimpse into their everyday life as ball players. However, the games were over once the Tigers hit Cleveland. Obviously, it was a disappointing series topped off by THE WORST way to end a game with a bases loaded balk. I have to say I wrote an angry tweet myself:
And that's how not to end a road trip #epicfail #Tigers #shouldhaveletDonniepitch
I tried to make light of the situation by adding the joke about Donnie Kelly pitching. I may have even made a joke about Gene Lamont earlier in the game (sorry Gene if I was mean. I promise it's in good fun). Tigers fans took the loss as an opportunity to again question every move made by Ausmus and for some reason rag on the Tigers announcers, Mario and Rod. What those two had to do with the Tiger loss, I just don't know. Even if it eased the pain for some fans, I feel like it's just uncalled for. For some reason, Mario retweets some of their nastiness. I don't understand that.
Sure, we are all a little frustrated with Phil Coke and the Tigers bullpen. Trust me, they don't need to hear it to know they messed up. They already know. My advice to Phil is to avoid social media today or maybe all week.
So in the spirit of New Girl, I'm starting a new segment called Honey Roast. If you aren't familiar, a honey roast is when you say nice, true things about someone. I'd like to start with the outfielders today.
Rajai Davis- You are one fast dude and have rejuvenated the Tigers' running game. You have 14 stolen bases for Pete's sake. You also take base path fashion to new levels of awesome with your oven mitt to protect your hand. You are a valuable addition to the Tigers.
Austin Jackson- Your hard work at the plate has paid off since your rookie season. You are striking out less and have become a hitter that pitchers don't like facing. Your acrobatics in the outfield are also hard to beat.
Torii Hunter- You are a leader when it matters and the Tigers desperately needed that. You are consistently trying to have a good time and it makes you enjoyable to watch.
JD Martinez- You hit a home run in a pinch hit situation! Not a lot of players can claim that.
Come back again for another round of Honey Roast. Remember this, the internet and social media specifically are places to connect with other people, not an avenue for your bitterness. Enjoy your long weekend and all the wonderful Tiger baseball we have to look forward to.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Monday, May 19, 2014
Zubazpalooza Take 3
There's been a lot of press lately about how the Tigers have adopted the Zubaz pants, sweatshirts, and accessories as their official, unofficial uniforms. They were on ESPN, Yahoo, Facebook, and just about every local Michigan news station wearing their Zubaz while traveling to Cleveland. The Tigers players have Zubaz fever. The thing is, this Tigress and her band of merry Tigri have been infected with Zubaz fever for three years now. Faithful readers already know this, but if you are new to the blog, revisit some earlier posts. Zubaz also double as playoff pants and are guaranteed to get you interviewed by multiple television outlets.
As for Zubazpalooza twenty-one-four, let's meet our cast of characters. There's the Tigress (that's me *points to self), Sister Tigress, Crazy Tigress, and New-to-Zubaz Tigress. This year, the Tigers offered a Zubaz shirt, which is great for repeaters like us who have multiple pairs of pants and are looking to get even more tricked out in Zubaz gear.
Usually, the party has started at HockeyTown, but this year the party was at the Jungle in right field. This was much more convenient to go right to our seats after the yearly raffle where we are sure to win. We did start at HockeyTown anyway and did our short hike back to Comerica. Now, if one person is wearing Zubaz, you get attention. When four good-looking ladies are sporting them, you get stares and even compliments. I'm a firm believer in acknowledging compliments, but Sister Tigress likes to acknowledge stares as well. That means that she yelled at multiple people on our way to the stadium without being engaged in conversation. Yup, she's "that girl".
Here's a trivia question: You know you have Zubaz fever when:
A) Everyone in your party is already wearing Zubaz pants before the event where they give them away
B) You have additional accessories from previous years
C) The people running the event greet you like old friends and continuously shower you with swag
D) All of the above
I think you know the answer. I had my vintage Zubaz Tiger hat from approximately 1988 (which received a compliment from a group of men who were also wearing Zubaz upon entering the stadium. They had good taste). I also had my Zubaz sunglasses from last year and headbands. New Tigress had never been to an event (she was a pinch hitter for someone who double booked herself. Who double books on Zubaz?! Priorities, people), so I gave her a pair of my pants. That freed everyone up to receive a Zubaz t shirt.
Upon entering the Jungle (first of course), we were greeted like long lost relatives...you know, the crazy relatives you see once a year. While our friends were setting up shop, they started to cover our table in swag. Not everyone gets this kind of service, but when you are "regulars" (that's a direct quote), you get the VIP treatment. We received can koozies, bottle koozies (a true Zubazpalooza fan needs both for fancy and relaxed occasions), tattoos, headbands, retro sunglasses (see below), and Zubaz "sleeves". I had to ask what you do with the sleeve.
Our friends in events said they can go on your head, your arm, or even your leg as leg warmers. That's how the DTE Energy Squad was wearing them. You could also rob a bank with them.
Once we got our raffle tickets, we wandered a little to make some friends. People were definitely digging our shirts since they were a new item and not many people opted to get them. I will say this, if you didn't have Zubaz pants already, there's no reason you should get a shirt. That's like going to an English pub and ordering the Shepard's pie. Any ding bat knows you order fish and chips. It's just common sense. As a strategy this year, we pooled our raffle tickets to increase our winning odds with the idea of splitting up the booty. We won Zubaz flip flops and the coveted Zubaz sweatshirt. I ended up with the sandals and Sister Tigress ended up with the sweatshirt, that lucky duck. The only problem is that the sandals are a size 11-12 which means they are about a million sizes too big. Tip for next year, more than half of the Zubaz patrons are female. Get with the times, people. The chances that Frankenstein is going to win the sandals are slim to none. New Tigress's husband also said a big "no thank you" to the sweatshirt when offered. He must not know fashion. All my favorite players are sporting them.
Any good Tigress fan knows there's always one drunk person around you at a game who is being annoying and if you don't have one then it might just be you. The past two Zubazpaloozas that was me. This year, it was Crazy Tigress (yup, Yup, YUP!). She even shared my poncho by sticking her head in the sleeve during a short spring shower. For some reason, Zubaz has gotten earlier and earlier in the year. Our first year, it was in August. Last year it was mid-June. This year it was the beginning of May! I'm going to need Zubaz hat and mittens if it gets any earlier next year.
All in all it was a great day. The Tigers couldn't pull of a win, but the Zubaz is bringing them good luck on this road trip so I can't complain. When you see me in October at Comerica, remember to comment on my pants.
 |
| We make this look good |
As for Zubazpalooza twenty-one-four, let's meet our cast of characters. There's the Tigress (that's me *points to self), Sister Tigress, Crazy Tigress, and New-to-Zubaz Tigress. This year, the Tigers offered a Zubaz shirt, which is great for repeaters like us who have multiple pairs of pants and are looking to get even more tricked out in Zubaz gear.
Usually, the party has started at HockeyTown, but this year the party was at the Jungle in right field. This was much more convenient to go right to our seats after the yearly raffle where we are sure to win. We did start at HockeyTown anyway and did our short hike back to Comerica. Now, if one person is wearing Zubaz, you get attention. When four good-looking ladies are sporting them, you get stares and even compliments. I'm a firm believer in acknowledging compliments, but Sister Tigress likes to acknowledge stares as well. That means that she yelled at multiple people on our way to the stadium without being engaged in conversation. Yup, she's "that girl".
Here's a trivia question: You know you have Zubaz fever when:
A) Everyone in your party is already wearing Zubaz pants before the event where they give them away
B) You have additional accessories from previous years
C) The people running the event greet you like old friends and continuously shower you with swag
D) All of the above
I think you know the answer. I had my vintage Zubaz Tiger hat from approximately 1988 (which received a compliment from a group of men who were also wearing Zubaz upon entering the stadium. They had good taste). I also had my Zubaz sunglasses from last year and headbands. New Tigress had never been to an event (she was a pinch hitter for someone who double booked herself. Who double books on Zubaz?! Priorities, people), so I gave her a pair of my pants. That freed everyone up to receive a Zubaz t shirt.
Upon entering the Jungle (first of course), we were greeted like long lost relatives...you know, the crazy relatives you see once a year. While our friends were setting up shop, they started to cover our table in swag. Not everyone gets this kind of service, but when you are "regulars" (that's a direct quote), you get the VIP treatment. We received can koozies, bottle koozies (a true Zubazpalooza fan needs both for fancy and relaxed occasions), tattoos, headbands, retro sunglasses (see below), and Zubaz "sleeves". I had to ask what you do with the sleeve.
Our friends in events said they can go on your head, your arm, or even your leg as leg warmers. That's how the DTE Energy Squad was wearing them. You could also rob a bank with them.
All in all it was a great day. The Tigers couldn't pull of a win, but the Zubaz is bringing them good luck on this road trip so I can't complain. When you see me in October at Comerica, remember to comment on my pants.
 |
| You know you want to be a part of our family |
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Having Fun
Just because I don't write doesn't mean I don't love you or Tiger baseball. I've been watching as much as possible when caring for a nocturnal dragon (although she's becoming less nocturnal as the weeks turn to summer and more of a mini Tigress everyday). I even got to attend the famous Zubaz pants day. I promise I'll write about it soon since it's become a yearly tradition.
We are deep into May and the Tigers are playing some excellent baseball. Don't adjust your computer screen, I actually wrote that. The bats are active, the bullpen is decent, and the starting pitching is lights out as usual. I say that cautiously because Smyly and Porcello are still finding their groove. For the record, I'm not a Porcello hater by any stretch of the imagination. I just think he gets too much credit sometimes, especially from the announcing crew this year (you know who you are, Mario). Somehow, the bullpen is even contributing and throwing some quality innings. Here's some things I like about the team this year:
Joe Nathan- We have an actual, bonafide closer this year. That's right, usually in about July, we are scrambling through our beat down pen looking for someone to step up. Barring any injury, we have someone reliable and seasoned handling the ninth inning. It's pretty exciting to be enjoying something that other teams take for granted.
Ian Kinsler- Fielder/Kinsler trade...can we say "Winning"? Dom looks like a genius mastermind as usual with Prince still struggling and Kinsler looking like Bennie the Jet straight off the sandlot. He's got high socks, range, speed, a quick bat, and even goes yard once in a while. I've also seen his sick salsa moves on Twitter. He's the best acquisition in an off season full of new, solid players.
Scherzer/Verlander- The Dealing Duo (registered trademark) is doing what they always do, which is pitch lights out baseball. Verlander is still in his spring rut where he has a massive breakdown in about the sixth inning, but if he keeps at it, he can persevere. Maxxy Pooh is racking up extra dollars and zeros that are sure to be included in his contract with whatever team he signs with (I have little hope he'll sign with the Tigers so let's enjoy him while we can).
Fun- That's right, the Tigers are having fun. Whether it's some silly dance where their hands shake by their heads, Zubaz pants pulled up to the upper thigh (thanks Anibal), or the numerous handshakes, the Tigers are having fun with each other and it's paying off on the scoreboard. This is a very different team from the one last year that hung their heads after losing to Boston in the playoffs. I credit new blood and the leadership of the always smiling Torii Hunter. Joba Chamberlain might look like a lumberjack, but he acts like a clown.
Rad Brad- It doesn't matter who is managing, haters are going to hate. People are going to question lineup choices and calls on the field. Smokes can tell you all about it. My advice is to grow thick skin and buy some earplugs. I've liked the aggressive base running and gutsy small ball plays that the Tigers have been flashing this season. Brad's quiet presence in the dugout makes him seem more like a cool older brother rather than a grouchy grandpa looking for his next nicotine fix (I love you Smokes, but you know this is true). If you are on your best behavior, cool brother Brad might even teach you how to surf. Of course, I'd look like a genius manager too if I had the raw talent and experience that the Tigers clubhouse has, but Brad is holding his own and then some.
I'd like to think the Tigers aren't putting too much pressure on themselves and are just taking it one day at a time. That's the way they seem to be playing. This road trip has been a key part to the early season. With a sweep of the first place Orioles, a three game set with the team who took them down last year, and a series with a division foe in Cleveland, Detroit needs to send a message. We are bringing back the roar in 20-1-4 (now trending on Twitter). With a 25-12 record and a 6.5 game lead in the Central, you'd be having fun too.
We are deep into May and the Tigers are playing some excellent baseball. Don't adjust your computer screen, I actually wrote that. The bats are active, the bullpen is decent, and the starting pitching is lights out as usual. I say that cautiously because Smyly and Porcello are still finding their groove. For the record, I'm not a Porcello hater by any stretch of the imagination. I just think he gets too much credit sometimes, especially from the announcing crew this year (you know who you are, Mario). Somehow, the bullpen is even contributing and throwing some quality innings. Here's some things I like about the team this year:
Joe Nathan- We have an actual, bonafide closer this year. That's right, usually in about July, we are scrambling through our beat down pen looking for someone to step up. Barring any injury, we have someone reliable and seasoned handling the ninth inning. It's pretty exciting to be enjoying something that other teams take for granted.
Ian Kinsler- Fielder/Kinsler trade...can we say "Winning"? Dom looks like a genius mastermind as usual with Prince still struggling and Kinsler looking like Bennie the Jet straight off the sandlot. He's got high socks, range, speed, a quick bat, and even goes yard once in a while. I've also seen his sick salsa moves on Twitter. He's the best acquisition in an off season full of new, solid players.
Scherzer/Verlander- The Dealing Duo (registered trademark) is doing what they always do, which is pitch lights out baseball. Verlander is still in his spring rut where he has a massive breakdown in about the sixth inning, but if he keeps at it, he can persevere. Maxxy Pooh is racking up extra dollars and zeros that are sure to be included in his contract with whatever team he signs with (I have little hope he'll sign with the Tigers so let's enjoy him while we can).
Fun- That's right, the Tigers are having fun. Whether it's some silly dance where their hands shake by their heads, Zubaz pants pulled up to the upper thigh (thanks Anibal), or the numerous handshakes, the Tigers are having fun with each other and it's paying off on the scoreboard. This is a very different team from the one last year that hung their heads after losing to Boston in the playoffs. I credit new blood and the leadership of the always smiling Torii Hunter. Joba Chamberlain might look like a lumberjack, but he acts like a clown.
Rad Brad- It doesn't matter who is managing, haters are going to hate. People are going to question lineup choices and calls on the field. Smokes can tell you all about it. My advice is to grow thick skin and buy some earplugs. I've liked the aggressive base running and gutsy small ball plays that the Tigers have been flashing this season. Brad's quiet presence in the dugout makes him seem more like a cool older brother rather than a grouchy grandpa looking for his next nicotine fix (I love you Smokes, but you know this is true). If you are on your best behavior, cool brother Brad might even teach you how to surf. Of course, I'd look like a genius manager too if I had the raw talent and experience that the Tigers clubhouse has, but Brad is holding his own and then some.
I'd like to think the Tigers aren't putting too much pressure on themselves and are just taking it one day at a time. That's the way they seem to be playing. This road trip has been a key part to the early season. With a sweep of the first place Orioles, a three game set with the team who took them down last year, and a series with a division foe in Cleveland, Detroit needs to send a message. We are bringing back the roar in 20-1-4 (now trending on Twitter). With a 25-12 record and a 6.5 game lead in the Central, you'd be having fun too.
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