The Detroit Tigers were the feel-good story of the MLB last season after they overcame enormous odds both entering the season and during the season to make the postseason.
A lot of the Tigers’ success can be attributed to the out-of-this-world play they got from ace Tarik Skubal, who took home the 2024 AL Cy Young award. On Wednesday, Skubal shared a heartfelt statement with the city of Detroit prior to opening day.
“DEAR DETROIT,” Skubal opened. “Even though I’m from a small town in Arizona, we have a lot more in common than you might think. As I’ve learned more about our city, it’s clear that Detroit has faced its fair share of adversity, which has at times put its future in question.
“For me… I only had one offer to play Divison 1 baseball, meijer some pretty difficult injuries, and other setbacks that made my future feel uncertain. But this city is resilient and this team is resilient. The adversity we face makes the eventual greatness even more rewarding.
“From a 0.2% chance of making the postseason to hosting playoff games at Comerica Park. From a ninth-round pick to unanimous Cy Young winner. From a city in crisis to one of the greatest renaissance stories in America. We are all overcoming the odds. You believe in us, and we all believe in you. Detroit is a sports town and a slept-on city. You don’t understand this place or the people in it unless you’ve been here.
“The grit and the grind. The hustle and the attitude. The culture and authenticity. But also, a community where neighbors take care of each other and lift each other up.
“I felt it more than ever at the end of last season – the way you all showed up and created an electric atmosphere made me feel so proud to be a part of this community. It’s a new era of Tigers baseball, and we’re building something different.
“A new standard has been set, and we’re about to clock in like the blue-collar people of this city. So, say what you want about us… about Detroit. we have unfinished business, so…let’s run it back.
It’ll be interesting to see how the Tigers manage to build off last year’s success story.
