Former Detroit Tigers outfielder Austin Jackson, known for his tenure with the team from 2010 to 2014 and a key member of their 2012 American League Championship squad, is set to make a return to Comerica Park for a special occasion. During the upcoming weekend, Jackson will engage with fans during both the Saturday and Sunday games. Notably, on Sunday, July 14, he will be honored with the prestigious Willie Horton African American Legacy Award.
This weekend, the Tigers, currently holding a record of 43-48 as of July 10, will host the Los Angeles Dodgers, who lead the NL West with a record of 55-37. Fans eager to attend these games can purchase tickets via a provided link. The ballpark will offer a myriad of activities, especially catering to early attendees.
Here’s an overview of the scheduled events and giveaways throughout the weekend:
**Friday, July 12 (6:40 p.m. First Pitch):**
– The day kicks off with the seventh annual Negro Leagues Legacy Luncheon at Comerica Park, an exclusive gathering to welcome back former Negro Leagues players to Detroit and pay tribute to Austin Jackson.
– Prior to the game, the “Passing of the Bat” ceremony will take place on the field. This ceremony is a symbolic gesture honoring African American baseball players and their contributions. It involves passing a torch from a former Negro Leagues player to several generations of past and current African American Tigers players. The bat is then presented to a local youth player, with this year’s recipients being Dylan Larkins from U of D Jesuit 2024, committed to play college baseball at Georgetown, and Marwynn Matthews from Edison 2024, who will attend Western Michigan.
– Before the game, various HBCU step teams and drumlines will perform on the concourse.
– The Tigers will showcase their new City Connect jerseys for the first game against the Dodgers.
**Saturday, July 13 (1:10 p.m.):**
– The first 15,000 fans entering the stadium will receive retro Detroit Stars hats. Gates open at 11:30 a.m.
– Fans can participate in a pregame Q&A session with former Negro Leagues players and influencers from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the Comerica Big Cat Court. The panel, moderated by Negro Leagues historian Larry Lester, will feature Johnny Walker, Minnie Forbes, Ron Teasley, Charles Willis, Clinton Forge, Tommy Hayes, Reginald Howard, Bill Hill, and Dr. D’Wayne Edwards.
– The pregame ceremony will honor former Negro Leaguers, highlighted by a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Rosilyn Stearnes-Brown and Joyce Stearnes Thompson, daughters of Norman “Turkey” Stearnes, a revered figure in Detroit Stars history.
– The Tigers ticket sales & service team will host “HBCU & Divine 9 Night,” offering a special ticket package with proceeds benefiting the United Negro College Fund and the Detroit HBCU network, which includes an HBCU & Divine 9 Night hat.
**Sunday, July 14 (1:40 p.m.):**
– Gates open at noon, followed shortly by a fan Q&A session with Austin Jackson in the Comerica Big Cat Court from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.
– Jackson will then be formally recognized during a pregame ceremony with the Willie Horton African American Legacy Award, established in 2009 to honor individuals who have significantly enhanced baseball’s legacy and contributed to the Tigers’ storied history.
– Throughout the weekend, fans can purchase Negro Leagues merchandise at Comerica Park, available at Tony Dee’s Negro Leagues Baseball Store.
In summary, the Detroit Tigers and Comerica Park are set to host an immersive and culturally rich weekend celebrating the legacy of Negro Leagues baseball. From ceremonies honoring past players to engaging fan interactions and special giveaways, the event promises to be a memorable occasion for baseball enthusiasts and supporters of African American history in sports.
