Fans celebrate Tigers Opening Day in Detroit style

Opening Day in Detroit dawned with overcast skies and the threat of rain.

But the day held the promise of a near-typical start to a baseball season after two years of pandemic-related changes, and then a lockout during this off-season that at times looked like it would significantly push back the start. Instead, after a week's delay, baseball is back.

Exclusive:Chris Ilitch talks Tigers, Wings rebuilds, and being judged against his father

Vendors were out early preparing for crowds that started to gather hours before the game's 1:05 p.m. start. Temperatures were just about 40 degrees; not baseball weather, exactly, but pretty much the norm for Detroit Opening Days in early April.

Game day outfits

Fans showed their love for the team in all sorts of sartorial ways, but headwear was especially meaningful. Bobbleheads, vintage Tigers gear, stuffed Tigers.

Bonus: It all helps the wearer stay dry and a bit warmer.

But for one fan, only the formal style of Abraham Lincoln fit the day.

Ron Carley, a professional Lincoln presenter, said he was at the ballpark for the game like everyone else.

"It’s opening day,” he said. “It’s a party.”

People stopped him to take selfies with the ersatz commander-in-chief.

He said he comes to the stadium just about every day at noon to take pictures in front of its giant stone tiger sentries.

“I think I’m the only professional Lincoln presenter left in Michigan.”

'All the way'

Dee Gudenau of St. Clair Shores said she loves the atmosphere around Comerica Park on Opening Day. She and some friends were tailgating in the parking lot in front of the stadium on Woodward, munching on some pita sandwiches around 11 a.m.

Gudenau said it’s her second year coming to the Opening Day game.

“I am hoping the Tigers go all the way this year,” she said.

Gates open, taking party inside

At 10:30, with light sprinkles falling, Comerica Park's gates opened and the throngs of fans started making their way through metal detectors to get inside. They were serenaded by Prince’s “Kiss” as they made their way to more festivities offered inside the arena.

What's to come:National anthem performance, other Comerica events

Back to tradition

Emily and Frank Pizzo, both 62 of South Lyon, said they pick the same spot in the parking lot a stone’s throw from the ballpark every year to tailgate during the game every Opening Day. They said they’ve been doing it for 10-15 years. They got there at about 8 a.m. Friday to set up the canopy, chairs, the TV, grill and snacks and beverages for family and friends who will join the later.

“We hardly ever come to the games during the season, but we come on the big day just to feel the atmosphere,” Emily Pizzo said. “It’s just amazing and we love it.”

Frank said it’s really the first time since the pandemic they made the trip for opening day, and their gathering is a lot smaller than in the past.

“We used to have a band for entertainment and a bathroom set up.”

Still, he said, he’s glad opening day is here and people are celebrating again.

“We’re both vaccinated and that’s really all you can do,” he said. “It’s just time to get out. You have to live your life. You can’t stop living because of COVID.”

Tradition was on the minds of Jennifer and Joe Clarkston of Grand Rapids, who said they were excited to give their toddlers an authentic baseball experience.

“I remember going to ball games when I was a kid and the hot dogs and the hats and just the whole things… It’s a memory I’ll never forget so I want to give my boys that,” Joe Clarkston said.

The family arrived at Comerica Park at 10 a.m. just in time to enter the park when it opens, and Jennifer Clarkston said they are excited to start the festivities.

“We plan to spend most of the day out here, I can tell the boys are loving the ambience already,” she said.

9:30 a.m.: Nothing like Opening Day optimism

Julian Clinton, 19, of Detroit said he’s a big Tigers and baseball fan. He came to the ballpark Friday and was waiting for the gates to open at 10:30 a.m.

“I came to see my favorite players,” he said. “Miggy, Baez, Baddoo; really all of them.”

He donned a brand new jacket for the occasion. He said he got it in January at Fairlane Mall and today was the first time wearing it.

He also said he hopes Opening Day means warmer weather is on the way.

Clinton predicts the Tigers will make the playoffs “and win the division.”

First experience

Alejandra Diaz, 22, of Detroit brought boyfriend Jason Samuels, 21, to his first Tigers’ game.

“He’s from a small city north of Toledo so he’s not really used to the city and big crowds,” Diaz said. “But I grew up with this stuff so I had to bring him when I saw that they were selling tickets.”

Samuels said he’s been waiting for his first baseball game for years and is glad that pandemic restrictions are lifting so sporting events can host crowds again.

“I’m just happy it’s all getting better you know, we can all be here safely and enjoy a game and just have a good time,” Samuels said.

9 a.m.: But first, food

Meghan and Richard Mound of Livonia were just leaving an eatery on Woodward, starting their Opening Day with breakfast. They said they have been coming to Detroit Tigers games for over 30 years together. The couple took the day off work and said they woke up early to make it downtown.

“We couldn’t miss Opening Day, especially after two years of watching from home,” Meghan Mound said. “Downtown feels just like we left it. I'm so happy to be back even if the weather isn’t that great.”

John Livingston and Marcus Blight of Southfield were tailgating near the stadium and said they couldn’t wait to pack their cooler in anticipation. 

"It’s just a great excuse to get out with the guys and just relax while watching a game,” Blight said. “We’re meeting up with a bunch of coworkers from our office who we haven’t seen much since the pandemic started, really looking forward to it.”

8:30 a.m.: Getting the grill going

For Casey Poirier, of Clyde, Mich., tailgating at the Tigers’ first game is a tradition. So is wearing the suit festooned with the baseball team’s logos. He said his sister made it for him and he’s worn it every Opening Day that he can remember.

Before 8:30 a.m., he was cutting up green peppers on a makeshift counter on a pickup truck bed gate to grill along with some brats and kielbasa.

Nearby the group he was with were lounging in chairs under a collapsible canopy. Poirier said there were heaters running under the tent to take the chill off.

“This is what it’s all about,” he said. “And hopefully we’ll get a Tigers win.”

7:30 a.m.: The early birds

With baseball mitts in hand, Jacob Burger and Warren Wisniewski, both 19 and from Allen Park, milled about at the main entrance of Comerica Park, waiting to get in early and perhaps score a few autographs.

“For me, this is the start of summer and the start of baseball in Detroit,” Wisniewski said.

He said this is the first time he’s come down to the ballpark for Opening Day. Burger is an old hand, this being the second year he’s had tickets to the season’s first game of the year at the stadium on Woodward.

“And I come to just about every Tigers home game,” Burger said.

Both said they’re looking forward to the season and think the home team has a shot at making the playoffs this year.

“If Riley Green and (Spencer) Torkelson step up, we’ll be good,” Wisniewski said.