'It's big-league': Tigers rave about clubhouse upgrades, new plane

Detroit — The Tigers, we can all agree, are made better in 2024 than they were in 2023.

So, perhaps appropriately, the Tigers players walked into the home clubhouse at Comerica Park on Friday morning, hours before the home opener, and were greeted at each of their lockers by Better Made gift baskets, big, tin bins filled to the brim with goodies.

That was nice. Seeing the renovated clubhouse was even nicer. As part of a multi-year project that reportedly is costing ownership tens of millions of dollars, players got to see the latest upgrades in their home digs, including a new, larger weight room, new, spacious lockers, upgraded office infrastructure for coaches, and more.

"This is incredible. Just being around this club for a few years now, since 2019, just all the changes that have gone on the past few years," said Tigers catcher Jake Rogers, "it's kind of incredible. It helps us feel a little more at home."

Outfielder Kerry Carpenter, who has taken over the locker room area long occupied by now-retired Miguel Cabrera, raved about the weight room, too.

"The weight room is like, from the first time I came to the big leagues to what it is now, it's just like night and day," Carpenter said. "That's a great place to get some work in."

Said Tigers rookie second baseman Colt Keith, who was at Comerica Park in January for his press conference after signing an extension before his major-league debut: "I texted Chris (Ilitch) and I said, 'Phenomenal job for the clubhouse, and the plane's not too shabby, either. It's awesome. I came here when I signed and it was all dirt."

Oh, the plane. That's what the players couldn't stop talking about, which makes sense, since they had already used that before Opening Day in Detroit, first off to Chicago for the White Sox series, then to New York for the Mets.

Keith said the leg room is incredible, maybe 10 feet between seats.

Spencer Torkelson smiled and noted the same thing.

"Incredible. Very comfy," he said. "Yeah, it's big-league."

The behind-the-scenes changes were a priority for new president Scott Harris when he arrived after the 2022 season. It's about keeping the players who are here happy, and maybe enticing players who aren't to come here — and perhaps help bring a fifth World Series championship to Detroit. The four World Series trophies, by the way, soon will be on display as you walk into the Tigers' clubhouse.

The Tigers also are in the midst of a multi-year upgrade project throughout Comerica Park that the fans will notice. On Friday, they unveiled their new 15,000-plus-square-foot videoboard with upgraded technology, a new audio system, and high-def televisions throughout the concourse.

Comerica Park turns 25 this year, and it's shown its age, though maybe just a bit less now.

"This is incredible," Rogers said. "I'll take this any day of the week."

tpaul@detroitnews.com

@tonypaul1984