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Detroit Tigers stopping at Miller Auditorium

Jan. 4, 2007

KALAMAZOO--Area sports fans will see some of the biggest names in Detroit Tigers baseball during a presentation from 10:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, Jan. 18, in Miller Auditorium on the campus of Western Michigan University.

Doors will open at 10 a.m. for this free public rally, which is part of the 2007 Detroit Tiger Winter Caravan. The event will feature a variety of Tigers players and coaches who will take the stage to discuss the team's 2006 American League Championship season as well as its prospects for the coming year.

The Winter Caravan's Kalamazoo stop is being organized by the WMU Alumni Association. No tickets or reservations are required to attend the event, as most seating is based on a first-come, first served basis.

However, anyone who registers by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, will be entered in a drawing for items autographed by Tigers personnel. In addition, members of the WMU Alumni Association who register by Jan. 10 will be issued free tickets for reserved seating in the front rows of Miller's orchestra level.

The America League Championship Trophy will be on display during the event, and the first 200 people through the door will receive a commemorative item from the Tigers.

Among the day's main speakers will be manager Jim Leyland, who was named AL Manager of Year in 2006. Leyland signed with the Tigers as a catcher in 1963 and returned as its 36th manager in October 2005. A veteran of 42 years in professional baseball, he earned National League Manager of the Year honors in 1990 and 1992 and is only the third person to receive this top manager designation in both leagues.

Although subject to change, the other Tigers personnel scheduled to make the trek to Kalamazoo are coaches Lloyd McClendon, hitting; Gene Lamont, third base; and Rafael Belliard, infield; pitchers Mike Maroth and Justin Verlander; catcher Vance Wilson; infielders Placido Polanco and Chris Shelton; outfielders Craig Monroe and Marcus Thames; and broadcaster Dan Dickerson.

The WMU Alumni Association also played host to the winter caravan in January 2005. Among those participating that year were 1979 WMU graduate David Dombrowski, the Tigers' president, chief executive officer and general manager.

To make a reservation to attend this year's caravan program, visit www.wmich.edu/alumni and click on "Events" or contact alumni@wmich.edu or (269) 387-8777.

The Tigers will follow up their Kalamazoo appearance with the annual TigerFest from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, in Detroit. The event is being held for the first time at Comerica Park, and will include an opportunity to tour many unique areas of the ballpark. TigerFest 2007 also will feature autograph sessions, photo booths and instructional clinics. Tickets for this event may be ordered online at www.tigers.com or by calling (248) 25-TIGER.

Media contact: Jeanne Baron, (269) 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu

WMU News
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
(269) 387-8400
www.wmich.edu/wmu/news