Tiger Stadium: End of An Era

by Ryan G. McClarren
In Monday, Sept. 27, 1999, the sun set on an era of Detroit and Michigan history. The day before, I stood there, in Tiger Stadium, encompassed by the blue steel and green grass. I could see all the strikes thrown, smell the peanuts roasting, hear the crowd roaring. Yes, this was the place. The gods of baseball had anointed this place. The likes of Cobb, Ruth, Williams, and Mantle played within its walls. Generations of fans came to see the game they loved. This was the end. Yes, Tiger Stadium was to be no more. After tomorrow no more memories would be made, no more records would be broken; no one would celebrate a victory, or mourn a defeat.

The fans came from everywhere. The streets were filled with the faithful, all marching to Michigan and Trubell — The Corner. They came to pay their last respects to the mother of so many moments that would not be forgotten. As the sun shined overhead, people smiled. They remembered all the times they had come here before. Children laughed in anticipation of witnessing a game of baseball. The street vendors spoke of all the memories. Ticket takers and ushers had a gleam in their eye. Some fans kissed the stadium. Others took pictures remember their time there.

This was not just a moment for the people of Detroit. It was the ending of a chapter in baseball history. I spoke with people who had traveled from throughout the country just to experience baseball played on this hallow ground. One such traveler was Bob Costas, who venerated the stadium much like a hometown fan. He came with his son to experience this field as a fan rather than a reporter.

 This was the way baseball was meant to be played. A warm, sunny, afternoon greeted the players from both teams. Looking out into the crowd of fans was like beholding a sea of pure enthusiasm, as their beloved players took the field. Every play was greeted with the cheers of the crowd. This was baseball. 

Only a little while ago most people were in favor of a new stadium. It was an effort to renew the city of Detroit. It was an effort to stimulate the foundering city. I was one of those who wanted a new home for the Tigers. And while I still believe that we need to move on, I now understand the history and power contained in the old, grand Tiger Stadium. Filled to capacity, that stadium filled with screaming fans was absolutely breathtaking.

I was not just witnessing an exhibition of a traditional America sport. This was an entire city coming together, to remember the past, cheer for the present, and hope for the future. Everyone in the stadium was so different, yet so similar. People from every walk of life, every race, and several generations were at this place to see the ol’ ball game one last time.

Over the years, Tiger stadium has given so many people so many memories. It has been the home of champions and also-rans, a pantheon for heroes and a refuge for goats. In its history the stadium is more than just the sum of its collective win-loss records, statistics, and players. This place is a symbol of the past we can easily remember, but can never again relive, except in our memories.

The home of the American pastime, the hall of legends, the memories of summer days gone by. These are Tiger Stadium. As baseball moves from the Corner to Comerica, the stadium is not really gone. The memories of baseball, hot dogs, and souvenirs will never go away.

Thank you Tiger Stadium. We will miss you. MR