Just like Owen Wilson said in Wedding Crashers, “I don’t want to talk about it because we lost so many good men out there.” Losing Curtis Granderson in a trade to the Yankees makes me feel like we lost a good man out there today. I feel like I’ve been at a funeral all day talking to friends and reading Facebook statuses about Granderson.
Here’s how I will remember Curtis Granderson:
He was a five-tool centerfielder that hit for power and average, had speed to burn, and made a catch against the Indians last season that I will always remember where I was when that happened.
Remember 2003, when half of us weren’t even Tigers fans, and Detroit was one game away from having the worst record in MLB history? When it looked like we were light years away from having a contending team? Curtis Granderson was one of those guys at the forefront of the Tigers rebuild. He was there on that chilly October night in 2006, leading off against the team he got traded for in the first Tigers postseason game I was alive to watch. He helped lead a team that seemed so far off from anything close to success to an improbable World Series birth, and I will always remember him for that.
As great of a player he has been for the Tigers, he’s been an even better person. He has served as an ambassador for Major League Baseball International, going to China, Italy and South Africa, and has contributed to number of charities nationally and locally in Detroit, including Boys and Girls Club of America. He has also won the MLB Players Choice award as Man of the Year.
When Fox Detroit Sports came up with “Who’s your Tiger,” I’m pretty sure Granderson was the inspiration behind it. He has been a fan favorite since his arrival to Detroit. It’s definitely sad to see him go, especially to the Evil Empire. I’m still going root for him. It’s kind of like when you break up with your girlfriend, but still want to be friends. I’ve got to admit, I’m a pretty excited to see him hitting bombs in that short right-field porch at the new Yankee Stadium.
Curtis Granderson, you were a great player, a fan favorite and a class act. Good luck in New York.
Signed,
Everyone
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