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Tigers cut 'Mr. I' in outfield grass as tribute to Mike Ilitch
Opening day in Detroit won’t be the same with Mike Ilitch. Though the Detroit Tigers weren’t scheduled for a home game Monday, the team still found a way to pay tribute to Ilitch, who died in February.
The Tigers are remembering Mike Ilitch with a “Mr. I” outfield design. pic.twitter.com/qtzyKZwQkJ
— Mike Mulholland (@mulho2mj) April 3, 2017
It’s unclear whether the team will keep the design on the field for their home opener, though that would be a fitting tribute for the man who owned the club the past 24 years. The team will play its first home game Friday against the Boston Red Sox.
The Tigers were slated to open the year on the road against the Chicago White Sox on Monday. That game was postponed due to rain. It will be made up Tuesday.
Justin Verlander, who wrote a touching message to “Mr. I” shortly after his death, will get the ball for Detroit.
Heartbroken hearing of Mr I’s passing. He was a family man. A self made man. A giving man. An icon for our city and nation. #RIPMrIllitch
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) February 11, 2017
If the outfield grass doesn’t make it to the home opener, the team will still honor Ilitch’s memory throughout the season. The Tigers already announced they will wear patches on their uniforms dedicated to “Mr. I” all year.
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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik
