All’s quiet in Tiger land, and looks to remain that way. Tomorrow (Tuesday) is the tender deadline, and really the only player in question for Detroit is Carlos Pena. I fully expect the Tigers to offer Pena a contract, because if they weren’t planning on it they could have actually retained a player in the Rule 5 draft. Plus, Pena is too good to let walk – although a previous regime let Tony Clark go for nothing.
Other arbitration eligible players such as Brandon Inge, Craig Monroe, and Mike Maroth will most assuredly be offered contracts.
Although things are relatively quiet, my fellow bloggers are keeping things interesting. Brian has posted a tidy recap of the Tiger’s 1901 season. Fortunately there are a lot of Tiger seasons so if Brian gets favorable reviews he might do this some more.
And if you want to get geeky instead of historical, Lee continues his series looking at run production.
Don
Finally, for those who were curious about the family situation I mentioned on Friday, my father-in-law passed away rather unexpectedly. He had some health issues, but his passing took everyone by surprise.
While Don didn’t read this site, he wasn’t so much a computer guy, he was a huge baseball fan. Like so many from his generation and the Detroit area, he spent the majority of summer months with Ernie Harwell plugged into his ear.
During the visitation, one of Don’s old high school classmates reminisced that “Don was a heck of a pitcher, probably the best player on our team.” Don instilled jis love of baseball (and many, many, more admirable traits) in his two sons, and his youngest daughter (aka Mrs. Billfer) who all played as kids.
Don had a tremendous work ethic, and it was a race to see what would happen first, retirement or age 70 – 70 won. Don didn’t argue, but he didn’t give in. He spoke volumes without saying hardly anything. He didn’t ask for help, but always offered it. In short a great man.
After suffering several strokes, Don was relegated to a wheel chair and while his mind was intact, his speech wasn’t. For a proud, self-sufficient man the last couple years were probably very difficult for him, even moreso because he couldn’t communicate. Ultimately, he’s happier now in heaven with his wife who passed away just last year, but it doesn’t mean that those he left behind aren’t hurting.
Thank you for reading this, learning a little bit about Don, and indulging me this off-topic post.
Comments
11 responses to “Suggested Reading and Sadness”
no worries bilfer. you’re a heckuva writer and to listen to you talk about a good man passing is still enriching, and better than some distant rumor (Nomar a Tiger??!!) during a hotstove bereft of much real fire.
Well said. My condolences on your families loss.
Bill,
I’m sorry to hear about your family’s loss. If he can somehow read what you just wrote about him, I’m sure he’d be very proud.
Lee
Condolences to you and your family, Bill.
Condolences to you and your family, Bilfer — your description of him brought back some fond memories for me.
My sympathies to you and your family, Bill. Such events aren’t easy to write about (which, unfortunately, I know all too well), but I’m glad you shared with us.
Bill,
You have my condolences. You father-in-law reminds me of mine. He is also a long time Tiger fan and speaks about Newhouser, Lary, Tuttle, amongst others. He worked at GM for 37 years until he had a stroke in 1987. He lost his wife in 2001, but is still going strong at 76. I will try to cherish every moment with him.
God Bless,
Sam Hoff
Sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to you and your family.
It sounds like Don had a fulfilling life. I am sure you had some great baseball talks!
Thanks to all those who have left emails/comments expressing sympathy. It is very much appreciated.
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