Time to reflect

Nate, pass this on to the guys, or don't. But I thought you'd like to know.

I was in the Old Shillelagh three blocks from Comerica at the end of the game tonight, and after the last out, a few people were down, but most of us weren't biting. Y'all walked off the field to applause and cheers and an ovation. Of course we all wanted to see you win. The things you've accomplished this year have made the city hungry. But--speaking for myself, my friends, and the people at the Old S--we are so grateful for what you've done and the pride you've let us see in this city again. When I walk around wearing a hat with the Old English D on it, people that never would have said anything to me before now say, "Go Tigers!" And if y'all can foster that change, I feel like we can honestly find a way to make some more changes happen.

I hope that you all are proud. We are so very proud to have this team in this city. We've felt that way for over a hundred years now, and that won't change.

As far as this season goes, y'all have given me three t-shirts, a sweatshirt, two hats, two balls, forty-five ticket stubs, four rolls of film, about ten videos, and some of the best memories of my life. Thank you, and thanks to the rest of the team, so very much. Some people think that sports end on the field. Anyone that's seen what you guys have done for this city knows that it goes far beyond the boundaries of Comerica Park.

See y'all at Spring Training. I can't wait.

Nate,

Thank you so much for these blogs. It's been a great place to get the view from where you sit, vent, cheer and have a good conversation with fans everywhere.

As far as this Tigers team...you guys were outstanding. No, you didnt win the series but I will never forget being at Comerica park and watching you guys run around the field spraying champaing on the crowd!

I also won't forget being at the ALCS final game as you carried Leyland off the field. THOSE are the things that I will cherish as a long time fan who has been waiting for this!

And I have no doubt you will be back next year with renewed purpose. I almost already can't wait for opening day when they raise the pennant!!!

God bless and have a great off season with all of your friends and family and come back next year..........

bring plenty of gum!

Nate, you all did an amazing job this year. I don't think anyone would have even guessed at the beginning of the season that we'd be sitting here reflecting upon the Tigers having been in the World Series.

This year was about reestablishing Detroit's pride in the Tigers - I think it's safe to say that both pride and faith have been restored, and we have all of you to thank for that. Baseball is officially back in Detroit.

See you Opening Day '07!

Nate, what you and your Tigers teammates have done for fans of Detroit baseball was truly special and awesome, and you all will be remembered for it. You made baseball fun again for fans nationwide.

We're all going to hurt awhile, but years from now, we're all going to remember just how incredible 2006 was and the guys who made it so.

Thanks.

Congratulations on being second best!

http://azdiamondhacks.mlblogs.com/

Hi - Cards fan here. I just got home from the game and celebration and I wanted to take a minute to congratulate the Tigers and their fans on a great season. You did what no one thought you could this season and that is, definitely, worth bragging about. While, yes, some errors were made on the side of the Tigers in the World Series, I still think the Tigers are a great team with a rich history. Yeah, maybe they didn't win the World Series, but they DID have a winning season, they DID win the ALDS and they DID win the ALCS. Those are not small accomplishments and you can relish in the fact that you beat the Yankees. Congratulations again and I'm 100% confident that you'll take the winning record with you to the 2007 season.

Hello, I'm a lifetime (1970 on) Cards fan, and I know (from a fans side of course) the felling of loosing a WS ('85, '87, '04). I wish more people could appreciate what it takes to get there. It seems like everyone talks about how great it is for teams to just get to the WS, until they loose the WS. Don't listen to the negative. The Tigers deserved better, and if they had played any other NL team than the Cards, I'd have been pulling for the Tigers. The Tigers proved better than the Yankees (yeah) and the A's and all other AL teams.

You guys have a ton of young tallent, a superb manager, a group of great vets and are a class act team. Appreciate what you did as a team this year, build, learn, and come back and take it. Good luck in your comming seasons, and if the Cards don't make it back, I'm on your bandwagon!

Nate,

You and the club have absolutely nothing to be ashamed about. You brought back something to Detroit in which I never thought I would see in recent years- you fellas brought tiger pride back to Detroit. And it has been a memorable summer watching you guys day in and day out- through the ups and through the downs of it all. As much I wish we could keep the whole line up as is, I know some of you guys won't be around next year. But I hope you each one of you carries a piece of this summer with you for the rest of your careers and that it means as much to you as it did to us.

Bless you boys, and now no matter where you play, you will always be considered a Tiger by Detroit fans.

Thank you,

Robert

PS- Gum time better be back next year!!!

Hi - Cards fan here. I just got home from the game and celebration and I wanted to take a minute to congratulate the Tigers and their fans on a great season. You did what no one thought you could this season and that is, definitely, worth bragging about. While, yes, some errors were made on the side of the Tigers in the World Series, I still think the Tigers are a great team with a rich history. Yeah, maybe they didn't win the World Series, but they DID have a winning season, they DID win the ALDS and they DID win the ALCS. Those are not small accomplishments and you can relish in the fact that you beat the Yankees. Congratulations again and I'm 100% confident that you'll take the winning record with you to the 2007 season.

Posted by: michellemarty2001@yahoo.com | October 28, 2006 03:55 AM

Hi there Cards fan,

Congratualtions to you and your team. You outplayed us. Mr. Leyland had been saying that the Cards had injuries all season and should have had 90 plus wins in the regular season. Thanx for the kind words. YOU ARE A CHAMP!!

I think the long wait for the WS to start did take the edge off the Tigers' roll, but gave Zumaya and Casey time to recover from their injuries, and the weather made it bad for both teams.

Maybe the regular season is 2 to 6-games too long because playing in unpredictable October weather can be, mmmm, unpredictable, not to mention cold and wet and soggy. ;-) + %-)

For our Tigers' pitchers that had, what was it, only 5-errors in the regular season, well, most of you guys are young and that was just the WS Jinx, tension, nerves, waiting, the weather, etc. No big deal, you all wil be back next year and the next and next. Just look what you all did to the Yankees and A's!! We'll never forget that!! You guys are very good, yes indeed.

I hope the Tigers' management signs Casey, the Mighty Casey at bat, as I saw his post game interview and it was seen and remarked he had tears in his eyes, and he played his best and that was GREAT, and has quite a heart and is a good guy to have around. With him and Shelton and Thames etc. altertnating between DH and playing a position I think that the Tigers have good talent in depth. Same for Gomez, Infante and Santiago.

I saw Granderson somewhat blaming himself for missing that ball, and it wasn't his fault with the field being as wet as it was. I understand there was some standing water in spots. I also heard that he was wearing longer spikes, and I think that is a mistake in very soft ground, and you could see the large clod of sod that was thrown up in the air. Lucky he didn't hurt his ankle. So, all in all it was not Granderson's fault at all, but the misreable weather and field conditions. Same for Monroe's missed catch, a bit dryer ground and there most likely would have been a catch. The Cards were also a bit nervous tonight. Eckstein was great though, another WS Veteran. Weaver was also great tonight. Have to give credit for battling like that. Pujols made an unbelieveable catch and prone throw to first, very good!!

So to Nate and ALL the TIGERS, you guys had a great season and brought baseball back to Detroit with a bang, and some BLC Gum pops!! You are all Veterans now of a long WINNING campaign and finsihed 2nd best in the Bigs, but to us YOU ARE NUMBER ONE!!

You also brought back some childhood memories for me of playing 'sandlot' ball with the other kids in the neighborhood, except the 'sandlot' was a schoolyard diamond composed of packed clayey earth with gravel and broken glass and other impedimentia. %-) Ouch!! But we had some good times what to me now seems ages ago. Thanx also for those memories of friends from long ago.

ROLL BABY ROLL!!! GO TIGERS GO!!!

Congratulations on being second best!

http://azdiamondhacks.mlblogs.com/

Posted by: Matt | October 28, 2006 03:45 AM

You mean a nice rattlesnake hasn't found you yet?? Ever see anyone get bit by one?? Probably not I suspect, because you sound as if you are about 5-years old.

Have a good day, Chris

Great season Nate. This was my first time experiencing a competitive Tiger team, and I gotta tell ya I'll always remember it for the rest of my life. So many magical moments, one after another. Just an amazing year, finish not withstanding.

Wanted to give you some food for thought too here. If you recall 2 years ago in the 2004 World Series, the Cardinals got back there for the 1st time since 87, and promptly got swept by Boston. Now here they are 2 years later celebrating a title. Maybe we'll be like them soon, celebrating a title of our own.

Hi Nate!

My life is all tigers, from going to Tigerfest in February to listening to the Pat Caputo show late-night in june after a game. You guys have really ment something to this town and really put respect back into the beautiful Old English D. Its bittersweet to watch you guys come so far and not finish, but baseball is never really over. I know the tigers will be incredible for along time to come. I am proud of being able to devote my life to a team that is not only incredibly talented, but also a great bunch of guys that play as a unit. I'm sure that you will get your ring(s), and it shouldnt shock the baseball world this next time around. The Tigers are good and they are here to stay. I've always had faith in you guys and I look forward to the second of April 2006 when you guys will start your second journey to get back and win against the Blue Jays!!! I'VE ALWAYS LOVED THE TIGERS AND ALWAYS WILL

-A Lifelong Tigers fan

'35 '45 '68 '84 '07 '08 '09 '10 etc.!

Nate,
Having got so far, I know that coming second must stick in the throat, but let me give you and the rest of the team a message from Tigers fans all over Great Britain (and there are a lot of them). Thanks for what was, quite simply, a magical season. Who, at the start of the season, would have guessed that the Detroit Tigers would have been playing in the World Series? Precious few, including Tigers fans! From this side of the Atlantic it was great listening to the team battling and winning (thanks WXYT and the internet!). I've been a Tigers fan since 1983 and I suffered, like all Tigers fans, through 2003 so how good was it to see the pitching staff show all the talent they'd been touted as having and propel the team to a wonderful season. The big question now is what am I going to do until April?? Nate, I hope you and the team have a good off season and I can't wait for next season. Detroit Tigers baseball is back! Go Get 'Em Tigers in 2007!

Alastair Campbell

Lanark

Scotland

Thank you for a great season. I have been a Tiger fan forever. In the last few years people would tease me about it. I would tell them that some year they will win again. You guys did it this year! Thank you again.

Dear Tiger players and fans,
I am a die hard Cardinal fan and I know how coming this far and losing hurts like ****. Because it was my team in 04 who had the destinction of ending the Red Sox curse. I know this is hard to hear right now but do not forget you guys are the American League Champs. No one can take that away from you. My final piece of wisdom is to let yourselves feel this World Series loss if only for the reason that WHEN you all win your next World title that it may be even sweeter for you as this one is for us. I hope in some way that helped and remember spring training is a little over 4 months away good luck next season.

Nate, Its a hard pill to swallow the fact that the season is over. When you guys beat the A's, I was home alone. My 2 boys were at friends houses and the daughter and the wife were gone shopping. Our phone never stopped ringing. They all know I love the game(tigers)and was watching and just wanted to call and share the moment with me.
The tigers also have a home town boy sitting in the bullpen that warms you up before you go out. It was a great thing to see him out on the field through out the season. From Joe Beaver congrats on a great season and can not wait to see you back. Tell Pick I said Hello

Nate,
Please pass this on to all the rest of the boys and the skipper too... We are all so very proud of you. You have done so much for the city of Detroit, and all of Michigan. I have seen so many people wearing the old English D and smiling. We fans have nothing but gratitude and pride in our team. This tigers fan has had the best summer. I'm only sad that I won't get to see you all play for 4 whole months. So.. enjoy your break, feel pride in all that you have accomplished (not just the wins but in uniting this city and giving us hope again.)My 7 year old hopes to collect more autographs next year. He is even doing his bedroom in a Tigers theme. We might even plan a trip out to Lakeland to see you all. Rest up, enjoy time with your family and know that you all live in our hearts and we wait for April 2nd to show you our support all over again. Go Tigers!!!

Wonderful season
Wonderful memories

thank you

Library Monkey

Thank you guys for bringing the life back in to the city. We have all been with the team through the down times, and I know I speak for all the life long tigers fans when I say thank you guys from the bottom of my heart. GREAT JOB to you all. See you on opening day!

Bless you boys!

Thank you for a wonderful season Nate. This hurts for now, but you guys definitely surpassed all expectations, and turned the 2006 season into a magical one. One that I know I'll never forget.

We're very proud of all you guys.

Nate,
I hope you and all the rest of the Tigers will continue to hold your heads high after you reflect on the season. Sure there were a lot of errors in the WS, but look at how young and inexperienced many of the players are! I will be looking forward to Spring Training and the '07 season. I hope you'll not only continue to have gum time, but that you'll do the blogs again. I love to read about the game from your perspective. I hope you all get to enjoy your time off and get yourselves refreshed and ready for a new season. I wish you and all the guys all the best!

JWalker

Nate,

Good job to all of you. Thank you for this year. Its been so fun watching and I cant believe its over that quick. You guys worked so hard last night. But it just couldent get through. Im expecting another world series next year,and i hope next year will be as good as this. Beating the yankees was a phenomenon and the Athletics too. Those white sox were kinda good but we still made it through. Im hoping to see ll the same players next year for this tigers team. I dont want any of you to leave. But Good luck next year, and so fourth, I love you nate and all the other players.

Nate- as a die hard Mets fan and just having gone through this ourselves, but also was rooting for the Tigers, this is "deja vous all over again". You have everything to be proud of, you played like warriors and you have provided your fans with some fun and good ole fashioned rivalry well beyond the regular season. How much more can you ask for? It all comes down to how the moons align, how the wind blows and who happens to have the streak going for them during the 7 game World Series. Season records mean little except being the factor that got you there. After that it is all bets are off and you play as equals. You played your hearts out and Tiger fans know that.

Rest, proudly proclaim that you made it to the World Series and I am sure Tiger fans will count every moment till Spring training and they can root for you all over again. Us Mets fans feel the same about our guys and are thankful for an exciting post season.

Have a great off season!

Nate, CONGRATS!!!!!!! Thank you soooooooo much for the season that you guys had! It was AWESOME!!!!!!!!! I only wish it were April so we don't have to wait that long, but I guess we all need this break from baseball!

But seriously, you guys should be very proud of what you did this year. From last place to first in 3 years is pretty awesome!

I felt like I wanted to say something insightful, that no one else has said, but everyone's pretty much said it time and time again!

Have a great offseason, enjoy it! We'll see you next year!!!!!!!!!! :-D

<3 Erica

PS- We'll keep Big League Chew in stock at Hockeytown for next season! ;-)

Nate - thanks to you and all the other guys for a great season. I was at Game 4 of both the ALDS and the ALCS and they were two of my top sports experiences ever!

Congrats to the American League Champs and I can't wait until spring training and Opening Day 2007.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!! for a fantastic season. Is it April yet?????

Nate,
I just wanted to say that I have never had this much fun watching baseball. I grew up in Michigan playing softball for the first half of my life and was a huge Tigers fan but got bored with it and instead watched Barry Sanders, "The Bad Boys", and the Red Wings. Then I moved to Chicago and watched the White Sox win the world series, I had forgotten how watching baseball could be fun. When this season started I knew what the Tigers record was in '03 but I still watched and I watched and I watched. Watching you guys was addicting from the first month and it only got better as the season went on. I loved the energy and humility that you guys played with. I have finally stopped crying about last night but I just wanted you and the boys to know that you brought back the excitment of watching baseball for me and now I am here to stay. I love knowing everyone's names and stats and I hope that everyone comes back for next season. You guys went above and beyond everyone's expectations this year and should be very proud of what you've accomplished, you kept a 200 million dollar team out of the world series! Congrats, I love you guys, and have a great off-seaon.

Hey Nate, You and the 2006 Tigers brought the Magic Back to Tiger Town and even though we didnt bring the WS title home you have restored hope in the city of detroit and I would like to thank you for that .You can all hold your heads high and be proud of all you have accomplished this year. I cant wait til next year

Nate-

You all had an excellent season and don't beat yourself up over it. I have a feeling you all will be back to defend the AL next year. The team has come so far and no one even picked you to get in the playoffs, let alone winning the ALDS then the ALCS. YOU ALL DID GREAT!!!!!

Be proud of all you accomplished this year, take some time to relax and get ready for next Spring.

Nate,
Please pass my thanks and congatulations on to the entire team for a great and memorable season. It was an unfortunate end to the season that we lost the series but you all have given us so many memories and so much hope that the loss, while disappointing, does not dimminish or discount what you accomplished in the season, or the happiness that you brought to so many people.

This was my fourth season as a season ticket holder and having gone through the tough times of 2003, I can safely say that what you did this season wipes away the memories of those struggles and replaces it with hope and anticipation for only good things to come.

To me, this season was my release from the uncertain times in which we live right now. Going to the park and watching all of you play in the regular and post-season helped to wipe away my worries and I will always be grateful to all of you for that and will always remember this magical season.

I can't wait until next season! Good luck to you and the team always.

Rick

Hi Nate,
Thank you for giving us Tiger fans one heck of a year of baseball. What you boys have done for this sport in this city is nothing short of amazing. While you may not be world champs in the eyes of most of the baseball world, you guys are champions in the eyes of all us Tiger fans. I have fallen in love with each and every one of you, you are all true heroes to me. Have a fantastic off-season and i look forward to what next season may bring.

Nate,
Thank you sooo much for such a great season. I wish we would have made it all the way also, but we didn't so we'll get them soon--maybe in '07! Gum Time has been fun this year,your amazing pitching, the hitting, the other pitching, ooohh there are soo many memories, so Thank You for the season of my life!

Still your #1 fan,

Kate

Nate, wow what a year you guys had, and what you have built can only get stronger. This World Series for me a Cardinal fan is the ultimate, been waiting 24 years for this, an trust me it's sweet. But having the Michigan connection that I do, all of my friends being from there and being diehard Tigers fans, I got to know your team, and followed you guys very closley, so I know what your capable of. So form one Wichata Kansan to another, Good luck next year, I'll be watching.

Hey Nate,

I was just reading the roster for the tigers and i was reading the birthdays of all you tigers players and it said jeremy bonderman was born 10/28/82.....Then i was like omg today is 10/28! Well i wish him a happy birthday and please tell him that for me. Thanks for a wonderful year and all the wonderful memories i love you nate and all the other tigers, i cant wait till opening day. But anyways by brother was born on opening day! he will be 15 when you play your first game of the season. he also likes the tigers to and his favorite player in curtis granderson. Well i cant wait for opening day im gonna miss the tigers so much. Im gonna miss watching the pregame at 6:30 pm on channel 13 (FSN),and the two funny announcers, Mario Impemba and Rod allen, they were so funny and i love those announcers. Well its just so hard to believe the seasons over,but thanks for this unforgetable season. My favorite moments were when Joel Zumaya got his record pitch speed of 103mph. and when polanco caught the ball where he hurt his shoulder and couldent play for a while ( i missed him so much) and when you guys got that 17 pointer game and also the 18 pointer game, they were amazing.I also loved how magglio hit that walk off home run to get to the world series. I loved every moment. From strikeouts,to popups to home runs. It was great. You guys put the '03 season behind and looked forword. Dont look back just keep going. Gum time was one of my favorites also. Going to the game in the middle of the summer at comerica was soo fun. you played the twins. but you lost 2-4. It was still good. Ill never forget that. Yes, i have to admitt, i did cry last night. this morning to when i read your blog post and everyone elses and also my other post. Im REALLY hoping to see the same players next year. I really dont want anyone to leave. Jim leyland was fun seeing this year and he is an amazing coach. Thank you for this season and the mant more seasons to come!!!!!!!! i love you and all the other tigers player sooooooo much!!!!!!!!!!!! GOOOOOOOO TIGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nate,

We love you you and the Tigers. We'll see you next year!

Dan

This year was magical. Who's my Tiger? The entire team! I loved not knowing who was going to be the hero/star each game. And Gum Time was a bonus. Can't wait for 2007.
Thanks to all of you!

Nate,
You guys are amazing! Wow, what a season! Everyone should be proud of their efforts this year and that they are not only part of a great team, but a great extended family as well. Everyone I know is already excited for next year. Thank you for all your hard work and for showing your fans the true teamwork you showed this year. We are all so proud of you guys!

Andrea

Congratulations guys. I was sitting at home watching the last two games and I could barely sleep after both. But this morning I woke up with a smile on my face.

Why?...You guys were in the World Series, you beat the Yankees in the playoff series I've waited my whole life for, and I had seen countless moments of baseball that I will never forget at CoAmerica this year.

This was all more than I had ever expected before this year started. As you guys started to win...you started to see the diverse personalities on this team. It was always a riot to watch the pitching staff on TV, because you guys were having fun, and so were we. I really don't know for sure what goes on, but to me...it looked like you young guys taught Kenny how to have fun with baseball again, and in turn he helped your pitching mature.

I just can't remember ever seeing a more likeable team than our hometown Tigers this year. I can't wait to be at opening day again next year (hopefully I can get tickets...it might be even harder than usual).

Good luck next year...we're all exstatically proud of you for what you've given us all this year.

God hears all prayers, and God answers all prayers. But sometimes God's answer is "no."

I find great consolation in those words. If you are a person of faith, which I believe Nate is, and I know several of the other Tigers are, then you will be able to appreciate the bigger picture and that is God does His will in His time, not in our time.

Thank God for the unforgettable summer and Nate, thank you for taking the time to blog. Hope you all have a wonderful off season and thanks for the memories of this season.

hi nate, congrats on a wonderful season. i don't think any of us can be disappointed with it. and hey, now there's a little bit more experience under y'alls hats. here's something i posted on motownsports.com in the 'thank you tigers' thread:

what an amazing season. thank you tigers, for one of the best summers of my life.. i rediscovered baseball and had more fun going to games at comerica park than i have had doing anything else in a loooong time. you have made me a fan for life. what a great group. the champagne celebration with the fans (i was there!) at comerica was one of the greatest things i have witnessed in sports in my life. what a special group, from top to bottom.

we love you and are SO proud of you! you brought baseball back to detroit!

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE GREAT TIMES THIS YEAR!

CONGRATULATIONS 2006 AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!

GO GET EM NEXT YEAR!

can't wait till spring training and we'll see you on opening day!

Hey Nate --

To you and all the Tigers -- thanks! You have become dear to so many of us Tiger fans, and you've given us a season to remember. I've enjoyed not only following the games, but reading your insights and viewpoint on this blog. Great job! Thanks for everything, and God bless you.

Marty

Hi Nate,
I've read all the comments about the amazing year that the Tigers had, and I agree. However, I would like to share my one observation that no one else has hit upon. While watching you guys play this year, I noticed how you cheered each other on, how supportive you were of each other. There was a party in the dugout every time someone did something good and there were consoling pats on the backs and pep talks when it wasn't so good. In contrast, for example, the Yankees during the AL chase - camera on the dugout after a good hit, etc., high fives and that was the end of it. There were no parties, no rooting for each other, major disconnect. The Tigers, on the other hand, were a team, you bonded and were all in this together. Now that's the way baseball should be played. That's why they're called teams. Jim did a fantastic job of pulling you guys together and you guys did an even better job of staying together. As a lifelong Tiger fan, I am so proud of my Tigers, through good and not so good. Congratulations on an amazing season, thank you for the thrills and anxiously awaiting Spring 2007. Have a good vacation!

Hello Nate:

Since becoming a fan of the English "D" in the early 60's, when the local little league organization bused us to the game every year, I have a deep appreciation for the teams effort.

The experience gained from this years efforts will only increase our chances at a championship ring in 2007. I am quite sure that 2007 season will be just as exciting as 2006.

Thank you and the Tiger organization for another great season. It is so much fun watching men play a kids game. You guys played great.

Gregg Sanders

Nate -

I want to congratulate you and the rest of the Tigers for giving us one **** of a season. You and the rest of the "Boys of Summer" were nothing less than a class act. I'm a life long Tiger fan and have always bled orange and blue from mid-February to September. This year it was a whole month longer and somehow, winter will seem a bit less harsh because baseball will be coming sooner.

Congratulations to you, your team mates, Mr. Leyland and his staff for giving us one spectacular year. I'm hoping I'll be able to afford a partial season tickets package this year and I'll see you on April 2nd - Opening Day for 2007.

Go Tigers!!!!!!

Nate and the entire organization:
I am surprised by what an impact this team has had. A year ago, I could not have named more than ten players on the team's roster, now my 2 year old son runs around with a Joel Zumaya T-shirt saying "Magglio Ordonez" when the game is on TV and my 7 year old daughter swoons when she sees Sean Casey. This team reminded me how great the game of baseball is. The Old English D has another notch in its storied past. Win or lose from this point forward, every one on the 2006 Detroit Tigers will be remembered for many years as a champion. Thanks for a terrific season.

I grew up watching the Tigers with my grandfather and now I watch with my grandchildren. You guys were absolutely awesome this year and so much fun to watch. It was a sad ending to a great season but you'll be back. You'll always be #1 in my book. See you in the spring, I can't wait. GO TIGERS!!!

Congratulations on a wonderful season, we are all so proud of the Tigers! In the beginning of the season, we just wanted the team to make it to 500 and here you were in the World Series, what an accomplishment! So you didn't win the title, you'll get them next year. You all should be proud of yourselves, you brought the old English D back to not only the city of Detroit but all of Michigan and the U.S. too. Last year my mom didn't know one name on the team, now she knows them all. I've been a fan since 1984 and in years past, I was afraid to wear my English D's but not anymore. Let Justin know that he pitched an exceptionally good game last night. Besides the 1st inning and the error, he did well and he shouldn't be down on himself. He had a remarkable season and he will only get better. Everyone had errors in this World Series, you live and learn by it. Also tell Todd Jones that he has a true fan here. I don't understand why people get on his case. He's a good guy, with a heart of gold. He makes me laugh everytime I see an interview of him. Nate, I love your gum time and your comments. I hope it continues next year and will be looking forward to it. You are a great pitcher and a down to earth one at that too, I like that. To the rest of the team, congratulations on the best season I have seen in a long time! You guys are great and you'll get them next year! To Mr. Leyland, I am absolutely speechless when it comes to you because you are just totally awesome! When we second guess you and think you are crazy, you pull through. It's almost like you are God, it's very scary! You're the best Mr. Leyland! Congratulations Detroit Tigers, go get them next year!!!

Wow Nate, what a season huh? As a friend of yours, it has been awesome me, Deb and Kevin watching you all year. I'll tell ya pal you have brought us a ton of excitement this year. I am honored to call you my friend. Hope to see you over the next couple months!!! God bless you and Christine.
Ron, Debbie & Kevin Newsome

Nate-

Its the next day, and like many fans I am still reeling that the series went the way it did. I'm sure you know the feeling. Having said that though, there are such greater emotions running through me that I am having a hard time getting them out.

You guys have touched our hearts in so many ways. There was so much magic the entire season. I have always had a deep passion for the game, and you guys helped me find it and rekindle it and nurture it yet again. I will never forget that.

We made it to 4 playoff games- me and my 2 boys, who are now 18 and 20. The Tigers won all 4 of the games. We saw both of the home games against the Yankees- the two most memorable sporting events I have ever attended. We saw the first home game against the A's, and we saw our lone victory against the Cardinals. To get to that game we had to buy standing room only tickets from a broker, at about $250 each. Then we had to show up 3 hours before game time to get a good place to stand, and we had to stand through the cold and the drizzle. And we would do that all over again- it was worth every penny. Every time we went to a playoff game, we wanted to go to the next one.

So thank you for such a great season, and you all the joy you brought. You made my year, and I will never forget that.

I don't care what happened in St. Louis. In my heart, you guys are still the best.

I wish you all the best in the off-season, and I am already looking forward to next year.

From a very loyal fan,

Bruce Curtis

Thank you for this great 2006 season! You cannot begin to know just how much this has meant to all of us fans. Will there be a 2006 highlights DVD produced? Please??

Can't afford partial season tickets or even to go to many games, but I am already planning to be at Opening Day to see all of my Tigers at Comerica as the American League Pennant is unfurled and the 2007 season begins. GO TIGERS!

P.S. What in the world am I supposed to do these next few months with no Tiger baseball to watch?????

Thanks Nate. Thanks for EVERYTHING you and the Tigers gave back to the fans this year. I can honestly say I have been a lifelong Tiger's fan, and I have been through so much misery with this team over the years. But that is what makes the good times even better. It's getting through the tough times, taking the losses in stride, living to fight another day. I thought your post season performances this year were GREAT! You gave your heart and soul for this team out there and I know this Tiger fan appreciates your effort.
Take this WS loss, let it soak in, embrace it...then let's go get 'em next year and prove that the Pride is back in the Olde English D!

Tigers in 07!!!!!

So I may be a Cardinals fan, but I have to say that y'all Tigers played a heck of a game. It's amazing how y'all bounced back from last year, and I wish you the best of luck in the next season.

Nate,
I want to thank-you and all of your teammates for an exciting season. It has been a long time since I have paid this close of attention to the Detroit Tigers. You guys have cretainly renewed my interests in the Tigers. I was able to come down to Comerica only four times and I plan to come down many more times in 2007 to watch Tiger baseball. The Detroit Tigers have got me so excited about watching baseball this year that I really want to be able to start to travel around the United States to other ballparks to see other stadiums in the major leagues

and hopefully to see you play in those parks. I'm not to interested in watching the other local teams in metro Detroit so I will be keeping my eye on the Tigers in the off season and gettting pumped up for next year. Have a great winter and we will see you next spring.

BLESS YOU BOYS.

Nate - thank you and all the Tigers so much for a great season... AL CHAMPS! The World Series! Who would have thought that was possible at the beginning of the season? We're all so proud of what guys have done for yourselves, and for us fans this year. Please hold your heads high - I'll be proudly displaying the "D" here in Seattle and when you come out to play I'll be there to cheer you on. I can't wait for '07 - when do you have to report? *grin* Have a great rest until then - you all deserve it.

Hey - thanks also for sharing your thoughts here, and please keep blogging in the offseason. We'd love to hear what you're up to.

Hey Nate: You guys exceeded my expectations in a big way! Thank you. I've always worn Tiger shirts, jackets, hats, etc., here in Ohio. Now I can wear them with a swagger in my step. Please keep these blogs up during the off season. I will need my Tiger fix! You guys will go far in the years to come. You have the WS experience under your belts. I Love you all! Go Tigers!

Nate, as I am writing this today, I have never been more proud to be a Tiger fan than I am right now. You and the rest of the team have given us Tigers fans such a memorable and exciting year! I was fortunate enough to see many games this year, to see you sweep the Cubbies at Wrigley, to see you beat the Rocket and also to see you clinch both the ALDS and the ALCS. Who is MY Tiger? You are ALL my Tigers! You have touched the lives of not only the fine citizens of Detroit, but all around the region - Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Ontario as well. You have most certainly "restored the Roar" and we as fans are grateful to you all. I hope you all get some good time off - you deserve it - and come back ready next year to win it all, because I'm sure that's what you (and I) expect. Until April, thank you all and "bless you boys."

Debbie

Toledo, Ohio

Nate, I would like to thank you and the rest of the team for an incredible year. I grew up in Detroit and now live in California. I have remained a Tiger fan for 40 years and often fly back to Detroit for games. I flew back for W.S. games one and two with my 16 year old daughter. The memories you guys have given us this year will never be forgotten. Once again, thank you and the team for what you have done for the fans and the city of DETROIT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Nate,

Cards fan here-I just wanted to congratulate the Detroit Tigers for an amazing season! You guys were really awesome and were a very worthy opponents for the St. Louis Cardinals. I hope you guys have a nice off-season. You guys deserve so much credit! And a message to the fans, you guys are crazy! You guys gave Kenny Rogers so much inspiration when he was out there and that was AMAZING! There should be a battle of the fans! Well, once again, congratulations on a great season! God Bless boys!

Nate,
Thanks to you and the Tiger team for an AWESOME season. You guys are an amazing team. You guys have brought so much pride and happiness back to Motown. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! I can't wait till next seaon. We are a baseball loving family, and it is going to be a long winter waiting for our MUCH LOVED and ADMIRED team to return. Enjoy your time off, and we will see you in the Spring.

Nate,
Thank you for the great season. You guys had an unbelievable year, and I cannot wait to see how it will go next year. Yes, there is disappointment from the World Series, but what a great accomplishment in getting there! The last time the Tigers were in the World Series I was two so this was an awesome experience. Thanks for allowing us to care about baseball past August and even through October. You guys are number one in my book.

Can we get MLB to move spring training up to december??

Nate - thank you and all the Tigers for some great, great memories. I've never enjoyed a season of baseball like this one. You all were awesome. Like the others, I'm really looking forward to next year. The whole Tiger organization has our deepest admiration and thanks. Please pass it on.

i agree with the whole spring training in december request....it's been less than 24 hours and i'm already going through Tigers withdrawl...

Great Job this season. I enjoyed watching you all this year. Hope to see you guys next year and to see another trip to the World Series!

Nate, We want to thank you guys for such an amazing season. It was so much fun to watch all of you, you are the epitome of team. We loved to watch you pitch, Nate and you were so good throughout the entire regular season and playoffs. We will never forget you striking out the side after allowing runners on second and third against Oakland -we always thought you could get out of any jam :) -, or Magg's homerun to put us into the world series, or Kenny throwing 23 scoreless innings, or beating the Yankees when nobody thought you could. We loved watching you stuff your mouth with a "rally chew". We watched the debut of Gum Time and were laughing the whole time.
You guys made this the best summer ever and showed how baseball should be played.

We hope you all have a good off season, and we will be counting the days till spring training. We have enjoyed reading your posts so much and we hope you will continue it next season. We went to a couple games this year and we saw you pitch against Seattle on Labor Day.(You were amazing!) We can't wait to go to the park next year.

Love you Nate, you're the best. Heather and Jaclyn

P.S.(Tell Magglio not to cut his hair because we love it too much)

To all of Tiger Nation,
I am a Cards fan but I wanted to say my hats off to your team and city for being american league champions. You have an outstanding team with a great manager. Your time to win a World Series is just around the corner. Please hold your heads up high and be proud of all that you accomplished this year.

Thank you Nate for a great season. All you guys provided an opportunity for me to share many special moments with my 4 boys. We talked Tigers, watched Tigers, and were able to get to many of the playoff games. It will be a season they will all remember. We can't wait to see you all back in the Sping. Thanks again.

it was the most magical ride of a lifetime and having taken that ride with you guys made it all worthwhile! thanks so much TIGERS and MR. LEYLAND for giving us the most amazing season ever and thanks so much NATE for always keeping the faith alive no matter what. you guys are the best! take good care of yourselves and God bless.
loveyah

RUBY ANN

Hi Nate, as a lifelong Tiger fan, I just want to pass on my congratulations to you and the entire team. You have brought so much pride back to this city.
The accomplishments the Tigers have made this year are just incredible to say the least and I hope all of you savor them in the off-season. I know I will and will be flying my Tiger flag throughout the winter looking forward to a wonderful 2007 season. I only wish we were able to have an appreciation parade for you guys, because you all are certainly deserving of it. Have a restful off-season and enjoy all the praise that comes your way. "Leyland for Govenor".

Thank you for everything.....

I've been following the Tiger's since I was about six years old. I got to go to Tiger's stadium a couple of times and then my father in the air force was relocated when i was nine (1999). The first time I got to come back to Detroit ( I had been out of the loop for a while ) was 2003. I went and saw the Tigers play the Twins. It was a close game but we lost the pitching duel th final score was something like 3-1 or 3-2. My father was relocated again in Virginia this time and this is the first year I got the MLB.TV package and I couldn't have picked a better time. I'm one of those people that look for small improvements, you know take it one step at a time, so I was looking for about a .500 season. Instead I ended up with a 2006 AL Champions hat. I just want to say thank you and all of the Tigers and Leyland. I was always on the verge of tears when the seasons ended and I had to say "There's always next year." This is the first year I didn't have to say that.

Thank you.

Nate and all the Team --
I have never been a baseball fan, that is, until this year. Wow, like someone else mentioned -- I started watching and got hooked like an addict. The players were respectful of one another and the game, but yet, appeared to really enjoy being a team. All of this, plus knowing that with each game, another win was very possible, made watching alot of fun!

Have a great vacation and rest up for next year!

Detroit Tigers :

I just wanted to say thanks for the exciting season of baseball . I am so proud of all of you . Don't hang your heads . I am looking forward to watching you guys next season already , I believe you guys are good enough to win the whole thing .

Secondly , congratulations to the St.Louis Cardinals . The Cardinals are a class act . I still wish you guy's lost !

Thanks again Detroit Tigers , enjoy your break and the best of luck next season .

Nate,
Congratulations on an extraordinary season for your team, and especially for that great game 1 of the ALCS that you pitched. We are very proud of our ex-Manatee and wish you all the best in 2007. We hope to visit you in Lakeland next spring. Now please enjoy a well-deserved break!

Ed & Diane

Your fans aren't dissapointed. The Roar never left, and it never will. It just got louder from Detroit through all of Michigan. Thanks for making me a baseball fan. Fact is, the deserving team one. They played better. The fact that you guys know that and accept your faults and don't blame anyone else just make me an even stronger fan than if you would have actually won the series. Thanks for making it to the world series, and I'm sure it won't be much longer until you are back there. No matter what, I as well as thousands of others will be there cheering you on.

how bout we rent space at ford field every tuesday and play some games against the mudhens?

Nate, and to all of the Tigers. We are all so very proud of you guys, your are a team that is a real class act. I either went or watched every single game since the end fo May only missing one because I was out of town on business.

You have made this summer one to remember around here and a lot of people proud to call themselves Detroit Tigers Fans. I was able to go two the two games against New York. I have been to a lot os sporting events and I don't think that I have ever been to anything so memorable. It brings a smile to my face just thinking about it, and Magglio's walk off homerun same thing.

You guys are terrific, and I cannot wait until spring.

Thanks for everything..

Hi Nate,

Well let me just say Im sooo proud of what you guys have done this year... this season has been unbelieveable!!!

We haven't had this much to cheer about in years.

Everyone here in Detroit couldnt be any more prouder of this team for

all of what you guys accomplished. Going to the playoffs and dominating The Yankees & The A's unreal!!!

So Thanx for an amazing season & so many great memories esp. the birth of "gum time" gotta love it :)

Im so looking forward to next season I can't wait we will def be better then ever!!

Bless You Boys <33

Nate,
Man what a year! I also did not get down after the last out like I thought I would. I was just really really proud of all you guys. We have a great team and y'all are a blast to watch on TV or listen to on the radio. I will take away so many summer memories from this season, just tell the team thank you for a great ride. From everybody here in Toledo, thanks so much and let's go get the ring next year !

Kenny

To Nate and the entire Tigers team:

You all should be very proud of your hard work and efforts.

I will wear my Tigers teeshirts and hats proudly even when the fanfare has died down come mid-November because wearing it shows immense pride for a team that is relentless with hard work, "never say die" attitude, and who is FIRST CLASS ALL THE WAY!

I would imagine that some of you feel like you let this town down, but please know that this feeling does NOT extend beyond your clubhouse. The entire state of Michigan is more proud of you than you will ever know.

The 2006 Detroit Tigers team should walk tall and proudly and relish in the accomplishments that you have achieved and think about the thousands of young kids that want to walk in your footsteps someday. You all have been super role models for our youth and we parents are grateful.

I can't wait to see what next year brings us.

God Bless you Boys!

(And Nate, thank you for blogging. What a cool idea!)

I saw my first Tiger game Sept.21, 1963.A significant game for other reasons, too. Have seen or heard or read the box in the paper since then most every game. Does anyone really think Charlie Dressen,Billy Martin, Ralph Houck or Sparky Anderson would have EVER hugged the opposing manager in the World Series?? And would Leo Durocher let it slide if he thought a pitcher loaded a ball? Did Mayo Smith "save" his best series pitcher so he would get his rest for Tiger Stadium? I'm sorry, but this series wasn't much different for me than the one where the Giants had the kiddies frolicing about in the dugout! Baseball shouldn't become an "encounter group". I never thought I would miss Eddie Stanky!

Great year Detroit Tigers!
You guys are one of the best in the Game!

You all put your heart and soul into it but I guess it just wasnt your year.

Better luck next Year.

NYMfan4life<3

blecknercharles....

yeah Leyland is just a terrible manager for hugging Larussa.....It discredits everything he's done...What do they think this is...football?

Man, what the **** are you talking about?!?!?

you sound like one of those.."In my day we walked 100 miles to school in the driving snow in our barefeet...AND THATS BECAUSE WE LIKED IT!" types

Billy Martin? I liked him but he was just a nutty bag of emotions most of the time wasn't he? Give me hugs anytime over watching him and steinbrenner go through the joke of a soap opera they performed!!

Anyway thanks for your neagtivity it's been so cheery and "chin up" in this blog we needed some angst and we stink talk to balance it out!!!!!!

You know thers a blog for poor losers somewhere... go find it!!!

As a matter of fact give up on the tigers and dont go to any games...we need the seats for real fans!!!!!!

To anyone else that wants to trash this team....I will respond and make you look like a ***** as well!!!!! This is not the time place or forum for that and as a Tigers diehard I won't let it go on without trashing YOU! Anyone who's with me on it please pipe in!

by the way...am I heartbroken at the loss...yes. Am I angry at the way they played in the series. Yes. The Tigers players are all expressing that they know they did not play well enough to win.
But for us as fans to be there for them and call ourselves "fans" as they kill the yankees and A's and then turn tail when they lose...thats an embarrasment to the tigers and their fans....Have a little more pride and respect,***** it up and show up opening day....

All I can say is this has been the greatest Tigers season in years. You guys play as team and act like a team That is awsome. I don't really give a dam what others says. The Tigers will be a team to recon with from now on.
I heard some trash talk today. Basically that always happens. But your all stll AL CHAMPS!Who knew that would happen opening day. Teams that don't work together never get that far.You all made it to the World Series..and that is awsome.

You can tell the Team for me I am really proud of all the accomplishments. I expect big things next year.

Nate thanks for sharing this with all of us its great to read it from your presective as a player. You Rock!!!So do the Tigers all of them!!

My niece, 13 and nephew, 20 could understand for the first time in their lives why I always said Tiger playoff baseball is special. I've always said that experiencing a World Series with your home team is something you will never forget. Thank you for giving the younger Tiger fans this experience.

The day the Tigers won the American League Champion Series, I had a house full of people from age 12 to 84 all with one thing in common, our beloved Tigers. How sweet is that???

Can't wait until April!!!!

One more and I'll stop this little rant!

It is unfathomable how ANY Tigers fan can bash Jim Leyland! The man gave everthing he had this year to work with these guys and give us a winner. How many cities would give up anything to get him? How many cities have managers that are just punching the clock and collecting the check?

When I went to the ALCS games I saw Leyland walking around in the outfield talking to his players and hitting balls to them...I didn't see Joe Torre out there!!!

The man is thinking about ways to improve spring training next year as the world series is going on!!!! He obviously has his heart and soul into this and NEVER stops thinking of how to improve this ballclub.

And all the talk about game 5 pitching...It wouldn't have been question if the tigers had scored some more runs and committed less errors. The lack of offense and defense is why they lost not because Rogers did not pitch..

By the way I would of agreed with Leyland if he sent his daughter out there for game 5 the guy knows this team and baseball better than any fan ever would so when it comes to game five second guessing...DROP IT!!!!!!

ok, I feel better now...I'm done! :-)

Hey Nate
Great WS. Grats to you and the whole team. You gave the entire state something to get excited about. Better luck next year. Bring back the GUM. Good luck and have a great holidays.

I would just like to give thanks to you guys for a wonderful and emotional year in Detroit. We needed Baseball fever back in our blood and we have it now. My girlfriend works for Fox Detroit and has been a fan since the beginning. We cannot wait until we can see you play again! I hope we can be a threat for years to come, And you guys brought a championship to Detroit by beating the Yankees up and down. We are all proud and excited to see the 07 season start! We hope the team stays together. We have a bunch of great guys! Keep it up!!

Hi, Nate.

Thank you to you and your teammates for a fantastic year. This season was spectacular and is one I will cherish, I think even more than 1984. The Tigers of 2006 are world champions in my book! See you in the spring!