SPORTS

Tigers Opening Day through the years

The Tigers' Davey Jones is up to bat during a snow storm at Bennett Park in 1911.
The Tigers' Davey Jones is up to bat during a snow storm at Bennett Park in 1911.
The Detroit News Archives
American League Opening Dayis shown  in Detroit in 1912.
American League Opening Dayis shown in Detroit in 1912.
The Detroit News Archives
The  1929 Detroit Tigers line up for the Opening Day game.
The 1929 Detroit Tigers line up for the Opening Day game.
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Mickey Cochrane is presented with a floral horse shoe from the Firemen Association on Opening Day 1934.
Mickey Cochrane is presented with a floral horse shoe from the Firemen Association on Opening Day 1934.
The Detroit News Archives
Fans pack the stands for the  Detroit Tigers Opening Day game against Chicago in 1935.
Fans pack the stands for the Detroit Tigers Opening Day game against Chicago in 1935.
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Athletes and fans stand in salute during the flag raising ceremony of the 1940 Tigers Opening Day game at Briggs Stadium against the St. Louis Browns .
Athletes and fans stand in salute during the flag raising ceremony of the 1940 Tigers Opening Day game at Briggs Stadium against the St. Louis Browns .
The Detroit News Archives
During the 1942 opening day game between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Indians, a ''V'' for Victory was formed by the two teams in support of the soliders fighting during WWII.
During the 1942 opening day game between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Indians, a ''V'' for Victory was formed by the two teams in support of the soliders fighting during WWII.
The Detroit News Archives
Governor William Milliken throwing the first pitch at the 1969 Tigers Opening Day game at Tiger Stadium.
Governor William Milliken throwing the first pitch at the 1969 Tigers Opening Day game at Tiger Stadium.
The Detroit News Archives
Former Tiger great Charles Gehringer and William Fortin sit behind Mrs. Gehringer's mother Mrs. George Majectic and Mrs. Gehringer (in the leopard hat) during the Opening Day game of 1970 at Tiger Stadium.
Former Tiger great Charles Gehringer and William Fortin sit behind Mrs. Gehringer's mother Mrs. George Majectic and Mrs. Gehringer (in the leopard hat) during the Opening Day game of 1970 at Tiger Stadium.
The Detroit News Archives
Detroit Mayor Roman Stanley Gribbs
makes a catch on Opening Day at Tiger Stadium ,  April 11, 1973.
Detroit Mayor Roman Stanley Gribbs makes a catch on Opening Day at Tiger Stadium , April 11, 1973.
The Detroit News Archives
Traffic  is jammed  on Michigan Avenue after the Tigers' 1976 Opening Day game.
Traffic is jammed on Michigan Avenue after the Tigers' 1976 Opening Day game.
The Detroit News Archives
The Tigers listen to the national anthem on Opening Day April 8, 1979.
The Tigers listen to the national anthem on Opening Day April 8, 1979.
The Detroit News Archives
Patty Johnson and Tammy Hinman, both of Canton Twp, were asked which 'Tiger' they loved..they answered: "ALL OF THEM" during the Tigers Opening Day game in April 1981.
Patty Johnson and Tammy Hinman, both of Canton Twp, were asked which 'Tiger' they loved..they answered: "ALL OF THEM" during the Tigers Opening Day game in April 1981.
The Detroit News Archives
A young entrepreneur, Tom Harris, gathers up empties outside of Tiger Stadium before the 1981 Tigers' Opening Day game.
A young entrepreneur, Tom Harris, gathers up empties outside of Tiger Stadium before the 1981 Tigers' Opening Day game.
The Detroit News Archives
Paul Swain sells peanuts before the 1982 Tigers' Opening Day game.
Paul Swain sells peanuts before the 1982 Tigers' Opening Day game.
The Detroit News Archives
The team lines up for the Opening Day game at Tiger Stadium  in 1982. Manager Sparky Anderson is at right.
The team lines up for the Opening Day game at Tiger Stadium in 1982. Manager Sparky Anderson is at right.
The Detroit News Archives
John Gusmanio holds a poster to celebrate his hero, Kirk Gibson, during the 1982 Tigers' Opening Day game.
John Gusmanio holds a poster to celebrate his hero, Kirk Gibson, during the 1982 Tigers' Opening Day game.
The Detroit News Archives
Fans applaud at Opening Day in 1993.
Fans applaud at Opening Day in 1993.
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This Charlie Chaplin lookalike enjoys the 1983 Opening Day in the Tiger Stadium center field bleachers.
This Charlie Chaplin lookalike enjoys the 1983 Opening Day in the Tiger Stadium center field bleachers.
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The Tigers line up for the National Anthem on Opening Day ln 1984.
The Tigers line up for the National Anthem on Opening Day ln 1984.
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Kirk Gibson greets the crowd after an Opening Day home run on April 7, 1986.
Kirk Gibson greets the crowd after an Opening Day home run on April 7, 1986.
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Gary Vee of Birmingham enjoys a pretzel as he watches the Tigers on Opening Day April 7, 1986.
Gary Vee of Birmingham enjoys a pretzel as he watches the Tigers on Opening Day April 7, 1986.
The Detroit News Archives
Detroit Mayor Coleman Young and Tigers manager Sparky Anderson chat on Opening Day,
April 8, 1986.
Detroit Mayor Coleman Young and Tigers manager Sparky Anderson chat on Opening Day, April 8, 1986.
The Detroit News Archive
Tigers' Alan Trammell  is thrown out while trying for a double on Opening Day 1986.
Tigers' Alan Trammell is thrown out while trying for a double on Opening Day 1986.
The Detroit News Archives
The crowd at Tiger Stadium cheers on Opening Day in 1986.
The crowd at Tiger Stadium cheers on Opening Day in 1986.
The Detroit News Archives
Detroit's  Lou Whitaker leaps over Boston's Rich Gedman, who is out at second base in the second inning of the Tigers-Red Sox Opening Day game of 1986.
Detroit's Lou Whitaker leaps over Boston's Rich Gedman, who is out at second base in the second inning of the Tigers-Red Sox Opening Day game of 1986.
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Sparky Anderson, right, and Bill Frieder, University of Michigan basketball coach, share a laugh before the Tigers Opening Day game on April 6, 1987.
Sparky Anderson, right, and Bill Frieder, University of Michigan basketball coach, share a laugh before the Tigers Opening Day game on April 6, 1987.
The Detroit News Archives
A young fan is ready to gather autographs during the 1987 Tigers Opening Day game.
A young fan is ready to gather autographs during the 1987 Tigers Opening Day game.
The Detroit News Archives
From left, fans Bill Berms, Bill Murray, Les Loomans and Jim Haeffner
 come to the ballpark on Opening Day in 1987 to see the Tigers and eat hot dogs.
From left, fans Bill Berms, Bill Murray, Les Loomans and Jim Haeffner come to the ballpark on Opening Day in 1987 to see the Tigers and eat hot dogs.
The Detroit News Archives
An umpire calls a Tigers player safe on a triple as he slides into third base and Yankee third baseman Mike Pagliarulo looks up, on Opening Day 1987.
An umpire calls a Tigers player safe on a triple as he slides into third base and Yankee third baseman Mike Pagliarulo looks up, on Opening Day 1987.
The Detroit News Archives
Michigan Gov. James Blanchard throws out the first ball - a low, slow pitch that buried itself in the dirt, sending Tiger catcher Matt Nokes scrambling - at the 1989 Tiger's Opening Day game.
Michigan Gov. James Blanchard throws out the first ball - a low, slow pitch that buried itself in the dirt, sending Tiger catcher Matt Nokes scrambling - at the 1989 Tiger's Opening Day game.
The Detroit News Archives
Nick Feldman of Detroit shows off his true colors -- orange and black -- Friday during the Tigers Opening Day game of 1989.
Nick Feldman of Detroit shows off his true colors -- orange and black -- Friday during the Tigers Opening Day game of 1989.
The Detroit News Archives
Tigers manager Sparky Anderson gives Dwight Johnson, 11, of Detroit a lift off the field at the Tigers Opening Day game in 1989.
Tigers manager Sparky Anderson gives Dwight Johnson, 11, of Detroit a lift off the field at the Tigers Opening Day game in 1989.
The Detroit News Archives
John Alice, 68, of Kingville, Ontario, had to bundle up in a blanket to get through his 37th Opening Day in Detroit in a chilly day in 1990.
John Alice, 68, of Kingville, Ontario, had to bundle up in a blanket to get through his 37th Opening Day in Detroit in a chilly day in 1990.
The Detroit News Archives
Pete, a dog owned by Bob Solway, seems to sympathize with those who disagree with the plans of Tigers management to vacate Tiger Stadium, as they voice their opinions on Opening Day 1990.
Pete, a dog owned by Bob Solway, seems to sympathize with those who disagree with the plans of Tigers management to vacate Tiger Stadium, as they voice their opinions on Opening Day 1990.
The Detroit News Archives
The Tigers' Gary Ward slides home on Tony Phillips' third inning single Thursday as Boston catcher Tony Pena bobbles left fielder Mike Greenwell's throw on Opening Day, 1990.
The Tigers' Gary Ward slides home on Tony Phillips' third inning single Thursday as Boston catcher Tony Pena bobbles left fielder Mike Greenwell's throw on Opening Day, 1990.
The Detroit News Archives
Manager Sparky Anderson and his new boss, Bo Schembechler, share a pregame chuckle during the 1990 Opening Day game. Schembechler, the legendary UM football coach, became president of the Tigers  in 1990  and was fired by owner Tom Monaghan in 1992.
Manager Sparky Anderson and his new boss, Bo Schembechler, share a pregame chuckle during the 1990 Opening Day game. Schembechler, the legendary UM football coach, became president of the Tigers in 1990 and was fired by owner Tom Monaghan in 1992.
The Detroit News Archives
Colin Berger, 4, fell asleep in the first inning of the Tiger opener in 1990. He was there with his grandfather, Henry Berger of Dearborn.
Colin Berger, 4, fell asleep in the first inning of the Tiger opener in 1990. He was there with his grandfather, Henry Berger of Dearborn.
The Detroit News Archives
Nick Feldman and Angel Cauchon did not hesitate to show their colors for the Opening Day festivities in 1991 at Tiger Stadium.
Nick Feldman and Angel Cauchon did not hesitate to show their colors for the Opening Day festivities in 1991 at Tiger Stadium.
The Detroit News Archives
Opening Day boycotters Sharon Bunarek and Rocky Cassone of Detroit entertain fans in front of bleachers set up outside Tiger Stadium in 1991.
Opening Day boycotters Sharon Bunarek and Rocky Cassone of Detroit entertain fans in front of bleachers set up outside Tiger Stadium in 1991.
The Detroit News Archives
Steven Tate, the first American pilot to shoot down an Iraqi plane in the Gulf war, signs autographs before throwing out the first ball at the 1991 Opening Day game.
Steven Tate, the first American pilot to shoot down an Iraqi plane in the Gulf war, signs autographs before throwing out the first ball at the 1991 Opening Day game.
The Detroit News Archives
Stephen Lockwood, 11, of Windsor, Ontario, lets everyone know his feelings for Tiger Stadium during the 1991 Opening Day game.
Stephen Lockwood, 11, of Windsor, Ontario, lets everyone know his feelings for Tiger Stadium during the 1991 Opening Day game.
The Detroit News Archives
Frank Tanana signs autographs for fans over the dugout on Opening Day in 1992.
Frank Tanana signs autographs for fans over the dugout on Opening Day in 1992.
The Detroit News Archives
Sparky Anderson chats with Domenique Walker, a child who is a patient at Children's Hospital and part of Sparky's Catch Program, on Opening Day in 1992.
Sparky Anderson chats with Domenique Walker, a child who is a patient at Children's Hospital and part of Sparky's Catch Program, on Opening Day in 1992.
The Detroit News Archives
Ernie Harwell fans wear masks in his likeness to the 1992 Tigers Opening Day game. Harwell was fired at the end of the 1991 season. He was hired back by new owner Mike Ilitch in 1993.
Ernie Harwell fans wear masks in his likeness to the 1992 Tigers Opening Day game. Harwell was fired at the end of the 1991 season. He was hired back by new owner Mike Ilitch in 1993.
The Detroit News Archives
Tigers announcer Ernie Harwell in the broadcast booth at Comerica Park  in Detroit on Opening Day, April 5, 2002.  Harwell was the voice of the Detroit Tigers from 1960 until his retirement in 2002, with the exception of  1992, when the Tigers did not renew his contract. Mike Ilitch hired him back in 1993.
Tigers announcer Ernie Harwell in the broadcast booth at Comerica Park in Detroit on Opening Day, April 5, 2002. Harwell was the voice of the Detroit Tigers from 1960 until his retirement in 2002, with the exception of 1992, when the Tigers did not renew his contract. Mike Ilitch hired him back in 1993.
Daniel Mears, The Detroit News
Heather Nabozny, head groundskeeper for the Tigers, paints the Opening Day logo on the grass, Wednesday April 8, 2004, at Comerica Park in Detroit.
Heather Nabozny, head groundskeeper for the Tigers, paints the Opening Day logo on the grass, Wednesday April 8, 2004, at Comerica Park in Detroit.
Steve Perez, The Detroit News
Mark Wegradt of Shelby Township dons a baseball mask before the Tigers opening game April 8, 2004 at Comerica Park.
Mark Wegradt of Shelby Township dons a baseball mask before the Tigers opening game April 8, 2004 at Comerica Park.
Daniel Mears, The Detroit News
The players line up for the national anthem as the Tigers take on the defending World Champion Chicago White Sox in the Tigers home opener at Comerica Park, April 10, 2006.
The players line up for the national anthem as the Tigers take on the defending World Champion Chicago White Sox in the Tigers home opener at Comerica Park, April 10, 2006.
John T. Greilick, The Detroit News
Tigers manager Jim Leyland signs autographs for fans prior to the start of the Opening Day game, Monday April 10, 2006, at Comerica Park.
Tigers manager Jim Leyland signs autographs for fans prior to the start of the Opening Day game, Monday April 10, 2006, at Comerica Park.
Steve Perez, The Detroit News
Tigers third baseman Brandon Inge and longtime Tigers employee Audrey Zielinski unveil a replica of the ALCS championiship banner before the game as the Detroit Tigers take on the Toronto Blue Jays at Comerica Park in Detroit, on April 2, 2007.
Tigers third baseman Brandon Inge and longtime Tigers employee Audrey Zielinski unveil a replica of the ALCS championiship banner before the game as the Detroit Tigers take on the Toronto Blue Jays at Comerica Park in Detroit, on April 2, 2007.
Robin Buckson, The Detroit News