Post# 199 - Follow-up Shame-On-You Note to the Detroit Tigers

In September of 2009, I sent a letter to Ilitch Holdings regarding Sparky, retiring his number, and how "no one is getting any younger".  Ron Colangelo, VP of Communications, responded on Mr. Ilitch's behalf.  That exchange is here .  Sparky unfortunately, passed away on November 4, 2010.  This is my follow-up note.

Subject: RE: Sparky Anderson
Date: Thu, 4 Nov 2010 21:48:29 -0400

Dear Mr. Colangelo,

Dick Howser, Whitey Herzog, Earl Weaver, Danny Murtaugh.  Managers with weaker resumes, whose organizations recognized them by retiring their numbers.  And justifiably so.

 With the unfortunate news of Sparky Anderson's death, a city is mourning.

With all of the grieving, the discussion turned to the Tiger Organization.  I don't claim to be a prophet.  Anyone could have seen it coming.   On two radio stations today, for much of the day, the discussion revolved around the Tiger outfield.  Not "which free agent can Dave sign?".  The discussion revolved around statues and numbers, and missed opportunities.  Fans and broadcasters who normally argue about Michigan/Michigan State, Osgood, and Inge, were unified.  Anderson's number should be on that wall.  And it should have happened while he was alive.

I told you so.

I'm no sportswriter.  I'm a fan.  An objective fan who understands that things happen behind the scenes.  Maybe there was a disagreement about managing scabs, or about choosing the wrong baseball cap for a stupid plaque.   For a stupid plaque in a farcical wing of a nice museum that seems to pick inductees as much based on how many pinstripes are in their uniform as on performance. 

Fans don't care that Sparky refused to coach scabs.  I actually respect that--I refused to watch it.  Sensible fans understand that Sparky had to make a decision about his plaque.  Get over it.  It all seems petty now.  Fans see no statue or number out there in left field.  Fans are left to draw their own conclusion.  Fans are upset.

In your note below, you mention that Sparky has been part of some celebrations along with other Tigers in the past.  No offense to these guys, but apparently, he's in the same league as Ron LeFlore, and Denny McClain.  I think we can all agree that Sparky deserved a little bit more than the average Tiger.

This makes Mr. Ilitch look really bad.  It's really a shame that you couldn't honor Sparky the way he deserved, before he died.  Whatever the underlying reasons, it's a real shame. 

This man gave a lot back to the community.  The Tiger organization should be embarrassed.

Sincerely,

Jerry Herman

PS - The Reds retired his number five years ago.  I bet they feel good about that decision.

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Post # 151 - My Follow-up With Ron Colangelo Regarding # 11 - 11/4/2010

Last year, I wrote a note to Mr. Ilitch, suggesting that he consider retiring Sparky Anderson's # 11.  Behind the scenes, their relationship was very strained.  I say "no excuse."

Ron Colangelo responded, stating that there are no plans, yada yada.  I warned him--if Sparky dies, it's going to look really bad to a loyal fan base.   Sparky passed away last week, and much of the grieving has transformed to anger toward the Illitches.

Below is my "I told you so."
------------------------------------------

To: ron.colangelo@detroittigers.com
Subject: RE: Sparky Anderson
Date: Thu, 4 Nov 2010 21:48:29 -0400

Dear Mr. Colangelo,

Dick Howser, Whitey Herzog, Earl Weaver, Danny Murtaugh.  Managers with weaker resumes, whose organizations recognized them by retiring their numbers.  And justifiably so.

With the unfortunate news of Sparky Anderson's death, a city is mourning. 

With all of the grieving, the discussion turned to the Tiger Organization.  I don't claim to be a prophet.  Anyone could have seen it coming.   On two radio stations today, for much of the day, the discussion revolved around the Tiger outfield.  Not "which free agent can Dave sign?".  The discussion revolved around statues and numbers, and missed opportunities.  Fans and broadcasters who normally argue about Michigan/Michigan State, Osgood, and Inge, were unified.  Anderson's number should be on that wall.  And it should have happened while he was alive.

I told you so.

I'm no sportswriter.  I'm a fan.  An objective fan who understands that things happen behind the scenes.  Maybe there was a disagreement about managing scabs, or about choosing the wrong baseball cap for a stupid plaque.   For a stupid plaque in a farcical wing of a nice museum that seems to pick inductees as much based on how many pinstripes are in their uniform as on performance. 

Fans don't care that Sparky refused to coach scabs.  I actually respect that--I refused to watch it.  Sensible fans understand that Sparky had to make a decision about his plaque.  Get over it.  It all seems petty now.  Fans see no statue or number out there in left field.  Fans are left to draw their own conclusion.  Fans are upset.

In your note below, you mention that Sparky has been part of some celebrations along with other Tigers in the past.  No offense to these guys, but apparently, he's in the same league as Ron LeFlore, and Denny McClain.  I think we can all agree that Sparky deserved a little bit more than the average Tiger.

This makes Mr. Ilitch look really bad.  It's really a shame that you couldn't honor him the way he deserved, before he died.  Whatever the underlying reasons, it's a real shame. 

This man gave a lot back to the community.  The Tiger organization should be embarrassed.

Sincerely,

Jerry Herman

PS - The Reds retired his number five years ago.  I bet they feel good about that decision.

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Post # 115 - My Three Wishes for Tom Wilson as Prez and CEO of Ilitch Holdings - 2/22/2010

Tom Wilson used to be President of Palace Entertainment.  He recently jumped over to Illitch Holdings.

I wrote him several years back, and he responded.  That letter is HERE
----------------------------------------
Dear Mr. Wilson,

Congratulations on your new position as President and CEO of the Ilitch Organization.

You may remember several years ago, my complaint regarding the bathroom situation at the Palace of Auburn Hills during a Piston game. It seems that my situation was urgent, and many off the men’s restrooms were converted for the womenfolk. You responded nicely, with Piston tickets. You also suspected that my Emu Burger from the Moose Preserve might have been to blame.

Fast forward twelve years. You’re taking charge of my two favorite sports franchises, and reporting to a great man. I have three issues that need tackling.

First: if the Red Wings wind up with a new arena, please, please, please put in more restrooms. There’s nothing worse than an ill-timed restroom urge, similar to my Emu Burger episode. Such a visit could take half of a period. Restrooms everywhere--upper level, lower level, outside where the smokers dwell. Heck—leave room for a bank of porta-jons at the top of the upper bowl for the nose bleeders. More restrooms.

Second: please address the hot dog situation at Comerica Park. I remember as a kid, enjoying plump, juicy, steamed Ballpark Franks. Now, when I go to a game, I get these discolored, shriveled up wieners that look like they spun one too many times on the 7-Eleven rollers. And yes, the Hebrew Nationals are of better quality, but they’re mighty salty. Plump, juicy steamed hot dogs. Maybe do something special with the bun—bakery rolls or something. Why not give Detroit it’s own Signature Weiner?

Third: I miss the old organ at Tiger Stadium. Bring it back. I’m not saying get rid of all of the players’ salsa music, maybe intersperse it.

Lastly, I hope you negotiated a 1.25 percent raise. You’re working in the city now, and they tax. Also, they like handing out the parking tickets. You’ve been warned.

Good luck in the new position!

Jerry

P.S. - Maybe also retire #11 before it’s too late. Pretty please.
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Post # 24 : Mr. Ilitch: Show Sparky Some Love! 9/27/2009

I have a lot of Ilitch love. I also have a lot of Sparky love. I was a little bummed when he wore the Reds Cap at his Hall of Fame induction. I think that decision puts a lot of pressure on the inductee. Nevertheless, I think Sparky deserves the same honor as the other Tiger Hall of Famers. I sent this to Mr. Ilitch today using the email address on their Ilitch Holdings site.

I'm not expecting a reply, but I'll repost if I get one.  I sent this on 9/27/2009.  Ten years to the day after the last game at Tiger Stadium.

-------------------------------

Dear Mr. Ilitch,

I think the “Detroit Tigers Support Our Automakers” sign out in center field is one of the grandest gestures by an owner to his fans. Thank you for restoring pride to our city by rescuing two major sports franchises and restoring the most beautiful venue I have ever visited. When I am in the Fox Theatre, one of my favorite things to do after Sesame Street Live is to look up at the beautiful ceiling and count all the “lost” $10 Elmo balloons (the most I ever counted was 16). But I digress.

When I walk through that beautiful ballpark, I see the beautiful statues of Tiger heroes—Horton, Cobb, Greenburg, Gehringer, Newhouser, Kaline, and Harwell. I think we are missing one statue.

Sparky Anderson came to this franchise at a time when we both needed each other. He was reeling from being fired by the Reds. We were at a low point—Fidrych was basically done, and the Parrishes and Trammells and Whitakers were still in the pipeline. Sparky lead us to a World Championship in 1984, and ALCS in 1987.

Sparky could have left for greener pastures like Parrish, Gibson, and Morris. He could have left when it was clear we were headed for some bad years, but he stayed. From my perspective, the only things he was ever guilty of were 1) being Captain Hook and 2) Over-Platooning.

Even after he left, Sparky kept his CATCH charity operating, and he comes back every year to host the golf outing.

I have heard, in the past, that there may have been behind-the-scenes issues, possibly related to his refusal to coach the scab players in 1995. That was almost 15 years ago, and no one is getting any younger.

I attended a game in 2000, where you had a pre-game honoring of Sparky. I thought it was nice, but wondered, why no statue or retired number? Before it is too late, I would like to see a Sparky statue, and have a nice “Sparky Day” to dedicate it. I would like to see #11 retired, like all of the other Tiger Hall of Famers. Maybe you could tie his charity work in with all of it. I’m sure the Detroit fans would appreciate this. Such a gesture would underscore the already exemplary amount of class that anything with the Ilitch name already exudes.

Sincerely,

Jerry
------------------------------------
October 23, 2009

Dear Jerry

On behalf of Mr. Michael Ilitch and the Detroit Tigers organization, we appreciate that you have taken the time to contact us to express your kind words, and interest in Tigers history. We wanted to acknowledge your suggestion regarding former Tigers' manager Sparky Anderson.

Sparky certainly had a remarkable 17-year career with the Tigers, which included a glorious 1984 World Series Championship.

Over the years the Tigers have celebrated the great players and personnel who have worn the old English "D" and Sparky has certainly been part of those celebrations.

Please know each year the ballclub identifies and discusses significant milestones, records, and achievements in order to honor Tigers player (s), and team personnel. We do not have plans to retire a uniform number at this time, but we will certainly take your endorsement into consideration for Sparky Anderson during our next organizational review.

Thank you for your comments and support of the Tigers.

Sincerely,


Ron Colangelo
Vice President, Communications

Detroit Tigers

---------------------

Dear Ron,

Thank you for the response. You've highlighted many of the reasons why Sparky stands apart from his managerial predecessors and successors. In addition, he established himself as a Hall-of-Famer, wearing the Olde English D. And let's not forget his charitable works.

If there are other, "behind the scenes" reasons, that's a different story. I just feel like nobody is getting any younger--not Sparky, or Mr. Ilitch. I would hate for something to happen to one of them, and have this issue not handled. When Sparky is no longer with us, there will be plenty of focus on the Detroit Tigers, and "how could they have not retired the number and hoisted the statue while he was alive."

Sincerely,

Jerry

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