After 16 pro seasons the Detroit Tigers reliever/closer Todd Jones has decided to hang up his cleats.

Todd Jones aka “Jonesy” has been bombarded by fans jeers and local media the past couple Tigers seasons - and perhaps his retirement comes a year later than it really should of. But a closers role is not an easy task. Coming into a ball game when it’s usually on the line is difficult enough – let alone during the injury riddled year Jones has endured during 2008.

The 40 year old Jones did manage to save more games for the Detroit Tigers than any other reliever in the clubs history!

Despite the rollercoaster ride Todd put Motown’s faithful fans through on many nights – particularly this past year, we feel he is well deserving of a standing ovation this coming weekend - as the Tigers close out their dismal 2008 campaign against the American League East Champion, Tampa Bay (Just say no to the Devil) Rays.

Tiger’s faithful didn’t have much to smile about in 2008 – but these guys appear to be having a terrific time at the ol’ ballpark!

NOTE: The fan on the right managed his fantasy baseball team to victory in WaiverSharks 1st annual Fantasy Baseball pool. Perhaps this explains his extra exuberance!?

Todd Jones won’t garner Hall of Fame candidacy – but he had a solid Major League Baseball career – anyone who knows him speaks of what a stand out guy he is who possesses a tremendous sense of humor - and he is an accomplished journalist as well.

Despite retiring from baseball we understand he will continue to write.

His web blog can be read here.

Not to mention – “Jonesy” is enshrined in our favorite rookie baseball card of all time!

SUMMER

Josh Hamilton’s performance before the nationally televised All-Star Game Homerun Derby held at Yankee Stadium – I believe – created a momentous change in many fans attitudes.

His story was brought forth to a huge audience – and the very same crowd that had jilted him in months previous – now chanted his name in awe and claimed things like – “He would look great in Yankees pinstripes!”

I managed to make the best of things back on that fateful April day, landing one of the aforementioned autographs from what has become my new favorite ballplayer.

But I came away somewhat jilted by the personal attacks on Josh, and intended to write a blog explaining how I felt somewhat saddened by some Tigers fans treatment of a man I felt deserved better.

Ironically - I read a column written for ESPN that detailed the same sort of treatment throughout the league from opposing fans of Josh Hamilton. Especially in major cities such as New York and Boston – so at least it wasn’t an isolated Motor City thing.

No. It was just a sign of the times.

FALL

As the same kids who earlier this year were privy to some rather adult oriented heckling gather their new lunch bags and back to school supplies I’m left pondering how much things have changed.

I reflected on the night my wife and I watched the Homerun Derby in amazement as Hamilton consecutively pounded baseball after baseball into areas of Yankee Stadium where not even concessions were sold.

Several tape measure shots soared past the ultimate macho distance mark of 500 feet.

This resurrected memories of Mantle and Ruth for many appreciative Bronx Bomber alumni who were in attendance in what could be compared to fireworks at the end of a game for ol’ Yankee Stadiums final season.

On this night a star was born, Derby records were broken and even more importantly – respect was earned for one Josh Holt Hamilton.

Sure – a few of the Yankees faithful may still have a few choice words for the man some are now dubbing “The Natural” when he visits the NEW Yankee confines in 2009.

But I think the true Yankees fan – or better yet, the TRUE BASEBALL fan understands that Josh Hamilton has turned a corner this season.

The man is a devoted father, devout Christian - and one of the most talented current players in baseball. He has clearly already paid dearly for the wrong doings of his one time derailed baseball career.

Can we ALL cut him some slack now?

It will be interesting to see what Josh can bring to the table in the coming years. I encourage fans throughout the country to applaud him for overcoming his obstacles - and to cheer him on in hopes he remains focused throughout the remainder of his career.

Mr. Hamilton – you’ve captured a nation of hearts with one of the biggest turn around stories in sports history.

Peace be with you.

I leave you with a quote from author Catherine Pulsifer…
“Perseverance allows you to get back on track when you hit a detour.”

Spring

In the early days of this 2008 Major League Baseball season a friend and I went to see a Thursday afternoon Detroit Tigers game at Comerica Park while they played host to the visiting Texas Rangers.

It was a mildly warm and sunny April day – clear skies abounded - Perfect for baseball - with no rain in the forecast. I had brought along another co-workers camera in hopes of getting some close-up shots of some Rangers and Tigers players.

I recall joking with my friend that it was Career Day – he’d recently been laid off from our workplace.

Josh Hamilton – who has easily been the Texas Rangers MVP this season, was just beginning to hit his stride in what has been a truly amazing year.

However - much to my dismay – the cat calls and heckling still remained at a premium at this time.

Did Hamilton ’s large 6’4” frame chalked full with tribal tattoos project a tough guy image – and therefore one who was deserving of the seedy side of trash talk?

Was this some shameful thug with a drug-riddled history - deserving of an intense daily orator’s ass whuppin’ – all while trying to play the game he was born to play?

The past drug problems we’re well documented - and true.

But the verbal diarrhea bestowed upon this great man - to me – just didn’t feel right.

I’d followed Josh’s story since his belated rookie season in Cincinnati - and was aware there was more to this man than meets the eye – and definitely more to him than his speckled past.

I felt bad for him – but sat quietly as the innings progressed.

Both my friend and I hoped – especially for the young kids around us that it would stop as the game went on.

It didn’t.

In fact, it just got worse.
Each inning the Comerica Park beer helped alter a few tipsy Tigers fans into an intoxicated bleacher crowd who felt it necessary to falsely impress those within earshot with their witless candor.

“Hey Hamilton – want some more crack!” and “Hey Hamilton need a crack pipe!?” rained down from the upper deck.

Sadly - this is the “PG-13” heckling fit for print.

Arrows of misguided vocal hate shot towards the big mans shoulders as I asked my buddy…

“Do you think he can hear them?”

“Probably” my friend quipped.

“I hope not” I calmly whispered - secretly wondering if I was the only one who thought this was wrong.

The juvenile banter was not only a harsh personal attack on a man who had made significant strides in dealing with his personal demons – but it was an embarrassment to me – a longtime Tigers fan who wished the class acts would move to another section – or better yet – go home.

And yes – I understand - and advocate route route routing for the home team and jeering the opposition.

But for one - these “fans” had not ventured out on this day to enjoy a baseball game.

They were there to get drunk and while there, get their rocks off by yelling obscenities – during an afternoon game – surrounded by grade school children.

Most of these kids, I was guessing, had came out to see a Tiger’s game – not an inquisition.

They wanted to see their local heroes like Pudge and Mags - not listen to a watered down version of Andrew Dice Clay lay into a player who only an hour before game time was witnessed delivering an impromptu autograph session along the first base line for as many adoring fans as he could during the Rangers batting practice.

Unfortunately, as the rubble rousers grew - and the ales flew – one of Josh Hamilton’s loudest critics on this particular day seemed typically egged on by some surrounding fans supportive laughter.

To be continued…