October 14th - A Memorable Day in Detroit Tigers History

Today, October 14th, is a date which lives in Detroit Tigers infamy. Three significant events occurred on this date for the Detroit Tigers. October 14, 1908

The Detroit Tigers lost to the Chicago Cubs 2-0 in the deciding game five of the 1908 World Series. This would be the last time that the Cubs would win the World Series (as of 2010, anyway). The game attendance of 6,210 at Bennett Park ranks as the lowest ever for a World Series game. With the Cubs' 1907-08 World Series championships, they became baseball's first dynasty.

October 14, 1984

The Tigers were leading the 1984 World Series 3 games to 1 over the San Diego Padres. Interestingly enough, the Cubs could have had a World Series rematch against the Tigers, but they collapsed after a 2-0 NLCS lead over the Padres.

The Tigers held a 5-4 lead going into the bottom of the 8th in Game Five of the World Series. Kirk Gibson came to the plate with runners on second and third and Goose Gossage on the mound - an intentional walk would have been in order. After all, Gibson had already belted a home run in the first inning to give the Tigers the early 3-0 lead.

However, Gibson was 1 for 10 against Gossage during his career up to that point and Gossage told his manager, Dick Williams, that he could strike out Gibson. The count was 1-0 and Tigers manager, Sparky Anderson, yelled from the dugout, "He don't want to walk you!" and gave the motion for swing away. Gibson ripped a 1-0 fastball into the upper deck in right field for a three run home run and pretty much assured the Tigers faithful that the Detroit Tigers would be the 1984 World Series Champions.

October 14, 2006

The Detroit Tigers were one win away from sweeping the Oakland A's and going on to the World Series. Game four of the 2006 ALCS was a back and forth affair and the Tigers had to claw their way back from a 3-0 deficit. In the bottom of the 9th the score was tied 3-3.

With two outs in the bottom of the 9th, Craig Monroe and Placido Polanco each hit singles. Magglio Ordonez came up to the plate with two on and two outs. On a 1-0 count Magglio absolutely crushed Huston Street's fastball into the left field stands for a three run walk off home run to send the Tigers to the 2006 World Series.

I just about cried watching Magglio circle the bases with his fist in the air, the pure joy of Craig Monroe waving both arms over his head, and Placido Polanco happily skipping all the way to home plate. Man, what a moment. Even today I get goosebumps just watching the replay.

Celebrating our 8th Annivesary with $5 Shipping

It's hard to believe that eight years ago today we sold our first of many Tastes of Michigan gift baskets. As a thank you to our customers we are offering $5 shipping (shipping is usually $8.95 to $14.94) for this weekend - 10/8/10 - 10/10/10. Simply enter OCT2010 in the Coupon Code section of the checkout process. Expect more changes as the month of October rolls along. There is sure to be another special or two celebrating our eight years of business.

Have a Great Weekend!

Five things to do in Michigan this weekend 10/8 - 10/10

The fall colors are peaking all across the lower peninsula so if you can't do any of the things on this weekend's list - take a drive, take a hike, or ride a bike. Just get out and enjoy the beauty of Michigan :).

1. The Game. University of Michigan versus arch-rival Michigan State. Should be one heckuva entertaining game. I lucked out and got a ticket to the game! Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30pm and you can watch all the action on your local ABC affiliate.
2. Fort Fright haunted house at Colonial Fort Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City - 10/8 - 10/9. 6:30 to 9:00pm and admission is $18 for a family, $6 for adults, Youth (5-17) $3, and 4 and under are free.
3. Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival in Alpena - 10/7 - 10/10. Lighthouse tours, vendors, artists, authors, and more.
4. Color Cruise and Island Festival in Grand Ledge - 10/8 - 10/10. Covered wagon and riverboat trips to view the fall colors. Pioneer demonstrations include cider pressing, folk dancing, fur trader encampment, and numerous activities for the entire family.
5. Little River Halloween Train in Coldwater - 10/9 - 10/23. Climb aboard this classic steam locomotive for a 1.5 hour ride of scary fun.

1945 World Series footage of Detroit Tigers versus Chicago Cubs

Major League postseason play kicks off today and my beloved Tigers didn't make it (again) this year. Here is a look back at some footage of the Tigers 1945 World Series victory over the Chicago Cubs. Hank Greenberg made his triumphant return from WWII after his discharge in June of 1945 to lead the Tigers to the championship. Although his legs weren't the same as when he left the game when drafted into service in 1941, Hammerin' Hank's bat was still crushing the ball. A grand slam in the final game of the 1945 season clinched the pennant for the Tigers. They would go on to win the 1945 World Series against the Cubs 4 games to 3.

At the end of the clip below you will see Hank Greenberg smash a grand slam home run in Game 7. It was part of a five-run first inning that propelled the Tigers to the victory, 9-3.

On a side note, the 1945 World Series is also the start of the famed "Billy Goat Curse" when Billy Sianis brought his goat to Wrigley Field for Game 4 of the series. He and his goat were denied admission to the game so he put a 'hex' on the team.

Five things to do in Michigan this weekend 10/1-10/3

This weekend Flannel Festivals, lumberjack meals, sweet chocolate, and vintage restored trains will be celebrated and enjoyed across Michigan.

1. Fayette State Park Fall Festival 10/2. Enjoy hayrides, campsite decorating, haunted trail, and more family-friendly activities at historic Fayette.
2. Lumberjack Breakfast and Logging Contests at The Tahquamenon Logging Museum - 10/2. Breakfast runs from 7am to 12pm and costs $7.50. You will enjoy a "breakfast of bacon, eggs, homemade sausage, pancakes and fried potatoes cooked over an authentic wood stove and served in the Cook Shack as it was done 100 years ago."
3. Cedar Springs Red Flannel Festival 10/1 - 10/2. Events include a lumberjack supper, entertainment, bed races, arts & crafts, a parade, and more.
4. This is the last weekend for the Michigan Renaissance Festival up in Holly - 10/1 - 10/3. The weekend's theme is their 10th annual Chocolate Festival.
5. Railroad Enthusiasts will be gathering in Grayling 10/2 - 10/3. There will be opportunities to view and ride in restored passenger coaches, LEGO train display, Model Train Show & Swap, Farmer's Market, Tractor Show, and many more events around Grayling.

Limited number of collectible Mackinac Bridge posters available

The Michigan E-Store has a black and white print of the Mackinac Bridge (30" by 12") available for $6 (which includes shipping and handling). This was one of the four posters designed to commemorate the bridge's 50th anniversary back in 2007. The original four posters sold out rather quickly so I don't expect this one to be available for long. Purchase the Mackinac Bridge poster