August 4, 1956 footage of Tigers versus Yankees at Briggs Stadium

On this 2011 Detroit Tigers Opening Day, let's take a stroll down memory lane to The Corner. This color footage is from an August 8, 1956 game at Briggs Stadium (later renamed Tiger Stadium) against the New York Yankees.

Here is the box score from the game -

NYY 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 - 4 6 0 DET 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 x - 5 9 1

Mickey Mantle hit two home runs off of Tigers great, Virgil Trucks (he pitched 2 no-hitters in 1952), but the good guys came from behind in the 8th inning on Al Kaline's second home run of the day (2 men on, no out) to win 5-4.

Five Great Moments in Detroit Tigers History

Opening Day is a special day and I thought I would round up some great moments in Tigers history. In no particular order, here are Five Great Moments in Tigers History. 1968 World Series Game 5 The Tigers trailed the St. Louis Cardinals 3 games to 1 and were 8 outs away from losing the World Series when a little Motown Magic happened.

2006 ALCS Game 4 When Magglio Ordonez cemented his name in Detroit Tigers lore.

1984 World Series Game 5 Sparky Anderson uttered those famous words, "He don't wanna walk ya" and gave Kirk Gibson the go-ahead to swing away at the next pitch. The rest, is history.

Mark "The Bird" Fidrych's 1976 Complete Game against the New York Yankees This nationally televised game launched "The Bird's" fame across the nation. The Tigers might have stunk that year, but not when The Bird was pitching. He went 19-9 that year on a Tigers team that finished 74-87.

Ernie Harwell

Bonus clip - Ernie Harwell calls the 9th inning of the final game in 1987. Detroit and Toronto battled all year long for the AL East Division and it came down to this final game.

Get ready for Tigers Opening Day with Essential Games of the Detroit Tigers

I bought this set over the long cold winter to get me through until the new season started. These are definitely great Detroit Tigers games from over the years. This has been a great way to introduce my son to my beloved Tigers and pass down the love of the Tigers my father and grandfather passed down to me. - 1968 World Series Game 5 - 1984 World Series Game 5 - Final Game at Tiger Stadium - 2006 ALCS Game 4

Bonus Highlights include 1976 Fidrych Complete Game, 1987 Clinch AL East Division, 1991 Cecil Fielder HR, 1995 Trammell and Whitaker, 2006 ALDS Game 4, 2007 Verlander No-Hitter, and many more.

I've enjoyed watching all of the old highlights and games. I would highly recommend this collection to any Detroit Tigers' fan.

One last thought. You (well, I can't anyway) can't have a Detroit Tigers Opening Day without thinking of and remembering Ernie Harwell.

Don't forget to get a 2011 schedule - Printable 2011 Detroit Tigers Schedule

Navy to honor the Arsenal of Democracy with new USS Detroit warship

[photo of previous USS Detroit by PHAN Alex J. Recalde] Their have been six previous USS Detroit warships. Construction on the seventh USS Detroit is expected to begin this December or January of 2012. When complete, the ship will be 378 feet long, 57 feet wide, and have a cruising speed of 40 knots.

The first USS Detroit was built by the British in 1813 and captured by the Americans in the Battle of Lake Erie. The most recent USS Detroit, nicknamed "Dirty D", was decommissioned in 2005 after 35 years of service.

WWII Sea Jeeps - Ford Amphibian Vehicles in Rouge River

This photo is from the early 1940s (1940-46) showing the "Sea Jeeps" - amphibian vehicles made by Ford. The Sea Jeeps were not a success due to the fact that they were too slow on land and not seaworthy enough in the open water. This was one weapon in Detroit's "Arsenal of Democracy" that had to go back to the drawing board.

Imported From Detroit

I'm a sucker for anything that promotes Michigan and especially, much-maligned Detroit. So, when the Chrysler 200 commercial started last night saying, "I've got a question for ya, what does this city know about luxury?" amidst the backdrop of the factories in the Motor City - I was a bit nervous as to how this spot would turn out. Then, the stark images turned to famous Detroit landmark's such as the Joe Louis Fist, Spirit of Detroit, Campus Martius, and the Fox Theatre among many others. Gradually, the riff from Eminem's "Lose Yourself" started getting louder and then Eminem got out, walked into the Fox Theatre, and looked straight into the camera saying, "This is the Motor City, and this is what we do", I was hooked.

Incidentally Rockford, Michigan resident, Kevin Yon, provided the voice-over for the spot.

Anyone else catch the glimpse of the flag pole at Tiger Stadium?