The old press box is finally gone

As many of you know, I covered the Tigers for 18 1/2 years before coming to CBSSports.com. So even though I didn't grow up in Detroit, I have fond and very vivid memories of Tiger Stadium, where the Tigers still played in my first 10 years on the beat.

And yet, when they finally started to tear down the old ballpark last summer, my reaction was, "It's about time." People kept asking me if I was sad to see it go, and I kept saying that it was ridiculous that it was still standing, nine years after the Tigers had played there for the last time.

Anyway, a friend in Michigan e-mailed me a link today showing the last part of the ballpark coming down. And, I have to admit, I was a little sad to see it.

There, in the fourth shot, is the elevator tower that headed for the press box. There's the corridor leading to . . . nothing. The old press box is finally gone.

It wasn't a great press box, too high up and too creaky. The elevator was slow and apt to break down on the hottest days of the summer (although Sara Simpson, the elevator operator, was one of the nicest people in the world).

And now it's gone.

As I get ready to return to the Dtrioit area this Wednesday for a week's visit, it's hurtful to see a place I liked going to for baseball (1955-83) and high school and NFL football (1958-74) dying. Too many good memories (McLain's 30th, Ted Williams' last homer in Detroit, Tigers start 1968 comeback from dowbn 3-1 in Game 5 to take series, 7 sacks of Packers' Bart Starr on Thanksgiving Day, the Goodfellow Game for the City HS championship bvetween the PSL Champ and the Catholic League Champ, etc). Conmerica is nice, Ford Field looks nice on TV (haven't been there yet), but it's just not the same.

The old press box is finally gone

Tiger Stadium was special, even the name was special. It really belonged to the fans, it was their home too.
The corner of Michigan and Trumbull, everyone in the state knew what you were talking about. CoAmerica Bank Park
just isnt the same. It was sad looking at those pictures. I wish they could have preserved part of it. Now its only
in our memories. On a summer night where would you rather be than at Tiger Stadium? It was a Green Cathedreal that
lit up the Detroit skyline.

The old press box is finally gone

Just a sign of things to come I am afraid. With naming rights a major part of sports today, once the economy turns around and big companys have money to throw around again, I am am afraid whan we sit down in our $250 box seat there will be an ad for Preperation H on the seat, and when we use the urinal and flush a voice will sound saying, " Just flush it ", brought to you by NIKE. If there is a way to make money, Owners and business will find a way to do it.

cardster Reputation: 89 Level: All-Star Since: Jan 14, 2009	Posted on: July 13, 2009 8:35 pm Score: 118 The old press box is finally gone As I get ready to return to the Dtrioit area this Wednesday for a week's visit, it's hurtful to see a place I liked going to for baseball (1955-83) and high school and NFL football (1958-74) dying. Too many good memories (McLain's 30th, Ted Williams' last homer in Detroit, Tigers start 1968 comeback from dowbn 3-1 in Game 5 to take series, 7 sacks of Packers' Bart Starr on Thanksgiving Day, the Goodfellow Game for the City HS championship bvetween the PSL Champ and the Catholic League Champ, etc). Conmerica is nice, Ford Field looks nice on TV (haven't been there yet), but it's just not the same. [ Reply to Comment ]
dacey. Reputation: 97 Level: Superstar Since: Feb 14, 2008	Posted on: July 13, 2009 10:11 pm Score: 116 The old press box is finally gone Tiger Stadium was special, even the name was special. It really belonged to the fans, it was their home too. The corner of Michigan and Trumbull, everyone in the state knew what you were talking about. CoAmerica Bank Park just isnt the same. It was sad looking at those pictures. I wish they could have preserved part of it. Now its only in our memories. On a summer night where would you rather be than at Tiger Stadium? It was a Green Cathedreal that lit up the Detroit skyline. [ Reply to Comment ]
pinstipe pride Reputation: 53 Level: Pro Since: Jun 20, 2009	Posted on: July 14, 2009 7:39 am Score: 66 The old press box is finally gone Just a sign of things to come I am afraid. With naming rights a major part of sports today, once the economy turns around and big companys have money to throw around again, I am am afraid whan we sit down in our $250 box seat there will be an ad for Preperation H on the seat, and when we use the urinal and flush a voice will sound saying, " Just flush it ", brought to you by NIKE. If there is a way to make money, Owners and business will find a way to do it. [ Reply to Comment ]

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