A Detroit Cass Technical High School grad will be on the field for the Detroit Tigers’ 2022 opening day, and we’re not talking about one of the players.
Jack White, the 46-year-old Detroit native and 12-time Grammy winner, is returning to his hometown Friday for the Tigers’ first game of the season. He and his band will perform an instrumental version of the national anthem before the 1:10 p.m. clash with the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park.
Sports fans have no doubt heard his music before — “Seven Nation Army” has nearly a half-billion views on YouTube and has become a stadium anthem.
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The team will also hold a moment of silence for Kimera Bartee, the Tigers coach who suddenly died this past offseason. His son, Amari, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Bartee was well-liked around the clubhouse, serving one year as the first base coach before he died Dec. 20, 2021, at 49 years old.
Taylor North Little League, the Michigan team that won the Little League World Series in August, will once again be recognized at Comerica Park. The boys were the first Michigan team to win the LLWS since 1959. A Miller Lite-sponsored tailgate starts at 9 a.m. with gates opening at 10:30 a.m.
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It’s the first opening day full house since 2019. Just standing-room-only tickets remain, according to the team.
Fans should remember all tickets at Comerica Park are digital now and they can download their tickets prior to arriving at the game. But leave all bags and purses at home; they’re not allowed, per a team news release.
Follow the Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for more news. Tyler Davis can be contacted at tjdavis@freepress.com or on Twitter @TDavisFreep.
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