DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers are proud to host the 20th annual Negro Leagues Weekend, presented by Comerica Bank, from June 17-19, when the Texas Rangers visit Comerica Park. This annual tradition marks the longest-running weekend celebration of its kind in Major League Baseball. Tickets for all three games during Negro Leagues Weekend are currently available at tigers.com/tickets.
Negro Leagues Weekend will be highlighted by the 26th annual Negro Leagues Tribute Game on Saturday, June 19. The Tigers will hold a pregame ceremony to raise the “Detroit Stars” flag in center field in honor of the Detroit Stars, who became charter members of the Negro National League in 1920. Several former Negro Leagues players will also be honored during the ceremony.
The legendary Cecil Fielder will be returning to Detroit, and interact with Tigers fans on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19, when he will also be presented the Willie Horton African American Legacy Award. In the 1990 season for Detroit, Fielder became the first player to reach the 50-home run mark since 1977, and the first American League player to accomplish the feat since Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris hit 54 and 61 home runs, respectively, in 1961.
The Tigers will distribute 2,000 complimentary game tickets to local organizations as part of the Negro Leagues Weekend Celebration.
“We’re looking forward to continuing the tradition of celebrating Negro Leagues Weekend with Tigers fans, our current players and within the community,” said Chris McGowan, President and CEO, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “The tremendous impact of the Negro Leagues is deeply-rooted in the city of Detroit, and it’s a privilege to pay homage to the Detroit Stars and former Negro Leagues players who represented our city. We are honored to fly the Detroit Stars flag in center field at Comerica Park, recognizing the great Stars players and their significant contributions to baseball. And with Tigers great Cecil Fielder also returning to Detroit, it’s going to be a fantastic weekend at the ballpark.”
“Highlighting the many African American trailblazers who have impacted both the game and our community, Negro Leagues Weekend always delivers on a wonderful celebration of baseball’s past, present, and future,” said Linda Nosegbe, Comerica Bank Vice President and Southeast External Affairs Market Manager. “Each year the Detroit Tigers present many memorable moments, and this week will be no different. For 20 years now, Negro Leagues Weekend has been special to Comerica, and we appreciate the opportunity to once again partner on this weekend of great festivities.”
Fans are encouraged to arrive at Comerica Park early to enjoy the many activities that are planned throughout Negro Leagues Weekend. DJ Mo Beatz – Big Sean’s official DJ – will spin on the Pepsi Porch prior to all three games, and a “Walk of Stars,” similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, will be set up to highlight the achievements of former Detroit Stars players. Burt’s Marketplace, a black-owned restaurant located in Eastern Market, will be hosting a barbeque takeover in the Brushfire Grill all weekend.
Negro Leagues Weekend festivities will include:
Friday, June 17 (7:10 p.m. first pitch)
Saturday, July 18 (4:10 p.m. first pitch)
Sunday, July 19 (1:10 p.m. first pitch)
The Tigers will honor the Detroit Stars teams of the Negro Leagues by once again wearing Detroit Stars throwback uniforms for Saturday’s Negro Leagues Tribute Game. Popular Negro Leagues merchandise will be sold on the Comerica Park concourse by Tony Dee’s Negro Leagues Baseball Store.