Detroit Tigers Return To High School During Winter Caravan (Video)
By Edward Cardenas
STERLING HEIGHTS (CBS Detroit) - Baseball fans of all ages packed the Performing Arts Theatre Thursday at Sterling Heights High School for the Detroit Tigers Kids Club Rally.
98.7 AMP Radio night host Haze was the emcee for the event which provided fans an opportunity to interact with their favorite Tigers through a variety of games, question and answer sessions and meet-and-greets.
One of the most popular questions posed to the 10 players participating in the rally was how to make it in the big leagues and become a better baseball player.
"Don't give up if you're not the best player on the team," said Tigers starter Justin Verlander, who spoke humbly about himself and his teammates who all pursued a dream despite early setbacks. "I wasn't, all these guys at one point weren't the best on their team. They just played for the right reason and have fun."
The Tigers also took time to visit with their hosts by taking photos with members of the Sterling Heights High School baseball and softball teams, and recognizing the 25th anniversary of the Warren Consolidated School of Performing Arts.
Away from the crowds, the Tigers also visited two families who were part of the Dreams Come True program. The players presented jerseys, hats and gift bags to the families, and spent time to autograph items and speak with the grateful families.
"It's amazing. It is a dream come true," said Pam Karavatite, who had a smile ear-to-ear as she watched the players interact with her four children including son Nicholas who had bone marrow transplant.
She said her two sons and daughter - who was the bone marrow donor - had to "endure a lot while their brother's been sick."
"It's nice they are getting to do all this too," she said.
Relief pitcher Ian Krol was happy to give his time and brighten the spirits of the families he was meeting.
"It's awesome. It's unbelievable. Everybody with the organization making all these people out here everyone happy," Krol said. "It's a beautiful thing and we are very fortunate to be part of it."
