Gavin Edwards: Tigers Unveil New Patches
The Detroit Tigers are getting ready for the 2011 season, and today unveiled two new patches that will be featured on their uniforms. The first is a celebration of the Tigers' 75th spring training in Lakeland, Florida. The patch features an illustration of the state of Florida interwoven into the phrase "75 Anniversary", all contained in a blue background ringed in orange with a white script reading "Detroit Tigers". A pair of palm trees envelops the patch on the left and right, with an orange ribbon woven below with the words "Spring Training – Lakeland, FL" in blue letters. A white outline of home plate with the words "Since 1934" forms the bottom of the patch (the team held spring training in Evansville for a few seasons). The patch will be worn during spring training only.
Second, and more importantly to me, the Tigers unveiled their tribute to former manager Sparky Anderson. A black outline of home plate with the word "Sparky" and the number 11 in white stitching will be worn on the right sleeve for the entirety of the 2011 season. It's a simple, but thoughtful tribute to the last manager to lead the Tigers to a World Series victory. The patch coincides with the retirement of the number 11 by the team, and Anderson's addition to the list of names on the right field wall at Comerica Park.
