Former Detroit Tigers All-Star New Coach Of Kalamazoo Growlers (Technically)

The early 2010s were a time of undeniable dominance in the MLB by a Detroit Tigers team that featured Justin Verlander winning both the AL Cy Young Award and AL MVP, a consistently loaded lineup that posted league bests, and included a (losing) trip to the ALCS, an (infamous) trip to the World Series.

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Despite never walking away with a title, these teams featured players who have remained in the hearts of fans over a decade after their runs with the team ended. Now, one of those players' popularity has propelled him to accept a new coaching position - albeit for one day. 

Kalamazoo Growlers' New Coach

Longtime 3rd Baseman Brandon Inge, who was on the Tigers from 2001 to 2012 before short stints in Oakland and Pittsburgh and officially retired in 2013. He was a member of the 2006 squad that made a Cinderella run to the World Series before losing 4-1 against the St. Louis Cardinals. He has continued to stay active, acting as a volunteer assistant coach for the Michigan Wolverines in 2021.

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But he has added another team to his coaching resume as a one-day coach for the Kalamazoo Growlers, where he will serve as a coach for the team as the Growlers go up against their rivals, the Battle Creek Battle Jacks.

Brandon Inge Night

The squad will be honoring Brandon Inge on Thursday, July 10th, when he sets the starting lineup, coaches first base, and leads the pre-game prep. The game will also feature a meet and greet and memorabilia auction, with all proceeds going to support the Jr. Growlers Baseball Academy. A limited number of tickets will be $15 in honor of Inge's longtime jersey number, which you can purchase here.