Unions helped form the backbone of the Detroit Tigers' pitching staff

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080418/OPINION03/804180314

Friday, April 18, 2008
Mark Gaffney: Labor Voices
Making a pitch for working class
Unions helped form the backbone of the Detroit Tigers' pitching staff

Just as union wages and benefits have created the backbone of the middle class in Michigan, so has a labor background helped form the backbone of the Detroit Tigers' pitching staff.

Justin Verlander and Dontrelle Willis are sons of labor. And that is appropriate when you consider how much organized labor plays a role in the national pastime -- from the players on the field to the workers in the stadium to the unionized customers cheering for the team.


The Tigers got off to a slow start this season, but are starting to turn it around and look like the contenders they were projected to be before the season began. After many years of losing seasons, the Tigers in 2006 won the American League pennant and made it to the World Series. They were in contention but did not make the playoffs last season.

During tough economic times, the Tigers lifted all of Michigan on their shoulders and gave everyone a reason to cheer.

While the Tigers' lineup is filled with powerful hitters -- many of them All-Stars -- it is pitching that often makes the difference in the game. Detroit boasts a starting rotation that rivals any in baseball. And two of the pillars of the pitching rotation are Verlander and Willis.

They share much in common. Both are former rookies of the year. Both have many achievements. Verlander last season threw an unforgettable no-hitter at Comerica Park and has become the ace of the staff. Willis was a two-time All-Star in the National Leagued before being traded this winter to the Tigers.

Both also have union backgrounds.

Verlander is the son of Richard Verlander, the District 2 organizing coordinator of the Communication Workers of America. After Justin was the second player drafted overall in 2004, negotiations stalled and the Tigers withdrew their offer. It looked like Verlander would head back to college, meaning the Tigers had wasted a No. 2 pick.

FULL story and photo at link.

[BeatleBoot]

1. Being from and living in Detroit, I think the world of Mark Gaffney.

Great post and thank you.

My Dad is a retired union man and I understand that they put bread on my table growing up.

And I will never forget that for as long as I live.

Again, thanks for the post.

I didn't see the end of the game today against the Blue Jays, so I have to see what the final score was.