A Few Summertime Favorites

By George B. Eichorn

Of The Monitor

        SUMMERTIME THINGS:

        Catching a night-time Tigers game from the upper deck behind home plate with family and friends.

        Hearing about the new National Hockey League schedule and delighting in a Red Wings game at Wrigley Field on New Year’s Day 2009 against the Chicago Black Hawks.

        Seeing ageless Greg Norman battle up-and-coming star Padraig Harrington at Royal Birkdale at last week’s British Open. The new husband of Christ Evert, Norman faded badly in the final round to the hard-charging Irishman Harrington who made it two straight Open wins.

        Watching my brother fishing off the dock at my two sisters cottage on Elbow Lake. And seeing my neighbor take his boat out to Lake St. Clair every weekend to catch bass, perch and walleyes.

        Getting word from the Lions about training camp in Allen Park and the news that they will allow fans a few opportunities to see the team work out. And hearing John Kitna predict 10 wins for team.

        Witnessing the farce that has become the Brett Favre retirement and want-to-be no retirement from the Green Bay Packers.

        Looking at the American League standings and realizing that at 6 ½ games behind, the Tigers are still in the race despite their awful start. But can they only put together another long winning streak?

        Hearing from the Palace in Auburn Hills that Joe Dumars is still serious about making some roster moves for the team that disappointed far too many fans the last few seasons.

        Seeing those cool Michigan tourism commercials on television and marveling at all this state has to offer, from Detroit to Upper Peninsula.

        Hearing the news from East Lansing and knowing Mark Dantonio is doing all he can to make coaching the Michigan State Spartans an enjoyable and winning experience.

        Seeing Justin Verlander return to the form that we knew in 2006 and 2007, in defeating the Baltimore Orioles last Sunday, 5-1.

        Attending a Detroit Shock home game in Auburn Hills and witnessing the exciting atmosphere that the team and its fans generate.

        Receiving updated news on the PGA Championship to be contested on the majestic Green Monster of Oakland Hills Country Club in the first week of August.

        Walking around the neighborhood and seeing the smiling faces and beautiful manicured lawns and summer flowers.

        Hearing about the new thoroughbred race track in New Boston and realizing I must make a trip out there to see the place in action.

        Seeing pictures from Michigan Stadium and knowing that all the construction will someday make the place a far better attraction and magnet for fans and alumni.

        Visiting the new mobile unit of the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame and realizing that this indeed could be the start of something big for the 54-year-old organization.

        Watching high school kids gearing up for the football season at gridirons here and around the state. Just drink enough fluids, guys.

        Knowing that owner Roger Penske is alive and well in the Indy Racing League with his 1-2 podium finbish at last Sunday’s Mid-Ohio IRL race. The Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix is only five weeks away.

        Smiling at the news the NHL schedule has a more balanced slate of games including Original Six matchups like the Red Wings-Canadiens, Red Wings-Maple Leafs and Red Wings-Rangers.

        Receiving word that U-M football standout and Michigan Sports Hall of Fame member Dan Dierdorf is getting the Pete Rozelle Award for Radio-Television at the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 2. Also, hearing that Ken Kal was getting the Ty Tyson Award for Excellence in Sports Broadcasting from the Detroit Sports Broadcasters group.

        Watching the marvelous pre-game ceremonies from Yankee Stadium involving Tiger great Al Kaline and so many other greats. Major League Baseball and the Yankees pulled off an impressive program without detracting from the All-Star game itself.

        Following the results from the Bayview Port Huron to Mackinac race and the Chicago to Mackinac race — and wishing I was on that famous island watching the boats sail in with chocolate pecan fudge to feast on!

        Seeing people come out to Metro Parks such as Stoney Creek and Metropolitan Beach to see and hear the soothing sounds of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in free, open-air performances.

        Volunteering at the annual Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association Grant Fund golf outing at Cherry Creek in Shelby Township. And the satisfaction knowing that the monies will go to helping young and aspiring sports broadcasters in southeastern Michigan and elsewhere.

        Witnessing the destruction of Tiger Stadium yet knowing that it served our community so very well for decades and decades. It is not a good thing seeing The Corner being destroyed yet it’s something that had to be done to make that area viable and attractive again.

•         Buy George Eichorn’s book, “Detroit Sports Broadcasters On the Air,” for $19.99 or less at www.amazon.com.

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