In 2004 the Detroit Pistons defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in a 7-game NBA Finals series that brought Detroit its first NBA championship since the “Bad Boys” era team that featured names like Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumas, Dennis Rodman, and Bill Laimbeer raised the Finals trophy in 1990. The 2004 Pistons became known for their blue collar style of play and signature “going to work” slogan. The team won games on the defensive end of the floor, ranking 3^rd in the NBA in field goal percentage defense and 1^st in the league in 3-point field goal percentage defense. Offensively, the team functioned without a true go-to star, preferring to spread the ball and balance the box score. The spirit, attitude, and work-ethic of the city of Detroit and its residents were perfectly reflected in the way the way that Pistons team played and the way that team ultimately won. It was the 21^st major-sports championship for the city of Detroit.

In 2003 the Detroit Tigers finished the Major League Baseball season with 43 wins and 119 losses, breaking the American League record for most losses in a single season. Manager Alan Trammell led a team that finished with an overall staff ERA of 5.30 and a team batting average of .240, 19 points lower than the overall American League average. The Tigers finished that season 47 games behind the eventual AL Central champion Minnesota Twins. Fast forward three years and things looked a lot different. Behind impressive rookie seasons from starting pitcher Justin Verlander, reliever Joel Zumaya, and outfielder Curtis Granderson, the 2006 Tigers won the American League wild card and rode that momentum all the way to an American League pennant and appearance in the World Series. The team’s rise has continued in recent times: the Tigers have won the last three AL Central Division Titles.

In a span of three years the Tigers went from one of the worst teams in MLB history to champions of the American League, and continue, to this day, to be one of the most consistently performing teams in all of baseball. This rise to the top is a process that has, in the past couple of years, gained momentum in the city of Detroit. Many would argue that the city’s recent past has felt a lot like the 2003 Tigers’ season. However, many would also argue that, thanks to a welcoming atmosphere for small businesses and young professionals, belief in the city’s new leaders, and the city’s enduring history as one of the most important in the world, the future of Detroit has the potential to look a lot like the Tigers of 2006 and beyond.

The relationship between a Detroit sports fan and his or her team(s) can, at times, be a difficult one, highlighted by frustration, mediocrity, and disappointment (see: Lions, Detroit). Similar frustration has been felt by Detroit residents in recent times (see: subpar city services). At the same time, Sports can reveal the very greatest elements of our society: unity, perseverance, the underdog story, individual greatness, dedication, the comeback. When a team finds that perfect balance…consistency, togetherness, relentlessness, motivation (see: Red Wings, Detroit), glory is the end result (see: 11 Stanley Cups). That perfect balance is coming to the city of Detroit: businesses are springing up all over, students are discovering new passions every day, talent is arriving all the time.  And when the balance does inevitably get here, glory will once again be the result.

Until next time,

Max