Wednesday, 18 April, 2007 0:01 AM

Tigers predict another winning season in 2007

PHOTO BY GLORIA RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland speaks at the Detroit Economic Club.

At a special meeting of the Detroit Economic Club, Chris Illitch spoke about how the Detroit Tigers did more than win baseball games. They created an exciting environment in downtown Detroit. The city is now vibrant and businesses are flourishing. He said it's great to see Comerica Park packed with fans each and every game.

The Detroit Tigers organization has been in business for more than 25 years. "On behalf of Mike Illitch and myself, we want to thank you for your continued support of our team," said Chris Illitch, President & CEO of Illitch Holdings.

Next up was Jim Price and Dan Dickerson. Jim introduced Willie Horton to the audience and Dave Bergman. Price said he is so proud of this organization that he wears his 1968 Championship Ring and also his 2006 Championship ring on his fingers. "Mr. Illitch treats us tremendously," Price explained.

"As I traveled to spring training, everyone told me how beautiful Comerica Park is. People have seen the growth in the area," said Dave Dombrowski, President, CEO and General Manager of the Detroit Tigers.

Dombrowski was especially proud of 2006. He said it was an exciting year. Dombrowski thinks 2007 will be an exciting chance again. He's made some moves to forge ahead. Knowing that you can fight through the losing streaks and still come back is important in being successful. Dombrowski said "we're gonna score some runs." His players are quality players because they have great character. There's a lot to be said about the players. "We're in for another exciting year," he added.

"The real key to our success last year is the leadership of Jim Leyland," Dombrowski explains. He knows how to manage, has a great coaching staff, yet he's in charge. Dombrowski said he's looking forward to a very exciting 2007 season.

Jim Leyland, Manager of the Detroit Tigers, says the team has the greatest fans. There's no secret to what happened last year. There are reasons why the Tigers are successful. We are surrounded by good people, Leyland said. He got the group together last year and became a team. The Tigers are a better team this year, and they've added some new players. We are trying to retain our good Tigers, Leyland stated.

"I'm blessed to be Manager of the Tigers. It has nothing to do with doing it MY way, it's doing it the right way," Leyland explains. Yes, it's difficult to win a Championship. There is competition everywhere. But it's also difficult to win it again, but it is possible.

"I want to thank Mr. Illitch for the most beautiful sports ring I've ever seen, and to the fans for your loyalty over the years," Leyland said.

Dan Dickerson then introduced the Detroit Tigers one by one. Finally, Jim Leyland and Dave Dombrowski took questions from the audience. The meeting was adjourned. As the crowd walked out, the song "Eye of the Tiger" played loudly.

PHOTO BY GLORIA RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

Detroit Tigers President, CEO & General Manager David Dombrowski.

PHOTO BY GLORIA RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

Current players on the Detroit Tigers are recognized at the meeting of the Detroit Economic Club at the Renaissance Center.

PHOTO BY GLORIA RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

More players from the Detroit Tigers are standing. David Dombrowski is also pictured here behind the podium.

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