Many Happy Returns

Hello again sports fans,

Well, first I'd like to apologize for my absence.

Sorry.

Well that was easy.

Now here's your long overdue update. In short form.

JV has been a little up and down, the Tigers got their shit together to get above 500 with just 5 seconds left in the first half, The Prince won the Tigers the home run derby, JV blew fire in the All Star Game, they swept the Chi-Sox and headed for the road.

Now, I had some time off so I decided to head to Canada to see the Tigres on their field trip to the great white north. This was supposed to be a normal weekend but I wouldn't be writing this post of that's happened.

I arrived in Toronto via train Friday morn. I hate to be all endorser on you, but the train is seriously the way to go. Fairly great food, smooth ride and seats that recline the way that makes most airplane seats feel like brick walls. So the train dropped me off in the middle of town and proceeded to my hotel. I dropped off my stuff and made my way to a very special place to pass the time until I was to attend a baseball game between the Blue Jays of Toronto and the Tigers of Detroit: The Hockey Hall of Fame.

This place is downright cool. Home of the Stanley Cup and a slew of other awards and plaques, it's the valhalla of hockey. Seeing the great hall and all the inductees was quite a treat. Highlights include Gretzky's 802nd goal net, "The Lucky Loonie", a Neal Peart drum kit, a bank vault with the retired cup bands and ORIGINAL Cup, and last but not least, all the funny pictures of Rick Nash in a Blue Jackets Jersey. On a random note, the last time I was there, the souvenir shop was located in what's popularly referred to as a closet. However, wisdom seemed to have touched the people in charge. The store has since been moved to a much roomier space. Though I will admit, there's still an absurd shortage of Denis Lemieux goalie jerseys. I took my picture with the most holy grail of hockey and headed for the dome.

I was excited to arrive, only to be let down by the information that the Hard Rock Cafe inside the stadium had been closed. I'm a big Hard Rock guy so this news hit me hard. But, the show must go on, I dried my tears and headed inside. My seats for the evenings events were much better than expected. 100 level, row 10, even with 3rd base. JACKPOT. Even more to my surprise, I heard my named called as I neared my seat. I turn to my left and see a familiar bushel of hair. That's right kids, none other than the Shakabrodie himself, Ben Christensen. After the most epic Bro hug imaginable, we took our seats for the game.

Now The Tigers would go on to lose the game but something very special happened to make the night not a total bummer.

Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder hit back to back jacks for the first time this season. Both home runs equaled roughly a bajillion feet. (don't quote me on that)

The THUNDERCATS went yard and I was content. Once the game concluded, I made the pilgrimage to Wayne Gretzky's restaurant. This place is classy as hell, kudos to the Great One on having such a friendly and awesome place to hang out, regardless of a win or loss. I had as much Molson Canadian as I could then made my journey back to my hotel. However, as I exited the bar, I noticed a man bearing a striking resemblance to Joaquin Benoit. And to my shock, it was actually Joaquin Benoit. I gave him the Detroit Nod and then noticed there was another man at the door, bearing a striking resemblance to Duane Below. And sure enough, it was actually Below! I patted him on the shoulder and said good game. He said thanks man. It's the little things guys that make it all worthwhile. I passed out in my room shortly after.

I awoke the next morning to the sound of room service. I got dressed and proceeded to head back to the Dome for what I hoped to be a Tiger retaliatory victory. To make the day even more special, I was excited to meet up with not just Benji Christensen again, but Captain Canada himself, Dave Barclay. After exchanging information, we headed inside to witness what would turn out to be another Blue Jays victory. Damn Damn Damn.

It was an enjoyable time still though, catching up with Dave and Ben on all the happenings around the league. Did you guys hear about Kristen Stewart cheating on Robert Pattinson? Crazy shit.

Anyways, after another frustrating and baffling Tigers loss, I was on the lookout for ways to soother my pain. In excellent display of Canadian Kindness, Dave Barclay invited Ben and myself to a "Shakespeare in the Park" performance of "A Midsummer Night's Dream". Having never seen this show in any way before, I was more than excited to see it in such an intimate setting. Located in High Park, this little amphitheater was the perfect spot to make me forget that Anibal Sanchez had a very pedestrian debut as a Tiger since being acquired from the Marlins. (Or as I like to refer to them, "The Major League Menards" Great deals, or so you think...)

What followed was one of the best night of theater I have ever witnessed. Forget Broadway, this is the stuff that made Broadway what it is today. A classic performed in an excellent setting. The blankets were comfy, the Coca Cola was flowing like waterfalls, and the Barclays were most hospitable to me, an enemy on home soil. It was a very pleasant evening and I couldn't have for anything more. Except, maybe, you know, a Tigers win. Once again, I made my way back downtown to my hotel and walked past the hotel bar. I saw Austin Jackson, Brennan Boesch, Max Scherzer, Quintin Berry, The Prince and Delmon in the lobby. Convinced I was blitzed beyond repair and seeing things, I stared at each one of them for a good 10 seconds, confirming their identities, then went upstairs to fight dragons in my sleep.

I awoke Sunday morning to head to a local establishment called "The Irish Embassy" for Brunch. This place earned my stamp of approval after one bite of their maple and cinnamon apple pancakes. THERE ARE APPLES IN THE PANCAKES YOU GUYS. I finished this feast for kings and head northwest to the humble abode of Dave Barclay to partake in a Podcast. I arrived at Barclay Manor and was greeted by Dave in his socks and then proceeded to the living room. It is there I would meet a man who needs no introduction, due solely to the fact that I have no introduction for him: Paul Frank. Over the next few hours, Ben, Dave, Paul and myself waxed poetic on a number of topics, ranging from Indiana Jones casting surprises, to Nude Andre Dawson. Yup, you read that correctly. The Tigers would make this trip just that much more worthwhile on the strength of Twisted Doug Fister and Jhonny Peralta's 2 homers. One crazy Podcast and copious amounts of Sour Cream and Onion chips later, It was time to head back south to catch my train back to the States. With a heavy heart and satisfied stomach, I bid my personal versions of Doug and Bob Mckenzie adieu and boarded the bus with Ben.

Getting back to Union Station was a cinch. I said my goodbyes to Shakabrodie, who would continue his journey deep into Mordor, I mean, Montreal. I boarded my vessel knowing the trip was a success and plugged in my earbuds to listen to the soothing tones of Wang Chung and Pearl Jam. As I returned to Windsor, I was greeted by the Detroit Skyline. I was back home.

But this trip made me realize just how awesome following local teams on the road is. Baseball has a side that can only be seen while on the road. Of course you know how your team plays at home, but how does this grand game translate to other regions and cities? Sometimes this game can be all at once foreign and familiar. It's amazing how much your perspective changes when you're in someone else's den. Congrats Toronto, you've made it very easy for me to come back to your fair city.

P.S. Would it kill you to play songs that AREN'T by Rush? How about some Neil Young for cripe's sake!