The Prince of West Michigan
I’m not going to over analyze the Prince Fielder signing by the Tigers any more than it has been. The papers, web sites, and talk shows have already done that to death. Some experts have the Tigers winning the Series, others have them flopping this season. Whatever. They’ll play their games this summer, and whatever happens, happens. Am I excited about the upcoming season? Of course, I am. But no more than I am or would be for any other baseball season. The reason for this post is to simply drive home the point I’ve been trying to make for the last three years I’ve been on MLBlogs…get to your local Minor League ballpark. The fact is, you really don’t know what future star you’ll be seeing. You never really know what player you might see that will play on your favorite team one day. Personally, it’s fun for me to watch MLB games on TV and say “I saw this guy play in Toledo”, or “Savannah”, oh, well, Hell…pick one. Here are some pics of Prince playing for the Beloit Snappers as a mere 18-year-old, in front of probably mostly Tiger fans at Fifth Third Ballpark. I also read that daddy Cecil was in a suite watching his son play, too. Most fans probably thought that the future Tigers would be wearing the Whitecaps uniforms. Who knew??
Photos courtesy of the Grand Rapids Press
Minoring In Baseball 
Wow. I don’t know what’s more impressive about that young prince: the slimmer figure or the pencil ‘stache!
–Jeff
I couldn’t agree with you more. I wish I lived closer to an affiliated minor league team. We do have the Southern Illinois Miners though and while it’s independent ball I still enjoy going to the games.
Ron
Jeff-oh, it’s the ‘stache, definately. He looks like Lando Calrissian after eating an Ugnaught….
Ron-I’ve heard nothing but good things about the Miners and their unique ballpark. I’d be checking them out any chance I’d get..plus they have baseball best burger..mmmmmm.
–Mike
Oh my, Prince Fielder baby pictures. 😉 You really do get to see everyone Mike. Congrats on the Tigers signing. I never make predictions about who will finish where this early (takes all the fun out of it in my opinion), but however the standings work out, I certainly think you have an exciting season ahead of you.
— Kristen
Kristen-we should both have fun seasons ahead with the Angels and Tigers signing some pretty exciting players. I always get excited for the new season, no matter what. We have some pretty fun things planned. Good luck to the Angels.
–Mike