Just hangin' out with the guys

One of the undeniable perks of my job is getting to meet lots of people; some famous, some ordinary, some grieving, some celebrating, but all unique.

Today was one of the rare days when I got to meet someone famous. Well, actually, I got to meet several famous people.
Manager Jim Leyland
Hitting Coach Lloyd McClendon
Third-base Coach Gene Lamont
Pitcher Justin Verlander
Catcher Vance Wilson
First Baseman Chris Shelton
Second Baseman Placido Polanco
Third Baseman Brandon Inge
Left Fielder Craig Monroe

In case you don't already know who these guys are, they are members of the 2006 American League champion Detroit Tigers. But, of course, you already knew that and I'm just bragging.

The circumstances surrounding the assignment aren't important, but it was a rare opportunity and I'm glad I had it. They really are just a down-to-earth bunch of guys who like to play a kids' game.

I got to chat with Inge, Monroe and Verlander a little bit, and they are pretty cool cats. I dropped a little of the baseball lingo I learned while riding the bench in high school, then I just listened to them talk.

Inge made fun of Polanco's hair. Polanco and Shelton had to leave early because they were allergic to the family basset hound. Monroe and Wilson spent five minutes trying to find the basset hound to play with him.

This is one of those assignments I couldn't wait to tell all of you about. I hope you don't mind that I shared it with you.