On Saturday afternoon, the Detroit Tigers FINALLY did what they should have done a long time ago as they honored the great Lou Whitaker by retiring his number and inscribing his name and No. 1 on the brick wall above the outfield at Comerica Park, next to his old double play partner, Alan Trammell.
In case you were not able to get out to the game or watch the ceremonies on television, here are some of the highlights, via the Detroit Tigers.
Here are some of the current Tigers players congratulating Whitaker prior to his big day.
Every Tiger knows what Lou means to our city. pic.twitter.com/3qoDYp3W27
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) August 6, 2022
The Tigers wore a commemorative patch on their sleeve to honor Whitaker.
Detai1s. pic.twitter.com/uWGGtnSSsB
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) August 6, 2022
No. 1 will never be worn again by another Tiger.
(Literally) Setting the stage.
Less than 20 minutes until gates open, then find your seats by 5:15 p.m. for Lou's number retirement ceremony!
Allow extra time for traffic delays and closures on Woodward Avenue between State/Gratiot and Grand River, as well as SB I-75 at I-94. pic.twitter.com/phG1r2lzyb
— Comerica Park (@ComericaPark) August 6, 2022
The fans lined up before the game just so they could get an autograph from Sweet Lou Whitaker.
Great day to get an autograph from a @tigers legend!
Thank you to all who attended today’s autograph session in The D Shop at @ComericaPark with Lou Whitaker. pic.twitter.com/5ckPDteZ3s
— Detroit Tigers Authentics (@DETAuthentics) August 6, 2022
If you ever had the opportunity to see Whitaker play in person, you will remember this like it was yesterday.
LOUUUUUUUUUUUU pic.twitter.com/OTlxMhoXUd
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) August 6, 2022
Officially, official!
Officially official. pic.twitter.com/q57fqJ857y
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) August 6, 2022
“This will be one of the greatest moments in my life,” Whitaker said to the crowd. Knowing that my number will be retired… on the wall with the legends from Tigers history. What an honor.”
Who's cutting onions? pic.twitter.com/dFowgsQ6ph
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) August 7, 2022
Tigers fans did their thing to help make Lou’s day as special as possible.
A celebration years in the making.
Thanks to all 40,101 of you for selling out the ballpark and making Lou's day special! pic.twitter.com/9XDaO3t56K
— Comerica Park (@ComericaPark) August 7, 2022
There was only one option to catch Whitaker’s ceremonial first pitch prior to the Tigers’ game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
LOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!
Only one person could have caught Lou's first pitch. 💙 pic.twitter.com/1j066gcEXs
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) August 7, 2022
To make things even more special for Lou Whitaker, the Detroit Tigers defeated Rays by a score of 9-1. Yep, that’s right! There is that No. 1 again!
Thanks for everything, LOOOUUUUU!!!!!!!!!
Holding them to 1 felt right. #DetroitRoots pic.twitter.com/EqlBuF98FK
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) August 7, 2022
Nation, did you go to yesterday’s game? If so, what was your favorite part of Lou Whitaker’s big day at Comerica Park?
