Over the past 30 years, the most beloved sports teams in Detroit, are the underdog team that has a blue collar work ethic.  The 1984 Tigers, 1989 and 90 Pistons “Bad Boys”, 2003 Pistons, and  the Red Wing’s just about every year.  These teams were our teams.  They came to work everyday, did not have any problem getting dirty. Their leaders are legends in Detroit lore, Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Bill Lambeer, Steve Yzerman, Kirk Gibson, Alan Trammel, Chauncey Billups, and Ben Wallace.  Detroit embraces the teams were they can see themselves being just like the guys on the team out there.  Last year during the 2009 Final Four in Detroit there was a lot of talk about how Michigan State Universities Men’s Basketball team was helping the city of Detroit.  Even if it was for a few days, they were up lifting the city.  It was a great event, and downtown Detroit, never looked better in my lifetime.  The city was alive.  I am still a believer that sports are a great escape from life for a few hours, but they are just entertainment.  But maybe there are lessons to be learned from sports that can effect a city. 

Last night again Michigan State’s Men’s Basketball team made it to the Final Four, this year in Indianapolis.  Out of the 6 Final Fours that they have made in the past 12 years, this may have been the toughest, and the most rewarding.  MSU started the year as the number 2 team in the country, and had a very up and down year.  Sometimes looking really good, while other times looking like a mediocre team.  Then in the second game of the tournament, their best player had a season ending injury.  The team rallied around each other to play as a team again, and began winning games that most thought were not winnable.  They worked together, picked each other up when needed, and as time ran down in the games they stuck together through the tough times.  If they do not win the NCAA National Championship on Monday April 5, they still deserve a standing ovation, and they leave the college basketball world excited for next year to see what this team can really accomplish.

Can the people of Detroit learn something from the 2009-10 Spartans.  I think that it only takes a few to start a trend.  Neighbors shoule work together to help improve their block.  The metro Detroit area can help pick up Detroit while it is down.  Make an extra trip to Detroit to go shopping, eat dinner, see a show.  Try to purchase products that are made in Detroit.  Work on not talking bad about Detroit, instead try to tell something nice about Detroit to everyone you meet.  Nobody else is going to help Detroit make a comeback, it is up to us, team Metro Detroit.  We all know there is a lot to offer in this area, lets just spread the word.

As the 2010 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is set to tip off in just under four hours, it makes me think back to last year’s Final Four in our backyard.  Personally it would be impossible for any Final Four to beat the 2009 version in Detroit.  Not only am I a huge Michigan State fan, and the ability to see them play for a championship in Detroit was a once in a lifetime experience, but I also had a very special moment that can not be topped.  Last year was my 30th birthday, and all I wanted for my birthday was to see “One Shining Moment” playing on the big screen at Ford Field with the last image being MSU cutting down the nets.  I was 40 minutes away from my only birthday wish coming true.  MSU did not win it that night, but it still was a great moment for me.  The streets of Detroit were packed the whole weekend.  We showed the world what a great city and people are here in Michigan.  I did not meet one person from outside of Michigan who did not have good things to say about the city at that time.  Most were very surprised because they had heard so much bad about Detroit.   The NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament always is great, and I will be watching, but for me the Final Four ever is in 2009 in the Motor City.